Veronica Marion

My name is Veronica Marion. I recently celebrated my 48th birthday and my sixth year of survivorship!

Six years ago during my annual exam, I shared with my doctor, Anita Petruzzelli, that I felt a small lump above my right breast. She immediately scheduled a mammogram and ultra sound. On August 30th I heard four words that changed my life forever: “You have breast cancer.” Normally my first call would have been to my mother, but she had passed away a few months before my diagnosis. I called all of my closest friends and female family members. I knew I could not and did not want to go through this journey alone. After six cycles of chemotherapy, it was time to make a decision regarding surgery. Consequently, on January 29, 2008, I had a bi- lateral mastectomy followed by five years of hormonal therapy.

During my treatment and recovery, I would recite Proverbs 17:22, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” I knew this to be true because prior to my diagnosis, I had a lot on my plate. I was working in an extremely stressful environment. My mother was terminally ill and I was going through a divorce. Needless to say, I was not paying a great deal of attention to my body.

Fortunately, there is definitely life after breast cancer! God has turned each of those negative situations around. I am currently working as an Education Consultant with the State Education Resource Center. The relationship between my ex-husband and I has improved greatly. We are now able to co-parent our son peacefully. Although I miss my mother daily, God has blessed me with an amazing stepmother. Lastly, surviving breast cancer has given me the courage to make good on a promise I made to my mother before she passed away… I am currently pursuing my doctoral degree! “For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.” ~2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)

 

« Back to the Blog

Comments