Breast Cancer Awareness and Sharing My Story

I wasn’t sure if any of this was ever going to make it to the blog but when the Holy Spirit prompts I’m understanding it’s probably a wise choice to follow suit…

The beginning of September I felt a lump in my armpit area and wasted zero time having it checked out. The nurse practitioner I saw was on top of things and ordered blood tests and a mammogram which led to an ultrasound and biopsy.

When the results came back the next week I was asked to come into the clinic so they could go over them with me. In my typical-quirky-impatient-Alicia manner this was my response, “Oh man! Isn’t that not a good thing when you call me to come in and discuss results!? Can’t you just tell me over the phone first?”

A clear but gentle “no” followed, and within 20 minutes I learned (in person) the biopsy showed stage one breast cancer.

I’ve had several doctor appointments in the time since. They’ll remove the tumor and whatever necessary lymph nodes this Wednesday and then I’ll have radiation for a treatment plan.

It’s been awkward knowing when or if I should tell people because I’d strongly felt like Satan was whispering ‘if you tell people then you’re seeking attention, and it’s only stage one anyways.’

With a welcomed exchange, however, I’ve recently felt God’s nudging—‘don’t waste an opportunity for people to reach out to Me in prayer’…and I definitely want to be respectful of those who want to do just that.

God deserves the outreach of prayer and also the praise that it’s only stage one and the other blessings I’ve counted!

I’m thanking Him for this cancer being caught so early, for my husband’s amazing insurance that the kids and I got on just this year, for the caring doctors and nurses I’ve met so far and for God working in me in the area of patience—I’m finally grabbing onto that fruit of the spirit!! Patience has never come easy for me but I’m now noticing how valuable it is!

My journey in this is (looking) much shorter and milder than what so many others experience and while I’m thankful for an easier diagnosis than what could be, I also don’t want to miss the chance to grow from it either. I want to be mindful of others who are going through the same process or whose results are much more advanced and less tolerable.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and I’ll be the first to admit I’ve been guilty in the past at almost becoming passive in recognizing its public campaigns.

This disease can wreak havoc in people’s lives and now that I’m on this side I’m appreciating things I overlooked before like Breast Cancer Awareness artwork on some of the local business windows in our small town, and mammogram advertisements in news articles and magazines, and the encouragement to get checked because ‘early detection is best.’

I’m pouring out sensitive, direct prayers over those struggling with cancer of all kinds. Their families need lifted up in prayer also. No more of those generic “God, be with those who are dealing with sickness” prayers.

Sometimes you don’t realize the depth of another’s hardships until you walk in the trenches of a similar path.

It’s in the trench where your eyes need to be lifted—your hope fixed upward toward a way out. A Saving Grace—His name is Jesus. He leads and answers in His own perfect way but we must choose to trust and follow along with His plan.

Bible YouVersion

None of us are immune to difficulty…whether it’s cancer, losing a loved one, relationship-conflict, financial hardship, whatever it might be—the trial may be different but the feelings we experience are relatable. Opening up and lifting one another up in prayer is a beautiful regimen offered from the Great Physician—let’s not miss the opportunity.

Sweet weekend blessings as always.❤️

Author: alimw2013

About For His Purpose~ My name is Alicia and I'm a thirty-something year old who loves Jesus. Only through God’s amazing grace and mercy I have been redeemed from past regret and shame. Reading His word has allowed me to look past Satan’s forceful lies, to see myself for who Christ says I am in Him. Through writing I have learned why I made the choices I made in my younger years and I now have a better understanding of why I desire to love God like crazy these days. Despite my daily failures, God remains faithful always. I am reassured of His unconditional love for me by every ink-drop spilled out on paper, each committed prayer as I cry out to Him, and deep understanding reflected through reading His word as truth. Yes keeping a blog will make me vulnerable to others’ opinions- there will be some who don’t understand, some who may criticize or judge, but on the other hand if just one piece expressed through my writing grabs someone’s attention and directs them to God, then pouring out my heart in a blog for the world to read is worth it. I choose to glorify Him alone through words streaming across a glowing screen. And it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t reveal the fact that I’m incredibly quirky; I’m my loving husband’s best friend, my vivacious kids’ craziest cheerleader and spiritual trainer (3 John 1:4). I love anything farmhouse and rustic style. I think cupping a warm coffee mug in the palm of my hands is more satisfying than the contents within. I share a common obsession with my husband for the mountains, but I would (without a doubt) settle for waves crashing against my legs at the Atlantic Ocean just as well, and I almost always have a Yorkie curled up on my lap while writing. *All photos are photographed by forhispurpose.blog and therefore may not be stored or photocopied in any manner.

78 thoughts on “Breast Cancer Awareness and Sharing My Story”

  4. Reblogged this on Christian Mommas and commented:
    The truth about Christianity is that Christians experience trials or challenges like everyone else. The difference is the hope that grounds us and the peace that lives in us. We believe all things work together for the good of those who love God. We know that affliction is only momentary and God’s comfort empowers us to comfort others. This is what Alicia’s Breast Cancer Awareness blog post is about, as she shares her breast cancer recovery story. Be blessed as you read and pray for someone with breast cancer today.

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      1. We are members of a large and caring body, the Body of Christ. We lift each other to the Father in prayer, and He responds, when He witnesses our care for each other. 🤗🌼

        Liked by 1 person

      3. If we are facing a challenge, we have a Huge number of brothers and sisters lifting us in prayer to our loving Father.
        I am believing for your complete healing. 🌷🤗

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  7. I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but thankful it is not worse. I am praying for complete healing and God’s guidance and comfort through the journey. I wish I lived closer so that I could be there for you. But since I don’t, I will surely be praying. And please let me know if there is anything else I can do. Hugs and love, my friend! 🙏♥️

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  8. Thank you for sharing your faith and your victory over evil’s lies! We are honored to pray for you as you start this journey. Good days or hard days we are here to support you and your family with our prayers. Your friend Terri said it perfectly! Blessings and strength, and yes, even patience!

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      1. We are trusting in the Lord as you are. Danny has two more chemo treatments, and then all the tests start again. Since his last chemo is mid November, I suspect the testing may spill into January with the upcoming holidays. Can’t say I’ll be sorry about that! Would love to have a little break from all of this, although, we also look forward to the day when we can claim victory and put this journey behind us. I pray your journey brings you teaching moments, unexpected joy, the blessings of kindness from strangers, and that you strive for the ultimate goal of victory. Yes, there have been challenges for both of us, but God has been there-going before us-every step of the journey. I know it will be the same for you too, Alicia. ❤️

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      2. Thank you for the update. I will be praying specifically that Danny’s treatments completely put him in the clear. I can’t imagine going through the cancer journey without faith in the Lord, so thankful for His peace and the godly encouragement we can offer one another.

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  10. Thank you for sharing your story. You know, there are plenty of people now who will be praying for you as you go through this. I had two sisters who died of cancer, so I am sensitive to this subject. I had a check up, and tests to make sure I wasn’t carrying an unknown cancer. So far, none has shown up. It is a devious disease. I do believe it runs in families. Mom Father lost his mother to cancer. My mother lost her mother to cancer. So both sides are affected, and then my sisters. Well, I put my trust in the Lord, and my days are counted. To live for Christ is daily, and to die is to immediately be in His Presence. We are winners either way our life goes.

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    1. Oh my, I can’t even imagine. I’m so sorry. After I leave this comment I’m gonna send up a prayer for you. Thank you for sharing this.

      God has our days perfectly numbered, just as you said, but sometimes it’s incredibly hard to understand it. I’m thankful to trust that He’s in control.

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  11. Oh Alicia, the human side of me is so sorry that you are going through this cancer journey. The spiritual side of me knows, though, that God is going to show you some beautiful lessons of faith. I do look forward to all you’ll be sharing with us, and to see what God does for and through you. You’re a beautiful vessel for His glory already and I just know that you are going to grow tremendously stronger. Bless you, my friend, and know that you are being prayed for by so many of us.

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    1. Patty, thank you for those encouraging words! God has been so gracious already in opening my eyes and heart to so many blessings in the midst of this. I’m incredibly thankful for my faith now more than ever!! Without His peace and comfort I’d be a huge mess right now, it makes me aware of those who don’t have their faith placed in Him, they need our prayers…I’m just in awe of how stress-free I’ve felt in the past few weeks, that’s not typical for me…BUT GOD, He is able to work all things for His glory!!
      Thank you again for your sweet words.❤️❤️❤️

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  12. Alicia, your faith in the Lord is truly inspiring! Betsy and I are and will be praying for you during this season, that God continues to encourage you and keep you strong. Please let us know if there is anything (long-distance) we can do for you and the fam.
    Blessings,
    Chuck

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  14. Alicia, I hate that devil always trying to weigh down the testimonies of God’s people! I’m so glad you didn’t listen to him, but listened to God. We are a network of prayer here in this community. We will pray until God answers! I love your upbeat attitude through this. I know we can’t help to worry a little, but God has this, and He has this, my sweet friend!

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    1. Thank you Matt, I truly need the reminder to rest because I tend to not sit still. I’m going to write your words in this comment down and post it on the fridge during this little season of life. Thank you again❤️ to God be the glory!

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  17. Oh, Alicia. I’m so sorry to read this. At the same time, I am grateful you were aware and used self-examination for an early detection. Through thick & thin, God’s grip is always there and everlasting. I know you have a strong family core & friends who love you. The fight is on. Prayers going up. Hugs, Alan

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  19. Thank you for sharing your story, “the Lord will always make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” do not fear. I Pray for healing and continue discernment as you continue the journey and the enemy will never destroy or steal your faith and peace, in the Name of Jesus. amen.

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  21. Thank you for sharing this!! I can remember when my mom was diagnosed years. I was eating lunch at Taco Bell and she called to say she had been to the doctor’s office. I could tell she had been crying and she just blurted out, “I have breast cancer!” I had no idea what to say! Luckily they caught it early and she beat it, but it was such a scary moment. To me, cancer is cancer -there is no “it’s only stage 1”. I think so many of us women need this kind of story so we can be reminded to go get checked and to check ourselves monthly! Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m sending huge virtual hugs your way!

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    1. Thank you Michelle so much. Yes I’ve thought the same with cancer—no matter what stage a person is in the hope and thoughts are still the same, “the surgeon gets everything removed, the chemo or radiation works, will it come back, etc” ….it’s a dirty word but God is so much bigger, He has a plan, He is in control and the victory is already His. I’m so thankful for the peace I have in and through Him!!❤️
      I’m so thankful your mom was healed, so important (like you said) to regularly check!!
      Bless you sweet friend!!❤️

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  22. Lovely Licia, I certainly am rising to the privilege of holding you up in prayer – for healing, for protection, for blessings and opportunities to see your mighty God at work in you and in all those you encounter on this new path. I pray for your family and for patience, trust, wisdom and deeper joy and peace – for faith in His faithfulness. With love and blessings. x

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  24. I will count it a privilege to pray for you Alicia! Also–as I was writing down your request–the name of your blog took on new meaning. Even this cancer diagnosis is “for His purpose”; you’ve already proved that with your heart-felt testimony here. Praise God for your positive outlook, which will undoubtedly impact those around you!

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    1. ❤️❤️❤️Love that encouragement Nancy!!
      The better I am about living ‘For His Purpose’ the less regret I have…definitely not perfect at it but daily surrender helps keep that mindset in check and points to Jesus!!

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  28. Sweet Alicia, I’m only catching up on your posts now. Thank you for bravely sharing your story and I will certainly be praying for you and your family through this time. May you be so aware that you are held by God through this season. Lots of love and prayers ❤️🙏🌈

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    1. Joy, thank you for your prayers and kind words.❤️God has is faithful and we feel blessed by His care and healing hands. Feeling His sweet presence in a peaceful way.❤️🙌

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