As you can see, I didn’t leave you wondering what this particular post was about. Shocked? It’s all part of the process. It definitely is tough to be diagnosed with breast cancer but everyone has their own path in this life and this one is mine. Let me go back a bit to give you a little context in hopes it will be helpful.
Discovery
I found a lump under my armpit at the end of November. I took it super seriously since cancer is prevalent in my family. An appointment with a primary care physician was scheduled as quickly as possible. A mammogram was recommended which didn’t show much so next step was an ultrasound with a biopsy.
Diagnosis
I got a call on December 22nd from my OBGYN (who I love, btw) to come in to her office the next day. Two days before Christmas, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and your girl definitely shed some tears that night. Funny thing about me and crying. I can’t do it for very long which is a gift and a curse. I don’t know if I get bored or tired but I knew I only had a good 2 or 3 minutes in me so I try to make it count.
When my crying time “ran out”, I hugged Steve, brushed myself off and went back to snuggling with my family while and watched Christmas movies. I looked around and took in all the blessings that were hugging me back. There was no question in my mind that I was going to fight. But I was going to do it my way.
Decision
Since then, I have had tough conversations, quite a few appointments and so many different emotions. But I have also made amazing memories, laughed my tush off and loved on my tribe. I committed to allowing myself to feel what I need to feel without losing myself in the process. I mean, I just found myself again. I’m holding on tight to this girl. I am proud of my fun-loving, positive and extra as heck self. That’s my super power and these last few months prior to being diagnosed with breast cancer, allowed me to tap into that. If you want to see where I started, check out my post 5 Focus Areas to Live a Happy, Fulfilled Life.
Devotion
Can I just take a moment and say that God is so good? He was preparing me this whole time to handle being diagnosed with breast cancer. I mean, I shaved my head y’all. Now I don’t have to wonder about the shape of my head. Won’t he do it? Someone will have to help me with brows but back to Jesus. I feel held, supported and unconditionally loved so when you see me smiling, that is why.
Desire
I would have loved to call each and every person I care about to let them know personally but I am going to be real with you. That “I was diagnosed with breast cancer” conversation is exhausting. So I ask you for grace, understanding and most importantly, prayers. Not just for me but for those who love and care about me as well. Cancer is a team sport and if I was a gambling woman, I would bet on Team Lowe every single time.
I am not sure how often I will be blogging but we’ll see how it goes. Do know it’s important for me to share any knowledge I feel is important so forgive me if I shake things up on the site a bit. I understand if it’s no longer your vibe but I’m comfortable enough to stay true to myself while trying to help others.
I also want to take this opportunity to say if you’re waiting to take that test or see that doctor, schedule it. If you are a woman and breast or prostate cancer run in your family, look into the BRCA genetic test. It’s better to know and move forward with all the information. Stay on it, friends!
I am with Team Lowe! Melissa I love you to the moon and back. Thank you for sharing, I will be with you as we walk over and down this hill.
You are such an inspiration, I haven’t fully meet you, but I know Steve as we’re family and with tears and smiles at the sMe time. You’re truly a fighter 💪 ❤. My prayers are with you
You know I have your back! What were you need and whatever the hour, I’m there! Now fight like a Lowe! You got this 💪🏾 I love you 😘😘
Thinking of you and your tribe! I know one thing for sure you will overcome this. Johnny and I are sending you prayers, love, and healing vibes.
Good Morning Melissa!
I am heartbroken for you, but yet encouraged by your resilience. What a mighty God we serve??!!! With Him you can do ALL things!!
My money is on Team Lowe! My prayers, my love, my ears if you ever need them, are with you and the rest of your family.
💗💗
Faith, family, friends, love, strength, tears, smiles, heart, and educating yourself surrounds you and holds you tight. Hugs for you, Steve and family!
Team Lowe all the way! Such a beautiful post Melissa. Thanks for sharing. I could feel the positive energy coming out of it. 🙂 Sending prayers out to you and your love ones.
I know TEAM LOWE has your back and I have faith you will fight this and win with God’s help! Aj and I stand with you and the Lowe Team!
Thank you very much for sharing. I am familiar with the family history of breast cancer. I lost my sister in 2018 to cancer. She taught me by the way she fought for over 17 years how to kick cancer’s butt, she fought to the last breathe. She taught me how to be strong and do not give up. I pray for that same strength in you. You will beat this. Stay positive and smile every day. Keep on my dear.
Thank you for your transparency and sharing. You and your family remain in my prayers.
Wow! I was not expecting this news, but I know if anyone can beat this, it is you Melissa Lowe! You are Strong, Beautiful, and a Fighter!! Team Lowe all the way!!! We will be praying for strength, hope, and perseverance for you and your Family! You will beat this! With Love❤️
Here for you guys. Standing with you in prayer and lifting up Team Lowe all the way!
I love the bravery, openness, authenticity and information in this post Mellowe. I support you in this journey.
