My first cancer diagnosis at age 31 left me unable to bear more children.  As the youngest of three children, I thought three little ones would be great.  That was not to be and I felt so blessed to have one child.

Life goes on.  Except for periodic breast biopsies, I was healthy and active, faithful about checkups, for the next 20+ years.

At age 55, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a lumpectomy with axilary node dissection and radiation.  Physically, I healed quickly.  Emotionally it took longer, perhaps a year.  Over the next two years, a number of friends were also diagnosed with breast cancer and I became a soft-of unofficial support person for them.

In 2004, I was not feeling quite “right” and called the family doctor who ordered an ultrasound.  Within two hours of the procedure, I was told there was a mass in my pancreas, which was probably malignant.  In a mega second my life passed before me as I thought, “I guess this is it,” having heard that pancreatic cancer was inoperable.  Within two weeks I had surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

The following year was filled with treatment and healing.  In the middle of all this, my husband Bill and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary with a garden party that summer, surrounded by family and friends.  It was a validation of life, our doing that.  “Grab the moment.  Make it work.”  

(Sue and her husband Bill, pictured at right.)

Healing once again, I decided to do something new and signed up for ballet instruction. What a joy that was.  In January 2007, I took weekly lessons and was so happy with the experience; it was like walking on air, the elation I felt.

A routine mammogram in May of 2007,  just before my 66th birthday, brought me back to earth.  A cautious radiologist suggested further testing which confirmed a malignancy.  More appointments and testing ensued, followed by surgeries for a mastectomy and reconstruction.  All went well until I was told chemotherapy was highly recommended.  My mind simply would not, could not take it in.  Not again!!

Time and reason changed that.  I began treatments, which my body did not accept well.  With medical guidance and prayers and encouragement from loved ones, I persevered.  Eventually, my body healed and I began to “wake up” to new endeavors.  This year, I have earned sufficient hours to become a certified Master Gardener.

More importantly, I believe I am serving a greater purpose that only God knows for certain.  I’ll continue to live each day to its fullest and encourage others to do the same.

Written by
Sue McMorris
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania