Is It Why Me – Or Why Not Me?
Have you ever gone through an event in your life that just totally knocked you off your feet? We all experienced the shock of September 11th, 2001. If you were like me, that day’s events brought a sense of total helplessness and fear of the future that took me to my knees. That is the way I felt in April 2010 when I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Now I am not going to go into all of the details, but I can tell you that hearing the “C” word is something that no one ever wants to hear and the realization that my life may not ever be the same is frightening to say the least.
A few years ago, while attending a Bible Study, I memorized Ephesians 5:15-16, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity” … I really didn’t think seriously about what those verses meant at that time, but while going through my treatment, it became very clear. My surgeon, Dr. Craig Brackett, Imaging Center in Murrells Inlet, took his time to explain my diagnosis, my treatment choices, and the office assistants provided a list to me of all the items I should obtain for my treatments. These items were no big deal – but I had to go to several places to get what I needed. This was very stressful, since your state of mind at the time is already not the best. You feel like you are lost in a new world. It was during that journey that I met many women who were in the same situation as me – having to purchase several items at several locations. It was during those times that I began to understand what Ephesians 5:15-16 meant to me. It became very clear to me that, Making the most of every opportunity” meant that I needed to ask God, what his purpose was for this “opportunity” in my life. That is when “The Pink Ribbon Boutique” was born.
The Pink Ribbon Boutique opened in late May of this year and is a one-stop-shop for all you need while going through the process of after care. What makes this boutique different is that we carry fashionable, colorful women’s clothing and jewelry, as well as, wigs, turbans, hats, special skin care for radiation and chemo treatment, and gift baskets. The store is bright and cheery – with city-like boutique décor. We have private dressing rooms and offer private appointments. We are happy to do anything that will make your shopping experience the best it can be and if you do not want to come to us, we will come to you. My Son, Jimmy Fisher, painted a wall mural of the Jerusalem prayer wall and, if you want, we will put your name on the prayer wall. We have a team of “prayer warriors” that pray for these people 24/7.
If you are on this journey, the following is my advice to you:
- Have Yearly Mammograms: I am thankful that my yearly mammogram, which resulted in early detection made my prognosis good. I cannot say enough about how important it is for every woman to perform self- examinations and regular mammograms.
- Positive Attitude: Research has shown that patients with positive attitudes are better able to cope with disease-related problems and may respond better to therapy. Albert Einstein stated, “There are only 2 ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle; the other is as though everything is a miracle.”
- Laughter: That old saying, “laughter is the best medicine” is true. Phyllis Forbes Bottome, British Novelist and Short story writer wrote, “When there is laughter, there is always more health than sickness.” So do what it takes to laugh more.
- Purpose: Can there possibly be a purpose in all of this? CS Lewis wrote, “God allows us to experience the low points of life in order to teach us lessons we could learn in no other way.” I think I found my purpose and the meaning of Ephesians 5:15-16 and that is to help women that are going through the same trials I have gone through – I know how they feel because I have been there.
Bottom line, don’t let Breast Cancer (or any other cancer) define who you are. Be in control of your own feelings, hang around with positive people and, exchange fear for hope, faith, and laughter. If you find yourself going through the experience that I did, know that prayer works and that God cares.
Shari Rincione
The Pink Ribbon Boutique
Owner
267 Willbrook Blvd, Unit D
Pawleys Island, SC
843 237-0100
Facebook Comments Box