Tonya Flores

A tiny itch in the middle of a heated game of Fingerlings unveiled an unnatural feeling lump that would change mine and my family’s life forever. Coincidentally, my sister was experiencing the same itch at almost the same time. With zero family history of cancer, even the worry wort that I am wasn’t too concerned. However, on January 28, 2019, only 5 weeks after my 40th Birthday, I was told I had breast cancer. One week before my diagnosis my sister received the same news. She was in surgery the day I received my news. The feeling of fear, dread, uncertainty and shear terror are not something that I can effectively communicate with words. I’m ashamed to say that these emotions overtook me for awhile. It took me a minute to fully be able to rely on what I know, which is that God is in control. My faith replacing my fear is a daily challenge that I face and pray about unceasingly. As it may be, Ive been placed in the care of modern medicine on my healing journey. Right now, I have a solid medical team. My oncologist is at Sacred Heart, where I receive my chemo treatments. These treatments consist of 4 rounds of dose dense medication, followed by 12 rounds of a different type of medicine. I have completed 2 rounds of the dose dense and am starting to lose my hair. My treatment is neo-adjuvant in order to shrink my tumor before surgery. My sister is in the same chemo regimen and we receive treatments on the same days. She has already had surgery so hopefully she’s getting closer to the other side of her cancer journey. I have had tremendous support from our community as well as family and friends. I’m so thankful for people that have come in to my life to help me in ways I didn’t know I needed help. The meals that people have brought have been so much help to my family as we navigate these uncharted waters. The prayers have been felt and the blessings have been plentiful. It’s hard to explain how generous the Lord has been with his blessings. I cannot fathom doing this without faith and a strong relationship with God. I had many big dreams before this and although I haven’t given up on those, this has shown me how to take those dreams to a new level. I intend to use my experience in hopes that I can inspire and motivate someone else that may be faced with some of their biggest fears in life. I am so thankful to be on this path with all of my biggest fans... although I would not wish to be on this journey with anyone, I am so grateful that if it had to be anyone, it is my sister. I have a new appreciation for my husband and family. My husband told me from the beginning that we were in this together. He has since shown me just that. Although I worried about my kids, they have proven to be resilient and seem to love me a little deeper these days. I can’t imagine what it’s like to find out both of your children have cancer at the same time, but my parents have continued to cheer us on and personify the strength that they instilled in us growing up. My in-laws have cared for me and my family as if I was one of their own. Even with their own hardships, they have put everything on hold to be with us for these past few months. Thank you to everyone for their thoughts, prayers and well wishes. I am excited to watch the Lord’s work throughout this process. No matter how we arrive at full healing, whether through modern medicine, divine intervention, or both, all of the glory is God’s.

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