When A Sister Has Breast Cancer
Houses are cleaned without asking. Husbands and nephews mow the grass, trim the yard, make house repairs. Round the clock “sister” nursing care is provided. A “taxi” service is provided for doctor’s appointments, surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation and anything else needed. The burden of the illness is shared by all.
For Molly, the prognosis is good. Connie and her sisters obtain regular mammograms and checkups so her breast cancer has been caught early. They also participate in the Sister Study (www.sisterstudy.org) in hopes that their story will one day help to find a cure so that their daughters will not face the same heartbreak and challenges that they have faced with breast cancer.
In the meantime, they take a deep breath, say a prayer, and set about the business of healing Molly. There are no tears. There is no time to feel sorry for themselves. There is no time to ask why. There is only time to move forward and take the next step. For Connie and her sisters, their strength is found in the bonds that they have forged with each other and an unshakeable, unsinkable faith that with God and each other, they not only can but will survive.
© 2009 Mary Kyle.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HerWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add A New Comment4 Comments
What an incredible family! I wish them all the best, and my prayers are with them.
Having lost my mother to cancer, I can understand what this family is going through; but I can't imagine what it must be like to face off against cancer time and time again. It is plain that their faith in God is where they draw their strength.
They probably don't think of themselves as being brave, but they are. I hope things continue to go well for them.
Thank you so much for your comments. I forwarded them on to the family. They are truly amazing and a wonderful inspiration. I cannot imagine walking their path and yet they do it with such grace and faith that you cannot help but be humbled and awed by it.