It’s been so long—I’m not sure where to begin. You see, I’ve been on a journey—not a journey to a place, but a different kind of journey. I didn’t know if I wanted to share this here; I, in fact, didn’t think I would (it seems so personal—and strangely, embarrassing), but I’ve been receiving little nudges and hints here and there that it might be the right thing to do. So here goes…
This past spring I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I always thought I had more control over my health—I kept my weight at a good place, exercised, ate healthy, took my vitamins, read constantly about staying healthy. I desperately didn’t want to get cancer like my parents and grandmothers. But alas, I’ve come to realize we are not really in control. Only God is in control and we must be thankful for each day He gives us, and learn to deal with what each day brings.
In early April I started chemotherapy. The past three months have been, at times, quite rough. There were days when the side effects of chemo were unbearable for me. It’s a strange feeling when there is nothing to help you feel better; when you feel like you cannot possibly make it through the day. I turned to prayer; I prayed with everything I had, and He was there to help me. I am still blown away at how I’d simply ask, and He would immediately be right there to help me through those horrible moments. I’d get through them; I don’t know how He did it, but somehow he did, I’d reach the other side. Most definitely, this diagnosis has humbled me and strengthened my relationship with God.
So, here I am four weeks since my last treatment and I am feeling great. My tumor was removed and tested; the cancer hadn’t spread at all which I am of course very, very grateful for. My grandmother has been my lighthouse of sorts whom I hope to take after. She was diagnosed at almost the same age as I was and lived a long life afterwards.
I am not totally done with all this. I still have another surgery in a couple of months (I found out my cancer was hereditary), but it’s preventative surgery, so no more chemo or radiation, only recovery from the surgery.
More than ever I now treasure each day, and each and every person who is a part of my life. Although it’s been slow going lately, I hope to continue creating and making.
I thank you for staying with me and reading my blog during these sparse creative months.
❤
Cindy Rice Designs 
Dear Cindy,
I have enjoyed following your blog & the lovely outfits that I was lucky to purchase from you.
When weeks, then months, went by & no Cindy I was truly worried.I didn’t want to intrude. Thank
you for telling your many ,many “friends” what you have been going through.
I will add you to my prayers. May you feel stronger every day. G-D is watching over you & your family.
Warmest Regards,
Judy Raidman
Hi, Judy. It’s so nice to hear from you.
It makes me happy that you are enjoying the outfits you have from me. They all have a little bit of my heart and soul in their creation.
Thank you for your prayers and well wishes. ❤ Contact me any time—never an intrusion, always a pleasure. I hope you are doing well and enjoying the summer.
Hi Cindy!
I am very happy to read you again. You had a very hard time and I am relieved that you are better now. I lived the same thing as you 3 years ago, I’m fine now.
I had a very heavy surgery, it was necessary for the cancer that was spreading, but everything is fine now. I have always kept up my spirits and I am really happy that you are positive, you must always think that the best is for tomorrow.
I think very much about you and your family. It’s not easy for family members to accompany his wife, her mother. You have lived through difficult times that reinforce the love you feel for each other. The worst is behind, the future smiles on you. Life is beautiful and you have to enjoy all the good times that come. I wish you the best and I hope that everything is going very well now.
I send you thousands of positive thoughts.
Catherine
Hello, Catherine. I was worried about you, too. I hadn’t heard from you in so long. 🙂 I am glad you are doing well. Now, in addition to our love of dolls, we share something else, don’t we? I pray that you continue to stay healthy and enjoy this beautiful life we have. Thank you for writing—so wonderful to hear from you. Sending you a hug. ❤
I should have guessed something was up. I was just thinking the other day how I’d love to have an outfit for one of my Meadow Dumpling dolls and how I hadn’t seen any recent posts. Had no idea you had been through so much.
I’m so pleased that you have a clear report and can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully, you will recover from the next surgery quickly and be ready to return to your creativity.
