Lessons from Tribulations

We’ve all been there: the places you don’t want to be, doing things you don’t want to do, talking about circumstances you don’t want to talk about. Now, remember how that feels and add the realization that your life depends on these very things that you do not want. It is a lot to swallow, a lot to admit and a lot to process.

🙌🏻 But what if you actually learn from all of the despair. 🙌🏻

I realized that the intense involvement with my mother would benefit me. Therefore, all of the experience was nothing more than preparation for something down the road. My observations and lessons

Breast Cancer has many shades of color, and there are countless types and combinations. While many people share the same diagnosis, their treatment is highly personalized.

•Have a clear understanding of the type of cancer that you have.

•Know the statistics. Even the survival rate…. Believe me, I know this is a difficult task... but trust me. It will help tremendously when you are deciding on the kind of treatment you want.

•Learn your options and their details. You have CHOICES. Make informed decisions and ask “Why” or “why not”.

•ASK QUESTIONS! You hired your doctor and the hospital. You can fire them too. All staff should be willing to answer your first question and your 1,000th question. There is no such thing as a stupid question.

•Know that your medical staff works very long hours. They are trying their best for you. They are human.

•Know that your appointments, visits, labs, scans and surgeries are seldom on time. It’s OK…there are other patients needing care also…. Some are in more dire need.

•Know that the waiting rooms are filled with patients, family members and care givers that are just as scared, just as overwhelmed and just as tired as you and yours.

•And probably the most important….. Know that the best medicine someone might get on a given day is a SMILE. Give them yours…it certainly cures a sad soul.

These are only a few important lessons I learned. I only ask that you be willing to open your eyes, ears and heart to learn a few of your own. Knowledge is power, but lessons through tribulation seem to teach the most.

Learn, grow, and share your story. I'll leave you with this,

“and not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance, and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Romans 5:3-5

❤️Richelle

#breastcancerawareness