by Jessica Rutledge

Created on: August 28, 2007   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

I am a breast cancer survivor, part of a sisterhood that I never asked to be in, but I am proud to say that I am one of them. Cancer is an awful word to hear coming out of your doctor's mouth, it is like a huge slap in the face. When my doctor said it to me, all that I could hear was, "I am 29 years old and my children are 2, 4, and 7, this isn't happening." My mother had the same thoughts, my father was devastated, I am their only child, and how can this be? Once those words came out of the doctor's mouth it was a whirlwind of information, options, and decisions to be made. There were times I couldn't even remember my own name, it all happened so incredibly fast. I was very fortunate however, I have a very big family and they rallied around me. It was an incredible feeling; I never would have gotten through it without the love and the support of those around me. I believe that cancer had a wonderful impact on my life. I certainly wish that I never had to experience it, but with it, came a lot of good. My family is closer because of it; I have learned to cherish every waking moment with my children, no matter how frustrating it may be. My children are more compassionate; they are able to feel empathy that most children aren't able to feel for years. So as difficult as a cancer diagnosis can be for a family, it can also bring out so much good. The good that we fail to see with everyday busy schedules. The good that we tend to take for granted because it is always going to be there. I now live everyday as it is my last and I teach my children to live that way too. Tell those close to you how much they mean to you every chance that you get, hug your children as much as they will let you and never ever leave the house without letting those around you know just how much you love them.

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