March 30, 2018 · from Lesley’s original CaringBridge journal
When I was first diagnosed I knew I would be calling on two of my close friends who had been down this road ahead of me. I hoped they wouldn’t tire of me. I had no idea how quickly this circle of sisterhood would grow around me. This is a sorority none of us signed up for and were initiated against our will. But I have found that it is a very close sisterhood full of love and understanding and many brave, strong women with different stories that will all inspire and encourage you.
In just three months I have several new friends that I have felt instantly close to. We have shared our stories, our fears, and cheered one another on. Some are older than me and many years removed from their cancer. I have been surprised though at how many other young moms are now in my circle of breast cancer mammas. In just the past two weeks I was contacted by different friends who had a friend that was just diagnosed. One lady, “B” had her mastectomy this week and is recovering before she starts chemo. Another, “H” met with more doctors today and is getting ready to start her chemo next week. She and I have talked some this week about all of the scary first couple of weeks – that seems so long ago in some ways for me but talking to her made me remember how strong the scary was. Both of them have young children as well – please say a prayer for both of them as they start this journey.
Today I met my first friend at the oncologist. I noticed this lady last week at chemo – she stood out to me for two reasons: first, she was the other young person in the room besides me. Secondly, she is pregnant – very pregnant. We were both there today getting our bloodwork and she sat next to me waiting on the nurses to come talk to us. I asked when she was due – July (but they won’t let her go that long). She was diagnosed around the same time I was. She has had her first chemo treatment and looks like we will be on the same weekly visit schedule – we were both glad that we would have another young person at our visits now. She shared with me that she had a stillborn baby two years ago – and now this. She has two other children at home, little girls, the youngest is 3. She smiled the whole time. We laughed. We talked chemo strategies. Her name is “T”. Please pray with me for her, for this little boy she is carrying. Pray that he will be protected from the chemo and it won’t bother him and he grows big and strong and enters this world a healthy baby. Pray for her that she remains strong through this all and that they are able to kill the cancer so she can enjoy raising all these babies.
Life is hard. So many seemingly injustices are around us. There is no way I can wrap my mind around God’s plans here. But I am looking for how He is going to be glorified through all our stories – I hope it’s going to be BIG.
Comments from CaringBridge
Janice Dempster — 3/31/18
Leslie in all the trials you going thru you are a blessing to so many around you. I hope you know that. My family prays daily for you. Sometimes I’m lead to a certain prayer & I feel connected that somehow that may be the need you need fulfilled that day. God is being glorified thru so many times & hardships we face. I will add T & your other friends to my prayers. I know T is blessed to have you in her life & I hope you will receive comfort & companionship from her too. Thank you for sharing your inner thoughts.
Gayle Rawlins — 3/31/18
These insight are incredibly helpful!
Gale Roberts — 3/31/18
Praying for God’s hand to continue to lead and guide you and your friends through this journey. He loves you and so do I ❤️
Lynn Harrell — 3/31/18
Wow! You have gained many friends along this journey. And better yet you are able to love and encourage each other in a very unique way. God is using you as you share your life story. Continued prayers for you and your family and for your new friends!
Cancermamma 