Cindy Bolling
They call us Warriors. You have to be to be a survivor. When I heard that I had cancer for the fourth time, it was like, "Here we go again." I know what to expect and how to get to the end. Little did I know, this would be my toughest battle of all. The doctors told me “there is no cure.” I had fought breast cancer in the same breast three previous times and after a mastectomy the third time, I thought I had won -- not just the battle, but also the war. I never thought that lurking somewhere was a cancer cell just waiting to attack. Four years later, it did. Cancer thinks it is finally going to win, but little does it know that I will fight this war my way, even in the end.I have had time to think about many things and my first thought for anyone starting this fight is -- do not give up. That is all cancer wants. Learn all you can. Talk to as many survivors and professionals as you can. Take charge and make “your” decisions. Do not let "it" make decisions for you. Trust is probably what you need most. Trust that God will take care of everything. Do not just expect Him to jump in but ask for His help and turn your life over to Him. It is never too late. Trust your doctors and your nurses. If you do not trust them, then go find some that you do trust. I trust all of mine with my life. Trust your family and friends. Let them help you because if you do not, they do not know what you need or how to help without smothering.Believe that everything will work out the way it should. You have given your life to God to handle, let Him. Do not try to second-guess Him and do things your way. Believe that life is still worth living. Go out and live it. Whether it's a few weeks or many years, live each day as if it might be the last one. None of us knows when that day will come and this goes for everyone, cancer or not. Believe in yourself. If you listen and learn, you will know what you are doing is right.Being a survivor is not enough. You have to be the warrior that will not give in no matter what. Live your life, fight the battle, and above all trust God.