I was diagnosed on September 1, 2004, at the age of 61.

Karen

I rolled over in bed on July 30, 2004 and felt a pain in my breast. Didn't think too much about it . . . fell asleep. Next night, same thing . . . this time it bothered me, and I got up and checked it out. A lump was what I discovered. I didn't say too much as my husband was about to undergo experimental high-risk heart surgery.

I went to my doctor, and he wanted me to have a mammogram immediately. I scheduled one, and I had to cancel the appointment as my husband had to be rushed back into surgery as his chest was filling up with blood. I made the appointment for the next available date which was August 12th.

My doctor called me and wanted to see me. He said the mammogram showed I had breast cancer and wanted me to see a surgeon immediately. I did, and she tried to prepare me for the fact that I might have cancer. I had a needle biopsy which was inconclusive so she scheduled me for a surgical biopsy. The biopsy showed that I have inflammatory breast cancer . . . one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer.

Here I am, Lord, waiting for Your infinite love and wisdom to guide me through this which is what I see as the biggest battle that I have ever faced in my life. Give me the strength and the power and the humility to get through this phase of my life.

Please click on the title of the hymn in order to hear the music.

Here I Am Lord

I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.

I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have born my peoples pain.
I have wept for love of them,
They turn away.

I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak My word to them,
Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them,
My hand will save

Finest bread I will provide,
Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give My life to them,
Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.