"Surviving the Swells" by Patricia S. Vicknair

Excerpt from Patti's Story:

"After 16 years of peaceful seas and recovery, another tidal wave hit me hard when Wayne passed away from lung cancer. Waves hit me constantly for the first year after his death, sometimes gently but other times with much force. Drawing from my Al-Anon recovery, I was able to express my grief and find acceptance. Gently, the waves moved me forward with new job opportunities, adventurous European vacations, my oldest daughter's marriage, which expanded our family with a loving son-in-law and grandson, and years of quiet seas.

Unexpectedly, in November 2023, a tsunami hit me! I had an abnormal mammogram, and after extensive tests, I found out that I had breast cancer. It was my worst nightmare come true! "First, I was afraid, I was petrified … but then I grew strong … It took all my strength not to fall apart … but no, not I, I will survive!" These are words from an old favorite song describing my feelings about this news. Waiting for the specifics was the hardest. However, the storm quickly lessened as the surgeon and his staff were incredible, giving me and my family hope, encouragement, and excellent care.

Having my family and friends encircle me on this journey has been priceless. I know my recovery in Al-Anon aided me through this storm. The first step reminds me that I am powerless. God is in control. Placing my trust in God has given me the fortitude to get through all the treatments, worries, and anxiety of my cancer journey. I'm learning to survive the swells! I've reached new levels of self-discovery. I'm now floating on the waves by reaching out to others nearby rather than being smashed ashore in other seas of my life. I'm receiving care and love from the SheRose group and extending my hand to give hope and courage to others in similar seas. I've learned the value of support and that I don't have to do this alone. Cancer has given me a new perspective on life - seeing what is truly important, being at peace with myself, living in the moment, and accepting all the waves in my life, gentle or raging. I am a cancer survivor, but this is not the end of my story, as I have opened my sails to new adventures."