September 13, 2006

My name is Shannon and I am 27- tomorrow is my 28th birthday.  I want to share my journey with all that have loved and prayed for and supported me over the last two and a half weeks.  I also want to share whatever I can to anyone else who may be/may have gone thru this... this scary thing called breast cancer.

I have always been an open person- my family and most friends (you know who you are) know more about me than they probably care to!  So it seems comfortable for me to share this experience - because thru sharing- it may shed light or hope or something to someone at some time. If not that- but only to let someone know that there are other people experiencing some of the same fears, experiences, joys and pain.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank my husband – Todd.  He has been the most supportive, loving, selfless, sympathetic husband in the whole wide world.  I begin to get choked up just writing how I could not get thru any of this without him.   I LOVE YOU TODD!

I love you Mom and Dad and Travis!   The love and support of my family is unparalleled!

And last (but certainly not least) my friends and co-workers just blow me away with their smiles and hugs, care and concern! Thank you all!

Every year I go to my annual checkup and do the annual thing.  The thing I cringe most about is the breast check- I squirm and hold my breath every single time.  I'm asked if I do my regular checkups- and my answer is usually "sometimes".  I know how important it is - but I can't always bring myself to do it regularly.  One of my worst fears strangely enough was getting breast cancer- but I didn't ever fully protect or educate myself about it.  Blind fear I guess.