Hi sweetheart… Thanks so much for being so brave to share your journey. May God carry you each step of the way. I will be for sure pray for you and family. Sending love your way sis💖💖🌹🌹🌹
Praying for you and the family Melissa! Our God’s got you in the palm of His hand!
Love you cuz. Will be on prayer. Strength is needed
💜❤️💜❤️💜❤️💜❤️
Melissa you are so strong. Prsying for you on this journey. Trust your faith and this too shall pass. Love and prayers 🙏 ❤, Charlene
My prayers go out to you, Steve and the children. I know you got this so I’m not worried. God is amazing in how he gently prepares us for the journey ahead. Trust in him and you and thus too shall pass with a story of victory. Much love you my dear. Stay blessed.
Thank you for sharing this Melissa. Blessings on you and your family!
Sending warm hugs and prayers of comfort and healing your way Melissa! You have such a sweet spirit and a positive attitude – keep it up! We’re right here with you.The victory is already won!
Just to blog on this shows the type of strength you have Mel. The strength that will take this cancer away in quick time. Positive vibes all the time and nuff, nuff laughter.
You are an amazing woman. I’m praying for you, Melissa. I know you will handle this challenge in the only way you know how to do things. Head
On! I’m proud to be a member of Team Lowe. O love you.
Good bless you Melissa, I will keep you in my prayers. Thank for being open and sharing, this is part of the healing process. The Lord has blessed you with an awesome support system!
You are a beautiful spirit Melissa! Life spoke change and you told the storm it can’t have your joy. Keep smiling. Your smile is shares hope with the world. And when you can’t. Don’t. It’s the beauty of being authentically you. God heard your cry’s. We claim complete & total healing today. In the name of Jesus. Prayers from Florida!
Melissa, your bravery is an inspiration. I will lift you and family in prayer. I know God is in control and His perfect plan will be manifested. Stand strong in your faith.
Team Lowe for the win! My prayers are with you…🙏
Melissa I feel, hear, honour and love your post. When I was diagnosed I appreciated so many things that I had originally taken for granted. I know God new it was a time for me to be tested by him, and boy he really tests. You have a soul full of love, grit and determination and we are all proud to see you embracing your journey. Step by step, one day at a time was a moto I held throughout. You go girl, we right beside you. Love and blessings to you all ❤❤❤❤
Beloved
My soul gasped this morning as prayers were lifted up for you but after reading your post I am inspired by your transparency and encouraged by your strength. As challenging as this is I know God has graced you for this chapter of your life. He will manifest His love and divine healing to you and intensify your faith and trust in HIM like you could have never imagined. Please know that the name of Jesus is higher and above all sickness and disease. He and He alone will carry you when your weak He will lift you high when you are low He will comfort you when you’re distraught. HE promises to never ever ever ever leave you nor forsake nor forget you. You are engraved in the palm of His hand. So stay encouraged stay in faith knowing that the God who loves you and died for you ….
GOT YOU.
Love you and praying with you
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~ Isaiah 41:10
If God is for you, then who/what can be against you! Team Lowe, Team Paul And Team JESUS are also with you! team cancer will lose in the mighty Name of Jesus! Love you and your family! Let us continue to bless the Lord at all times, let his praise be continually in our mouths. We will continue to lift you up in prayer mighty woman of God!
Prayers.grace.love.power.fearlessresolve.
Love and light from us -Judith & Kevin
Excellent post! I am sorry to learn about your diagnosis but am happy to know that the joy of the Lord is your strength. My mom went through a battle with lymphoma some years ago and came out victorious. I am praying victory for you too and a testimony that will strengthen you and others.
Melissa I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. My prayers are with you, Steve and your children.
Funny how a good writer can take you through every emotion felt and not felt. Always knew you as a strong and resilient woman and with the support of Sir Steve, I know this is just a bump in the road. Faith and blessings, this too shall pass.
Hi mellowe. I’m truly lost for words. I know we don’t know each other very well. You are really and inspiration to many. I pray that persons going through this will be encouraged by your words, testimonies. But most of all I pray that their faith in God in strengthened every day. May the grace, peace and love of God continue to overshadow you and running over. I decree and declare healing in and through your body with the blood of Jesus. No weapons formed against you shall prosper. May God send out His warring angels to protect you. You are victorious mellowe. Keep praying, keep worshipping God, keep believing and trusting in Him, keep pressing on. You got this. God got this!!!!!!!
Mel, my prayers are with you and the family. May God’s favor be upon you. We are in this together and will continue to be a beacon of hope. Keeping the Lowe family in our prayers. Be blessed!
Hi, I don’t know you but your story is a familiar one, yet not a personal one. My prayer is that your temple is cleansed by the Blood of Jesus and this dreaded disease is already defeated by Jesus Christ. I thank you for your openness and I pray others are helped as you share. You are not
alone.