Denise’s Story: A #CancerChronicle

It’s been quite a while that I’ve posted a cancer chronicle. Probably been even longer that I’ve actually shed some tears about this diagnosis. So, here it goes…

I’ve done my best to live life and not let cancer define me. I’ve pushed myself to do things even when I did not feel like doing them because I refuse to let cancer win. My kids are my priority, I figure I’ll have time to rest in heaven! We also don’t really talk about cancer, other than, “Hey, I have treatment next week.” This new regime has been very mild compared to the last treatment I had.. I’ll take that for a win.

So, here’s the thing…

I don’t look like a cancer patient.

I don’t act like a cancer patient.

And.. I don’t feel like a cancer patient.

But yet, I receive some toxic medications to treat a cancer patient. This, I’m sure, has taken a toll on my body. I’ve aged quite a bit the past few years.

When I was diagnosed (approaching 9 stinkin’ years!), a friend from back in the day had messaged me. He told me he had been praying, and God told him I would be ok and that I would use this as my testimony. You have no idea how much hope that gave me. And I’m still here.

God has given me strength, hope, courage, and compassion through this.

Well, my baby girl and I were watching a movie. It had ads. The ad was about Norton’s Children’s Hospital and a child was ringing the bell. Her best friend had been at Norton’s after her ATV accident, so she said that she must have gotten to ring the bell. I explained that the bell was for cancer patients when they finish their treatment. She then asked if I have got to ring the bell (I’ve always secretly despised the bell). But I had told her no. She of course asked how come. I then had to tell my baby girl that I don’t have a “finish” date, I’ll be in treatment forever because I was stage 4 when diagnosed. That made her cry and I haven’t had any of my babies cry about this diagnosis in a long time. It was hard on a mama. She was 2 1/2 when I was diagnosed. She’s only remembered me as a cancer patient, and that blows me away. I’ve never been afraid to die – I’m 99.9% sure I’ll be in heaven, and I have a lot of people waiting for me. The fear, and the reason I’ve fought and pushed so hard, is for my kids. All of them. The grandkids, too.

I find myself being stubborn and pushing myself. I push-mow almost an acre with a lawnmower that is not self-propelled. Yes, I could have my boys do it. But I love to do it. And I’m beyond blessed with the ability TO do it! So, until I’m physically unable to do things, I’m going to push myself to do them.

Every day I wake up and thank God for another day to be here, loving on my babies.

I hope y’all know Jesus. If not, He’s waiting for you.

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Last modified: May 21, 2025