SMILING THRU THE TEARS

Breast Cancer Awareness

Each morning I awake with gratitude for another day of life,
A life that I once again enjoy cancer free- but not free of strife.
And though I may savor every moment
that this new lease on life has given me
I am ever cognizant that, of cancer, I am really not free.
The truth is this disease has left an indelible impression upon my mind.
It has touched a part of me, so deeply, that each day I must define
Whose I am and where I stand with this terrible dis-ease
In doing so I daily affirm and everlastingly release
This horrible monster that, once desperately, tried to get its hooks into me
This same monster, breast cancer, from whom I am now permanently free
You see, I have no intention, whatsoever, to deal with this demon again
To cancer, I make it quite clear, “ no more cancer, ever;” that is my refrain
I want this horrible disease to know that my God has set me free
And who the Lord sets free, my friends, is truly free indeed
I want cancer to know, expressly, that although I was traumatized
My spirit is still undaunted and through God, I will survive
my joints hurt; my body aches; these side-effects can be so unkind
but my grit and determination means that one day I will find
real relief from these pains that are constantly nagging at my behind
A welcomed quality of life- renewed , replenished, and refined
Some folks think that I am obsessed; they say, forget it, leave cancer alone
Don’t talk about it; don’t think about it; cancer is no longer your concern
But folks, I am not obsessed;
I’m just very aware that my fight against all cancer continues
I know I may’ve won the battle but I still have to pay my dues
It’s a daily struggle to function; it is a challenge to wake up and live
but I am ever thankful that my God has supplied me with lots of hope to give
That’s why I am daily vigilant in my fight to stay cancer free.
That is why I am speaking about it; I want to motivate everybody
I don’t ever want to deal with cancer again so I’ll never let it be
I know that if I don’t stay proactive that cancer could be the end of my body
And that, my friends, cannot happen- I won’t give cancer that satisfaction
In God, I can do anything, so I sentenced cancer to eternal damnation

One of the most common cancers among Black women, as you may know, is Breast Cancer.
And that, my friends, is only surpassed by the number one culprit Lung Cancer.
More than 217, 000 people will be affected by Breast Cancer this year.
Now tell me that this fact isn’t a good reason for us to feel some fear.
Every 2 minutes, my friends, a woman is diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
And every 13 minutes because of Breast Cancer, one woman’s life is over.
Imagine, 20, 000 newly diagnosed cases are expected to occur among Black Women.
Of that, 57 hundred Black Women, because of Breast Cancer, will leave this earth my friend.
Black Women 5 year survival rate is 74%.
Compared to White Women whose survival rate is 88%.
Scientists still don’t know why Breast Cancer affects Black Women differently to White Women.
There’s a higher incidence of Breast Cancer in Black Women as compared to White Women.
Black Women are more likely to be diagnosed with much larger tumors.
And they are also more likely to be diagnosed with more advanced stages of Breast Cancer.
Among women under 45 Black Women have a higher incidence of this disease.
And this is compared to the incidences among women, if you please.
The risk of Breast Cancer for all women surely increases with age.
But yearly mammograms and monthly self- exams help to discover it at an early stage.
Women between the age of 20-30 should have a mammogram every 3 years.
Be familiar with your breasts so you’ll notice any changes occuring there.
Report any changes that you find to your doctor without delay.
The best method of protection is early detection, that’s what I always say.
Mammograms are avalable; they are free for everyone.
But if you have no insurance you can still get yourself a free one.
Ladies remind your husbands and boyfriends to check their breasts when you do;
They should report any changes they see in their breasts because men can get Breast Cancer too.

There will always be a reason for me to smile each day 

God's light is shining in my life, and showing me the way

             ALWAYS A MOTHER

            I am your mother Abby; your mother I’ll always be

          Don’t you ever try to take that honor away from me.

          It’s a special privilege that never ceases to be.

          Even after marriage; I am still your mother you see.

          So if your health is in jeopardy; doesn’t matter what it maybe

          As long as it has to do with you Abby; you need to notify me

          I will never be too sick to worry or ever too weak to care

          As long as you need me Abby; I will always be there.

          I know you didn’t mean too,

          I know you thought you were protecting me;

          But don’t you ever do it again; don’t leave me out in the rain

                                    A BORN FIGHTER

            When Dr. Duncan entered my breast cavity that day,

          Doc came across Cancer, trying to have its way.

          It wanted to conquer me in more ways than one.

          It wanted to destroy me; all the while having fun.

          Cancer was planning a big party; bigger than Carnival.

          At the same time, Cancer, my friend, was planning my

          funeral.

          Cancer started to spread the word; inviting one and all.

          To attend the party; they could see me crawl.

          The fool was advertising; it had no regard for me.

          It wanted me to give in; accept defeat; concede.

          But Cancer was mistaken; that’s not my character.

          There’s no way I’d accept defeat; from birth, I am a

          fighter.

          I wanted Demon to know; it had a fight on its hands.

          I was no willing victim; I was ready; I had a great plan.

          If Cancer was planning to bring a band; then it should

          understand.

          The Bandleader, for whom I play, has the strongest, and

         the best band.

          God is my Bandleader; Christ marches at His right hand.

          The Angels wave God’s Banner; Michael’s sword is in his hand.

          Don’t try any tricks now; DeMon, you need to check the plan.

          You need to take a second look; you need to change your diagram.

          My faith in God will strike you down; just you wait and see.

          God has the greatest band around; it’s where I choose to be.

          I’ll throw my hand up in the air; and wave my flag proudly.

          And just in case you don’t know; God is partying with me.

          The Flag, the Banner that I wave; I wave for all to see

           I wave my Banner for Christ; I’ll wave my flag eternally.

          Cancer you’re not my friend; I don’t want you around me.

          Jesus Christ leads my band; I couldn’t be in better company.

            OH HAPPY DAY

            My faith is my foundation

          My hope, my guiding light

          Cancer came with much frustration

          With God’s power I’ll win this fight

          Strong will and determination

          Guides me each and everyday

          To success and celebration

          Cancer’s gone…Oh happy day!

          I can sing because I do believe

          That I am Cancer free

          I can sing and I can thank the Lord

          upon my bended knee;

          I sing because I’m happy.

          I sing because I’m free.

          My eye is on the Sparrow;

          I, thank you God for healing me.

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