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On The Cover: Hope - Breast Cancer Awareness MonthTBy Sally Kaloshis October, as we mark BreastCancer Awareness Month, it’smore than just a nod to a cause; it’s a profound reminder of the resilient and brave women around us. We’re all touched by stories - be they of survival, loss, or ongoing battles. These stories teach us the very essence of courage and resilience. Our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, andfriends, are often the heroes of these tales, showing unparalleled strength in the face of adversity.Scheduling a mammogram may seem like a small act, but its implications for early detection and treatment are monumental. It’s not just about the medical procedure; it’s about ensuring peace of mind for them and for us.So, as the autumn leaves fall this October, let’s stand together, reminding the women in our lives of their worth, and supporting and loving them every step of the way.and came home.Dale was a rock for me researching andfinding a good surgeon. This word makes you numb, feeling like it’s the end of your story. After two days of hopelessness, I cried out to God and gave Him the cancer to carry for me. I near had such peace in my heart during the days to follow and whichever way this went I was good with it. Don’t get me wrong there are still fears in this journey. Like going to my cancer surgeon for the first time, wondering if we made the right choice? But that day proved God had my back. My surgeon was perfect and after our long visit I told him,” God gave me you.”The first surgery was March 29th. I woke up asking Dale, “How it went?” He said, “ we’ll talk more after you wake up more.”As it turned out, he never found mythat I discovered Pilates before my diagnosis. It gave me a toolbox full of resources for restoring my physical body. After each operation, I used Pilates exercises to restore my strength and range of motion.While Pilates was extremely beneficial in helping me piece myself back together physically, something was still missing. Cancer treatment left my body wrecked. I endured 9 operations, chemotherapy, life- threatening infections, hormone therapy, and more.Treatment felt so invasive, and it came with both physical and emotional pains. To distance myself from that pain, I checked out of my body. Very gratefully, I made it to the other side of treatment, but everything had changed. I felt like a stranger in my own skin. My spirit needed mending. I desperately needed a way to quiet my racing anxieties and to build a new trust inbrother said, “Sis, God isn’t through with you down here and the devil is afraid you’ll take over and hold prayer meetings.” In the fall of 2007, I was declared cancer free, and praise God, 16 years later, I’m still cancer-free.It’s ok to be frightened but you need toLife Does Not Have To End When You Have CancerBSubmitted By Charlotte Crouse, Breast Cancer Survivoreing a breast cancer survivor is only by the grace of our Lord. Mine was caught early and taken care of fast.Here’s how my story started five years ago. February 2018, I was called into radiology after my return for an ultrasound. Then I was told I could wait six months or get a biopsy now.With cancer in my family, I chose a biopsy. March 13 my doctor told me I had cancer but good news it was an early stage. Hearing the cancer was deviating. I called my husband crying; he dropped everythingIt Feels Like A Full-Circle Moment That Has Given Great Purpose To The PainSWubmitted By Natalie Holland, Breast Cancer Survivormarker ( which is where the cancer is) , not being his fault, the technicians messed up, so he did it solo kind of knowing the area. We rescheduled another surgery for July 24th, this time it was found and more tissue was removed. Just had to wait for the results on August 6th. My oncologist wanted me to have radiation but changed her mind in the end. Only with Christ keeping me focused and giving the faith and hope for my future. God gave me victory in His timing.With the reality behind me, I now write to others to encourage them about that hope. Life does not have to end when you have cancer, it’s just a new chapter. God gave ME a second chance and during my journey, I journal-ed about it. It’s a good reminder later what obedience is in Christ by laying it all at His feet in faith.my body. I needed to know my body in new way. I added yoga to my wellness program. As I began to deepen my yoga practice (both on and off the mat) with asana (yoga postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), gentle-self massage, and thoughtful observation; my body began to feel better. A sense of peace began to ease back into my life. I started to feel at home in my ownbody again. Joy made a return!I am now 47, and I work to help othersimprove their quality of life by utilizing wellness education, adaptive yoga, and Pilates. A deep desire to grow a supportive wellness community inspired me to open a studio. That dream came to fruition last October when I opened House of Healing in Spring Branch. It feels like a full-circle moment that has given great purpose to the pain.push yourself and don’t stop doing what makes you happy. A positive attitude and faith go a long way in battling this wicked disease.hen I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 36, I was in the middle of a career shiftfrom high school science teacher to Pilates instructor. On top of all the other concerns and complications that come with a cancer diagnosis, I also worried that breast surgery would render me ill-equipped to teach Pilates. So, I decided early on that I simply would not let that happen. I knew that it may take more time and dedication to figure it out, but that I WOULD figure it out somehow. I sure wasn’t going to let cancer take away something I passionately wanted to do!In hindsight, it seems so serendipitousA Positive Attitude & Faith Go A Long WaySubmitted By Milber Berry, Breast Cancer SurvivorIn December 2006, just a week after turning age 55, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Initially it was determined as stage one but after a lumpectomy, there weren’t clean margins, and another surgery was required which identified the cancer as stage two. After chemo and the loss of my hair came radiation and I was tired beyond belief!! Of course, there was a fear that I wouldn’t survive, but my spirits were lifted when my6Go For Your Mammogram – Don’t’ Put It Off!ISubmitted By Melissa Craig, Breast Cancer Survivorn2016,attheageof48,Iwas I was lucky to have found it when I did. diagnosed with breast cancer after I hadn’t gone for my mammogram when a mammogram found a mass and it I was supposed to that past year (life waswww.bsbhighlights.comwas confirmed with a biopsy to be a tumor. I was under the age of 50 and no family history of any cancer.crazy) but at the encouragement of my lawyer (I was going thru a divorce), heMammogram - continued on page 7 October 2023