I was diagnosed on March 2, 2005, at the age of 57.

Linda

I am Linda Halverson, and I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) on March 2, 2005, at the age of 57. It came as quite a shock since there is no known breast cancer in our family. Treatment began immediately, and aggressively, and my life has changed dramatically from the onset of this disease.

Chemo began on 3/14/05, and I had 4 rounds of cytoxan/ doxorubicin/ adrucil. Surgery followed on 6/13/05 with a modified radical mastectomy of the left breast; 8 nodes were positive out of the 21 nodes removed. The doctor noticed cellulitis immediately after surgery, so chemo was delayed three months while on different antibiotics.

Finally I was on IV Vancomycin for 6 weeks which cleared up the infection. Then another 4 rounds of chemo began on 9/20/05, followed by radiation (33--13 w/bolus, 5 boost). I am presently on Arimidex since I am ER+/HR+/Her2-.

As a born-again believer with faith in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I know I am in His hands. I may not know the future, but I know who holds the future -- and He is the creator of all.

The survival rate for IBC is not good, but I consider myself to be in a win-win situation -- it would be wonderful to be cured and live my life here on earth with my darling husband Terry, two wonderful sons, 8 precious grandchildren, and many other friends and family members, and to be able to continue to serve the Lord.

However, to be in the presence of the Lord would bring even greater joy for I know I would see my loved ones again and spend eternity with them (those who have also put their trust in the Lord as their Savior).

I am at peace and am content with whatever path my journey takes. No one knows what another day may bring for no one is guaranteed tomorrow.

Check out my website and read my journal at www.caringbridge.org/visit/lindahalverson. You can contact me at lbhalver@cox.net.

If you, or a family member, have been diagnosed with IBC, join the support groups at http://listserv.acor.org/archives/ibc.html and www.ibcsupport.org. There are many incredible gals there who are in our shoes who can share what they have learned on this journey.

Please click on the titles of the song and the hymn in order to hear the music.

One More Day

Last night I had a crazy dream
a wish was granted just for me
it could be for anything
I didn't ask for money
or a mansion in Malibu
I simply wished for one more day with you!

One more day, one more time
one more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied
but then again, I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still for one more day with you
one more day...........

First thing I'd do is pray for time to crawl
I'd unplug the telephone and keep the t.v. off
I'd hold you every second
say a million I love you's
that's what I'd do with one more day with you

One more day, one more time
one more sunset maybe I'd be satisfied
but then again I know what it would do
leave me wishing still for one more day with you

One more day, one more time
one more sunset maybe I'd be satisfied
but then again I know what it would do
leave me wishing still for one more day
leave me wishing still for one more day
leave me wishing still for one more day with you.

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by Diamond Rio

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It is Well with My Soul

When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well, it is well with my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well, it is well with my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well, it is well with my soul.