Here I just read an email from my cousin about her niece. She is in her 20’s and has been teaching in Japan for several years. She just found out that she has a malignant brain tumor and has surgery next week. She lost her mother, my other cousin, a few years ago in a tragic car accident. What can I say?
I’ll be thinking about you and waiting for your swift return.
Hi, Joy. Thank you for your well wishes. Almost done with this…
It breaks my heart when I hear about people who are so young getting cancer. Why, oh why!? I hope your cousin’s niece makes a full recovery. She is young and strong; she can fight this. That is so sad about losing her mom, too, just too much for a person to go through.
❤
Oh Cindy! I too was beginning to wonder. Thank you for sharing. I think you will find that you are not alone. I know what chemo is like. Although my breast cancer was not as invasive as yours I know on one level how difficult it is. I am happy that you were able to pray through those days. And if you were like me there were times when you were just too tired to do even that. That is when I learned just how much God loves me. He never loved me for what I can or cannot do, or because I was good at anything like praying or at following Him. He loves me just because. I am glad you are on the road to recovery. One more surgery. That is a lot in itself. I wish you well and I pray you well. This momentary affliction will too pass. (Ten years for me). I am looking forward to hearing from you again and seeing all your new creations one day soon. ~ Rebekah
Hi, Rebekah. Thank you for sharing. Congrats on 10 years. That is THE milestone I asked about, “what are the chances I will be cancer free at the ten-year mark”? The answer was 90%, so that is promising. I did, and am doing what is recommended for my particular cancer, so all I can do is pray and take care of my mind and body as best I can. Only He knows what is in store for me. I have to trust.
Thank you for your prayers for me as I continue with this battle.
I wish you many more decades of good health, Rebekah. ❤
May you feel stronger every day!
Hi, Orli. Thank you for your well wishes. Every thought and prayer helps me to stay strong and positive. ❤
I’m so sorry you’ve had to deal with this awful disease. I, too, had breast cancer. You will come out on the other side grateful for all you have and with a new appreciation for life. I wish you the very best.
Hi, Pat. Thank you for sharing and for your support. It’s makes me feel “not so alone” hearing from others who have gone through this and have recovered. I also wish YOU great health for many, many more years! ❤
My thoughts are with you Cindy. My twin sister had an aggressive breast cancer resulting in a double mastectomy a couple of years ago. All I could do was to be there for her when she needed me .
I hope that very soon the light at the end of the tunnel will be reached for you and you will be able to enjoy a peaceful and pain free life. Your faith has been your guiding light. Thank you for sharing this time with us.
Wendy🕊💗
Hi, Wendy. I’m sorry your sister had to go through this also. I hope she is doing well now. I’m glad she had you to be there for her. I found that all the support and caring I had from family and friends helped me so much.
I hope so, too, that I can soon get back to my “normal” life. I know I will appreciate good health much more this time. I realize now it can change in the blink of an eye, or with the scratch of an itch (how I found the tumor).I continually enjoy seeing your creations on Facebook.
I hope you are enjoying the winter by traveling in your caravan. ❤
Hello Cindy.
My sister does have long term issues but this does not stop her from being positive about the future. She can no longer drive because of chronic vertigo so I regularly go and pick her up and we have a girls day out. It lifts her spirits. It has brought us closer together, as even though we are twins, we have always been like chalk and cheese. I wear jeans and love country music, she wears slacks and loves opera.
We are enjoying our winter break away in North Queensland. The nights are chilly (good for sleeping) with lovely warm days. Our fellow “grey nomad ” travellers have been enjoying Graham’s music
Take care and I hope all goes well with your upcoming surgery.💞🌷
Your sister is very inspiring, Wendy. She’s lucky to have a sister like you… and you’re lucky to have her, also. Sisters are great.
Thank you for the well wishes for my surgery.
Hi Cindy,
I’m so glad you are sharing this with you friends and followers. I have been praying for this outcome and thinking of your grandmother’s story as well. Your grandmother had a long joyous life and was able to fight just like you are now. I can’t imagine what you have been through. We wish you the most positive and happy future. I’m so glad God and prayer have helped you through this.
