Hey Buzz Lightyear, I’m not Mrs. Nesbitt, either! a.k.a. How I Overcame Stage 3 Lobular Breast Cancer

Toy Story, I love ya!

Ok, if you are new here, let me bring you up to speed! In 2017, with no family history of breast cancer, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 lobular breast cancer. (Jump here to read my breast cancer story.)

Back to Buzz………………….

This quote really resonates with me, because we breast cancer survivors become adept at being who others want us to be be.
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Pain free. Happy. Clear memories. Non-disfigured. Cancer free.
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Like Buzz, who was dressed up & labeled as Mrs. Nesbitt because a little girl wanted a dolly & not a space ranger, we can easily fall into the labels others give us.
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“She had cancer…like BAD cancer..” or “poor thing…she is still rebounding after 7 months (or 7 years or 17 yrs).
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In the movie, Buzz is tempted to wallow in misery and become his label…Mrs. Nesbitt. He is tempted to give up.
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Have you ever wanted to give up and become the cancer victim that others may label you as?!? Trust me, it is tempting.
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I had 5 surgeries in one year (2 were major surgeries) on top of 5 months of chemo & 6 weeks of radiation. (Worth noting, during radiation, I drove 40 miles EACH WAY TO WORK and put in a full day BEFORE going to the hospital for radiation). I did not miss 1 single day of work during that time. Friends, I had to dig deep. Real deep.
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I found myself at 47 gender neutral….not by choice. Menopause? Yes, that hit in 6 wks that summer. Literally, my menopause was not for a few years, but was compressed from start to finish in SIX WEEKS. Ouch.
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I was Mrs. Nesbitt.
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I was a cancer girl.
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Everyone said so.
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I looked the part.
The chemo impaired my vision & hearing in one ear (slightly) and caused me to stutter…for the first time ever.
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I made a decision to pull up my bootstraps & forge on with God’s grace & mercy.
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If you saw me today at the gas station, mall, or on the Peloton rider leader board (that’s right!) you would hopefully never know that I had cancer, much less Stage 3.

However, now that I took off my “Mrs. Nesbitt” attire, I proudly and openly offer that I am a cancer survivor.
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I prayed.

We prayed.

God’s peace and healing rained down on me. I have the MOST EXCELLENT medical team….so blessed by them.

My church family was incredible, and Pastor J.T. was always smiling and positive.

I want you to know that you can be STRONG and FIERCE even when all the cards are stacked against you. 😍
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God’s healing hand of favor will give you STRENGTH when you have none of your own! 🙏🏻
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Whatever journey you are on….don’t settle for being a Mrs. Nesbitt!!!
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BE YOU. Stay in the game!!!!!!
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PS. To this day, I still have the hat in the photo above. It was hand crocheted for me by a sweet, dear friend. It is a reminder to me that when we are backed into corners, sometimes God uses people to help get you through a tough time. I see the hat & I am reminded how far He brought me and my family.

PSS. Click here to see the Chest Buddy seat belt cover I used after my mastectomy and the expander-to-implant surgery. It was used for two years; a lifesaver during radiation a MUST HAVE if you have a port implanted.

If you are having a mastectomy OR you want to give a gift to someone who will have this devastating surgery, check out this mastectomy gift ideas post. Buy ’em for yourself or for a friend! All of them were used by me. A lot.

Keep up with me on Instagram! Click here!

OH – and some of you emailed asking if I still use the Chest Buddy” rel=”sponsored nofollow”>Chest Buddy seat belt cover! Get this – YES it is STILL in my car!!!!! Here’s why: My port scar is below my right collar bone. To this day, if I ride in a passenger seat in a thin shirt or for long periods of time, the seat belt still rubs that dang port scar. It feels better with the Buddy! Psst: The company now makes aseatbelt cover for patients recovering from open heart surgery“> seat belt cover for patients recovering from open heart surgery.