MCB: What was your initial reaction, emotionally?
LL: I found it so hard to fathom. I was relatively young at the time, and had not been married for very long. I had a hard time believing at this time in my life that I could possibly be diagnosed with Breast Cancer. And, it was the type – Triple Negative – that I had to grow to understand. I KNEW I had work to do. This was going to require me to really fight.
MCB: Where did you draw your strength from?
LL: I am Spiritually molded by my faith in God. My prognosis, as the Doctors saw it, was not what God had planned for my life. They STILL only can proclaim the 5 years – we are FAR beyond that. This test became my Testimony. I had too much to accomplish to wallow in self-pity. Establishing my non-profit organization, Pink Diamonds, supporting others continues to fuel me.
MCB: As you were in the midst of the storm, what surprised you?
LL: First, the phenomenal support received from my husband…he has been such a rock. Such an extraordinary trooper!!! And, God continues to amaze….defying the Doctors’ declarations of my impending demise over, and over, and over again. He ALWAYS has the final say.
MCB: What caused the greatest low?
LL: CHEMO. It devastated by body, my mind, and my Spirit. Ultimately, I made the decision that it was not a treatment I could consent to any longer. I have been Blessed with other types of treatments and been involved in clinical trials to develop new treatment strategies. Being involved in viable alternatives has also lifted my Spirits. I do all that I can to help myself as well – I exercise, and am careful about my diet.
MCB: How were you able to celebrate?
LL: I was thrilled to be able to take my granddaughter, Savannah, on a Mediterranean cruise. It was one of the things I Prayed the Lord would allow me to live long enough to do…and it was such a tremendous Blessing to be able to experience that with her.
MCB: Any advice for someone who is feeling overwhelmed by the diagnosis and the fight to survive?
LL: We must draw on our faith. We often stray from our Spiritual roots…but the foundation is often there! We need to remember it, draw on it, and trust it!!!
Linda is deeply dedicated to her non-profit organization Pink Diamonds, where she tirelessly supports individuals at various stages of their battle against cancer. With a wealth of knowledge and a relentless commitment to defeating this formidable disease, Linda’s fighting spirit is truly inspiring, and her enthusiasm is infectious.