Hi, Heather. It took a bit of courage—not really sure why, but I’m glad I decided to share. Grandma’s story is giving me hope that I can have many more years here with all of you. I wish I knew more of her story, but we were all so young and it wasn’t talked about—really at all. I thank you and Dave for all your prayers and support through these months. It’s meant so much! Much ❤ to you, my dear sister-in-law!
Cindy—
Prayers for you !!! I look forward to you being well and creating your beautiful things! All the best!!!!
Hello, Katherine. Thank you so much for the well wishes. ❤ I really hope I can get back to my dolls soon. I know they've been quite lonely.
Dear Cindy,
I am so very sad and at a loss of words hearing what you’ve been going through. Your strength and faith in God is priceless.
May God bless you to receive a healthy recovery and long life.😇
Hi, Wanda. I thank you for your blessing and kind words. I hope, too, that His plan is for me to be here for many more years. I’m not ready to leave yet…! I hope you are doing well, Wanda. ❤
So sorry to hear your news and hope that you continue to recover and the worst is over now.
Hi, Mary. Thank you so much! I hope so, too. ❤
God and gratitude are our salvation in times of testing. Thank you for sharing this blog.
Hello, Merry Beth. Yes, He is! Gratitude is so important too! Thank you for writing and reading my blog. ❤
I’m so sorry to hear this… We can’t go back,, but we can go forward lifting you up in prayer. Jesus, the Great Physician is always with you.. Keep praying and calling on Him for help. Keep strong. Thank-You for sharing, Lifting you up every day! God Bless You.
Hi, Sharon. That’s true—we cannot go back. And, even after all this pain and suffering I don’t think I’d want to. There was so much to learn from this. Thank you so much for your support, words, and blessing; I find each and every comment to uplifting and fills me with hope, thank you! ❤
Dear Cindy, You really must have the joy of the Lord! I’ll be praying for.you with.all the others. Thank you for being brave enough to share. My aunt went thru a double mastectomy and lived to be 86. I believe you will enjoy a ripe old age as well! Please continue to share. I’m sure there is a reader who really needs your faith right now.
ALL my best, Karen
Hello, Karen. Thank you for your kind and uplifting words. I don’t know why sharing this story took such bravery on my part, but it did, and I am glad I was finally able to, even though it took me many months to get to this point.
Thank you for sharing you aunt’s story of recovery from breast cancer. Stories of living a long life afterwards is what I cling to for hope. ❤
So glad you are through this part, prayers for your continued good health.
Hello, Norma. I am thankful for your prayers and well wishes. ❤
Thank you Cindy for sharing with us about your rough journey. I have wondered what has been happening in your life. I am thankful that you are past the first surgery and anticipating the second. May God continue to make His presence known to you in very tangible ways. He is the
Great Physician and loves you dearly. Continue to trust in Him. Praying for your family too as they go through this experience with you. I will keep you in my prayers.
Hi, Lynn. Thank you for your kind words and prayers as I move ahead with my journey. Your support means so very much! ❤
Je vous souhaite beaucoup de courage pour cette épreuve..
Bonne journée Fanfan
Hello, Fanfan. Thank you for your support and wishes of courage. ❤
Hi Cindy, thank you for sharing your story. I am so glad that they removed the tumor and that the cancer had not spread. Thanks be to God for guiding and helping you on this tough journey, even tough you have more trials he will be there for you. Sending prayers your way, hugs, Terri xo.
Hi, Terri. I was very lucky to find this so early and that the test after surgery came back with the best possible result. (I was crying when the doctor told me; I was so grateful.) Thank you for your support and prayers, Terri. ❤
Dear Cindy,
I’am so Happy you’ re back.
When I read What happent to you I couldn’t help being horrified but then I realised through your words, that you found in your mind and in your prayers the strengh to go through. I wish you the best for future . I’M on holidays on the seaside, and I always go when I arrive to à little and quiet “chapelle dédicaced to Ste Anne, I will add you in my thoughts. Gold bless ou Cindy.
