Melissa's Story...

As you may remember from our first post on this blog, Melissa has recently been given a clean bill of health after her scary ordeal with Breast Cancer. We wanted to share a little more about her story with each of you. One of the most amazing things about going through trials in our life, is that it not only brings us closer to ourself, but also to others. The sisterhood that comes from survivors is an amazing gift...to know that becoming weaker actually makes us stronger. It is together that we experience this rollercoaster called life, and it is by sharing our story that we become human...and we bond with other humans. Here is a little more about Melissa's story...

"I was truly overwhelmed with the response to my first post and all that shared there stories of how cancer has effected them or a loved one. I read every post and even cried at some of them.

I never thought that my story would effect so many people. I know that when I was going through all of this I was so inspired by the many other women that had or were going through this. I met so

many wonderful women on www.breastcancer.org. This site was my lifeline to the best cancer information and support from my Breast Cancer sisters world wide. Part of the proceeds of my Thankful line are going to the site. Anyway I thought I could  share more of my story and some pictures of my journey with you all and maybe you will share yours with me too. Together we can fight through this and share our memories to inspire others.

These pictures of me getting chemo. Nurse on the left and my mom on the right. The last three are when I was in the hospital with absolutely no white blood cells and a throat infection. They told me if I had not gone to the hospital I would have died with in 24 hours. The doctor told me if I had a fever over 102 that I should go to the hospital. I was very glad I listened to him. When you have cancer you can't be stubborn! It could be life threatening."

-Melissa

If you or a loved one has a life that has been affected by breast cancer, and you would like to share your story, please email us. We would love to share your stories on our blog.

Comments

[maggie]

Thank you for sharing your personal story.
I will be sharing my mom's with you in an Email.
Have a bless day
Maggie

[Melissa]

You're an amazing woman! I can't even imagine the strength that you've had to have!

[Andi Sexton (rrlscrapgal)]

Now this post makes me cry!!! I think the photo of Melissa with her mom did me in.. as a mom of 2 young kids the worse feeling I ever get is when either of my kids are sick.... I could never imagine outliving my children.. or having to go through nursing one with a life threatening disease.. although I know several very courageous mothers that have.. It just breaks my heart..

My heart goes out to Melissa and her mom... and all the daughters and mothers that are the care givers when one or the other has cancer.. Angels.. every single one..

[carrie]

YOu are an inspiration. I have had one friend with Breast cancer and she is a 5 year survivor. She is also amazing!!!

[Shelly McCabe]

I am so glad you are doing well and I pray that you will stay in remission. I can't even imagine facing such a difficult battle.

I have a link to your blog on mine. Thanks for having the courage to share your story.

[Linda Albrecht]

Melissa, if you read this, I want you to know that one more person thinks you are amazing and beautiful. I can't even imagine what you went through, but I admire you so for sharing your story with everyone. May God bless you always. Linda

[Mylene]

The curious thing about trials is that they become gifts when we share them with others....and thereby make a difference in the world.

Thank you so much, Melissa, for making such a difference.

God bless.

~ M

[Melissa Phillips]

Just thinking of you---you are such a great source of strength to so many women and I admire you for the battle you have so valiantly and graciously fought. So happy you are healthy and strong today.
Melissa

[darlene]

oh what a story!

I pray that you continue to experience His divine healing.

[Deb Neerman]

What an inspiration you are; and incredibly courageous as well!

It often happens that from the worse possible circumstances, wonderful and powerful seeds are sown ... the old, "every cloud has a silver lining."

Your candor and grace under pressure is inspiring ... you've planted the seeds of hope and courage in many women, myself included.

~Sending hugs, prayers, and thanks,
Deb
http://debneerman.blogspot.com

[Norma Kennedy]

You should be very proud of how many people your affecting and encouraging by your story. I can only imagine its not very easy to have your life open for all but I applaud you and THANK YOU ! I just added your link to my Blog and hopefully you will get more visitors that can be encouraged.
God Bless You !

Norma Kennedy

[Carolyn]

Melissa reading this post has given me such strength that if I was told some stricken news today I would remember reading this post. I had wrote on your blog about someone who has just gone through this, and I'm happy to say she is doing really good. I would also like to tell you that my husbands grandmother is 96 yrs. old, and she is a breast cancer survivor. She was stricken with it when she was in her 70's, and beat it and is still going strong today. Always believe in hope.

[paige]

wow...you go girl!
i am so touched by your story, by your transparancy.
i am a former pediatric oncology nurse. went into nursing specifically to take care of children with cancer. i practiced for several years until my husband was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma- a very very aggressive cancer. he passed away within 7 months. i was left with 3 girls under the age of 3--i was 30 years old.
i have so many in my life who were also touched insome way by cancer....as probably most of us are.
i will remember you in my prayers...YOU GO GIRL>>>beat this old nasty thing!!!
xo