Lively Women

Faith and Knowledge: The Fight Against Breast Cancer

by Heather on October 14th, 2006

Fifteen years ago, author T.Suzanne Eller was diagnosed with breast cancer. In her new book, The Mom I Want to Be, she writes:

I had just celebrated my thirty-second birthday. I was happily married. My three beautiful children were 8, 8, and 9 years old … Between home, school, work, sporting events, volunteering, and church, my life was packed. I didn’t know how cancer would fit into my schedule.

Eller underwent aggressive chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. At one point, she was given a 10-percent chance of surviving five years. But she decided to fight against cancer with the dual weapons of faith and knowledge. She says:

I studied nutrition and various therapies. I prepared for surgery, chemo, and radiation by taking care of myself physically and spiritually. I spent time alone praying and found strength in God’s presence.

She surrounded herself with positive people and even drew boundaries when well-meaning friends told her stories about people dying of cancer. She asked them to please not tell her stories with negative outcomes. Instead, she asked them to help her laugh and enjoy life, spending time with her doing fun things.

Fifteen years later, Eller has become a nationally known inspirational speaker and the author of several books for adults and teens. After her annual check-up this year, she wrote out her thoughts:

As my 15th year approaches, I’m grateful. I’ve had an opportunity to watch my young children grow up. They are now in college pursuing their own dreams. I’ve been able to hang out with the love of my life for 26 years of marriage … I’ve had 15 years of additional time to love my family, to enjoy the beauty of all that is around me, to grow as a woman and as a person, and to trust in God through good times and difficult seasons.

Eller is passionate about encouraging others to overcome their past and live with hope. You can learn more about her mission at her website. She blogs for teens at Girls, God, and the Good Life and for women at Mom I Want 2 Be.

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POSTED IN: Books, Cancer, Inspiration, Wellness