Amicalement. Sophie in Brittany
Hi, Sophie. What a nice thing to say! I didn’t think my absence was noticed… It’s so nice to hear that it was.
St. Anne’s seaside chapel sounds very peaceful and beautiful. Thank you for adding me to your prayers. ❤
God Bless and Keep You, Trust in Him and He will sustain You, all my Love and Prayers , Joanne
Thank you so much, Joanne. I appreciate your love, support, and prayers so very much! ❤
Dear Cindy, what an ordeal and frightening experience for you! I am happy to read the cancer had not spread and that you are finished with chemo. My heart aches for you and what you have been through but I am so glad to know you are positive and looking towards a bright future. Take care and I look forward to seeing more of your posts when you feel up to it. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Phyllis Johnston
Hello, Phyllis. Thank you for you kind and uplifting words, and of course, your prayers. I am grateful for each one I receive. ❤
Dear Cindy, We don’t know each other, but I am a fellow believer in Christ. I’m so sorry you are going through this. As women, we live with the fear of this very thing…well at least I do. I will pray for your recovery and for your coming surgery. I’m so thankful that God gives us strength when we cannot go on and things seem unbearable. He is so personal about it too. Believing all things are possible. Lynn
Hello, Lynn. Thank you for writing. Without God’s help getting through this I don’t know where I’d be. What seemed impossible to get through became possible just by asking for help. He knows when we need help the most and is there immediately.
Breast cancer happens to so many of us, and yes, it is scary. With my doctors’ advice, I am doing all I can to reduce my risk of it happening again.
I appreciate your prayers as I go through surgery, thanks so much, Lynn. Wishing you a wonderful day today. ❤
Hi Cindy,
Oh my! That’s not a journey anyone wants to go on; I’m so very sorry. I am however very happy to hear our Lord and Savior walked with you and saw you through it. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. Perhaps it will help to remind us that early detection is very important… get those boobies squeezed ladies! Prayers for a speedy recovery from your next surgery.
Hugs
Ingrid
Hello, Ingrid, and thank you for your prayers. I hope to have a speedy recovery with no complications, God willing. ❤
I was wondering why we hadn’ heard from you in a while and now we know. May God (the greatest physician of all) keep being at your side taking care of you always. Blessings. Londa
Hello, Londa. Thank you for your support. I appreciate it. ❤
God bless you through all your troubling times,I to believe in God, and he does answer our prayers…
Thanks so much, Susan. I appreciate hearing from you so much. ❤
Cindy, I’m sorry to hear those news, but now you are much better, and everything will be ok, because God is with you. God bless you.
PSent from my iPad
>
Thank you for your blessing and support, Gladys.
❤
I have been thinking of you and wondering. Will pray for continued strong health!
Thanks so much, Kathy. I appreciate your prayers so much! ❤
Life sometimes hits us with the unexpected and we all have to find our way through it. I am so glad you found yours! Stay strong and stay healthy!
Thank you for your support, Crystal. It means so much. ❤
Like so many others I wasn’t sure as to what was up. I thought you might have needed a break, lost your sewing and knitting mojo or that something of a personal nature which you could not share was going on. Not having gone through what you have I can’t comment on your physical and emotional experience. I can however talk about prayer and how God answers us. We Catholics in particular are often uncomfortable about specific requests when praying. However, I have learned that it is OKAY to be direct and as you now know He is with us always.
So happy to be able to read your words again, Marian
Hello, Marian. Yes, things happen, but I am moving forward on my life journey. I believe this is what I am supposed to be working through to a become better me.
Not sure if you’ve ever heard of dynamiccatholic.com. I had never heard of this site until I picked up a free book (Perfectly Yourself) at our church this past December. They have some great books on prayer (free, just pay $6 shipping) that I am working through and enjoying. Actually, I’m enjoying many others, too. I’m accumulating quite a library of their books. I find I pick up little “words of wisdom” to pass on to my daughter when she needs a pick-me-up. Thank you for your words, Marian. ❤