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Lori Van Matre
I really do believe everything happens for a reason. Now, we may not know the reason at the time but things always do work out.......and people are brought into our lives at the right time to help us with "things". And for some of us that "thing" may be cancer......
5 1/2 years ago I was 32 years old, 7 months pregnant, and a mother of a beautiful 3 year old girl. Then I was diagnosed with breast cancer and my world felt like it was going to come crashing around me. I didn't fall into any risk categories, but there I was sitting in a Breast Care Specialist office hearing those dreaded words, what I thought was a death sentence "You have cancer". Things moved quickly: I had a mastectomy, three weeks later gave birth to my beautiful/healthy son, and three weeks later started my 5 months of chemo.
During that five months while I dealt with loosing my hair, my energy and my white blood count my family grew stronger! Life did go on. I continued, with a LOT of help, to keep my life as normal as I could. After, those five months I felt we had made it through the worst thing I could imagine and we were stronger for it. But, unfortunately my cancer spread to my liver and once again the rug was pulled out from underneath us.
I traveled out of state for second, third opinions. I started a new round of chemo. I once again lost my hair and I once again found myself surrounded by the most incredible people. The prayers and help I received are no doubt what got me through this once again.
I wish I could say my cancer was gone after that second round of chemo, but is wasn't. I have had three rounds of chemo, experimental radiation, too many to list surgeries. Last, May I had half of my liver removed.... and that gave me EIGHT months of CANCER Free scans! Now, my scan is not clear once again, but once again I know we will be okay.
In the past five years I have learned a lot from my cancer... I WILL NOT GIVE UP!! I continue to get my treatments to keep my cancer stable and meanwhile I .... run 3 miles a day, play tennis, raise two children, help run my husband's business, I have been a girl scout leader, became a "cheer mom", have taken 4 cruises, gone to Hawaii, and continue to look, hope and pray for a cure so others (including my daughter) will not have to balance cancer with their everyday life. But, until that cure is found I hope to show people and let anyone who is diagnosed with breast cancer know.... It is not a death sentence and it will be okay.
VolleyFest has become a very important part of my life. We have been part of it for the past four years- As sponsors, a speaker, a tennis player. I am amazed at what this organization has done and proud to be a part of it. |