Yvonne’s Story

Site created on November 12, 2018

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Journal entry by Yvonne Lewis

In October of 2018, my Doctor told me that I would have only 6 or 7 months to live. Seven cancer tumors had invaded my body, in which were not able to be removed by surgery due to its location. I must say, I was surprised with this news, however, I was at peace with what I was about to face. My thought were, what’s going to be, is what it is!  I can run but I can’t hide, lol. God has a plan and I will trust in it.

In January of 2019, my CT scan revealed that there were no signs of cancerous tumors.  Yes, all seven tumors were resolved, speaking in the medical terminology.

First and far most “thank you, God” in Jesus name, all glory goes to you!

Secondly, I would like to say thanks to all my loving and supportive friends, colleagues, and the few family members that were and who are genuinely still there. I couldn’t have done it without you too. Your daily love, support and generous donations was greatly appreciated. I tear up from joy right now as I type this, the love that poured in from you guys was just amazing, and again, thank you all for everything you did and continue to do! When I thought of refusing treatment, you gave me a reason to continue my fight. Oh, how I fought! But the fight is still real; the side effects from the chemo, worries about loved ones, and my financial struggles is still a reality, but despite it all, I keep on keeping on because I am constantly reminded of the precious people and joys that is provided to me on a daily basis. I keep a reason to smile! I would like to quote a verse from the bible, Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on own your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Amen! And He has with all of you!

In closing, I would like to share an accomplishment that I achieved. Some of you who may not have received the news. May 20th I graduated with my degree in Business Management and Marketing, making it my second degree received. Yes, I participated in the ceremony. I proudly marched my old ass with about 99 percent of my peers that could be considered as my children, lol. But it was okay, because I did something amazing, it has finally sunken in. Only the Lord knows that I couldn’t wait until the whole ceremony was over, it was a long day, lol. I like to give a big thank you to my colleagues and family members whom attend. I love you! This event was important to me, because I achieved a huge challenge as I fought for life.  

When I was first diagnosed with cancer in “2014” I came to realize that life is short. So, I decided to conquer to challenge some things that’s were on my bucket list. In “2016” when I was in remission of the cancer, I decided to go back to college to pursue my degree in Business and Marketing. It was the best thing I could have done for myself! Although, my health causes some setbacks, but I didn’t quit. During my many times of hospitalization (just recently, I was hospitalized twice in March with pneumonia), nurses would be surprised to come to my room and see that I was still awake in the wee hours of the morning studying. Going back to college, allowed me to focus, and take my mind away from all problems I was dealing with. It worked! I also returned to work, part-time on April, 22th. It’s great to have some normalcy back again. I’m not sure when or if I can return full-time, but to be back around my supporters for just an half of day is awesome.

In closing, I want to say that I love every one of you, and thanks again!

I would like to share a poem, which was shared to me as his favorite: There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. All things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else. Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance. It will not matter what you owned or what your wee owed. Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and jealousies will finally disappear. So too, your hopes, ambitions, pals, and to-do lists will expire. The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away. I won’t matter where you came from, or on what side of the tracks you lived, at the end. It won’t matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant. Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant. So, what will matter? How will the value you your days be measured? What will matter is not what bought, but what you built; not what you got, but what you gave? What will matter is not your success, but your significance. What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught. What will matter every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged other to emulate your example. What will matter is not your competence, buy your character. What will matter I not how many people you know, but how many will fell a lasting loss when you’re gone. What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you. What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what. Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice.  In the remembrance or my beloved Advocate who died of colon cancer in 2017. The last conversation we had, still rings in my ears; he stated, "I'm not afraid. "RIP Jasper, I miss you!

 

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