My guest article for Cancer Care has been published on their blog...copelink.org
http://www.copelink.org/2011/05/strong-and-courageous-a-breast-cancer-survivor-shares-her-story/
Friday, May 20, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Deals
Thursday brought my 2nd (annual) diagnostic mammogram.
A watershed day for me.
I went alone.
Again.
The last time I was there alone, it was a terrible day.
This time, it was not a big deal.
Ok, I admit, I was a bit queasy. But not a big deal.
Kathy was my mammographer.
She asked me if I discovered the lump that proved to be breast cancer, or if it was found through a routine mammogram. When I told her that I had, indeed, found it myself, she congratulated me for doing regular self-exams.
Um, no.
No regular self-exams here. Not even routine mammograms.
I told Kathy that I found the lump because it was burning, throbbing.
She expressed surprise...and then asked what stage I was diagnosed at.
Stage 1.
"Early stage breast cancer is painless..."
And "I've never heard anyone say that before..."
"I guess something wanted you to find the cancer..."
My response?
"Actually, some ONE wanted me to find the cancer."
Kathy just shook her head in disbelief.
Then, after a number of those great photos, she had me sit and wait while she had the Doctor look at the results.
Waiting what seemed like a long time.
And as I waited, I thought "what will my reaction be if she returns with news I don't want to hear?"
The answer was quick and strong.
I would be upset.
But I wouldn't be defeated.
And I wouldn't be nearly as terrified as before.
No.
Because strength and courage have shown themselves to me. They are my friends.
When Kathy returned, the message was that the Doctor wanted more photos.
Why?
"This spot here, on your left breast..."
ooh.
More photos.
A twist here, a compression there.
The verdict?
Just glandular tissue that looked suspicious in one take, but the twisting and compressing made it clear that there was nothing there.
Not a big deal.
Except the appointment and the interaction with Kathy confirmed to me, yet again, that God is in the details. That He cares for me. That He gave me the gift of pain to lead me to discover the nastiness of cancer. That through the nastiness of cancer, He has given me the gift of a renewed appreciation for life, for family, and for friends.
That is a big deal.
A watershed day for me.
I went alone.
Again.
The last time I was there alone, it was a terrible day.
This time, it was not a big deal.
Ok, I admit, I was a bit queasy. But not a big deal.
Kathy was my mammographer.
She asked me if I discovered the lump that proved to be breast cancer, or if it was found through a routine mammogram. When I told her that I had, indeed, found it myself, she congratulated me for doing regular self-exams.
Um, no.
No regular self-exams here. Not even routine mammograms.
I told Kathy that I found the lump because it was burning, throbbing.
She expressed surprise...and then asked what stage I was diagnosed at.
Stage 1.
"Early stage breast cancer is painless..."
And "I've never heard anyone say that before..."
"I guess something wanted you to find the cancer..."
My response?
"Actually, some ONE wanted me to find the cancer."
Kathy just shook her head in disbelief.
Then, after a number of those great photos, she had me sit and wait while she had the Doctor look at the results.
Waiting what seemed like a long time.
And as I waited, I thought "what will my reaction be if she returns with news I don't want to hear?"
The answer was quick and strong.
I would be upset.
But I wouldn't be defeated.
And I wouldn't be nearly as terrified as before.
No.
Because strength and courage have shown themselves to me. They are my friends.
When Kathy returned, the message was that the Doctor wanted more photos.
Why?
"This spot here, on your left breast..."
ooh.
More photos.
A twist here, a compression there.
The verdict?
Just glandular tissue that looked suspicious in one take, but the twisting and compressing made it clear that there was nothing there.
Not a big deal.
Except the appointment and the interaction with Kathy confirmed to me, yet again, that God is in the details. That He cares for me. That He gave me the gift of pain to lead me to discover the nastiness of cancer. That through the nastiness of cancer, He has given me the gift of a renewed appreciation for life, for family, and for friends.
That is a big deal.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
A Thank You from a Reader:
Today I was surprised to receive an e-mail at work about my book. The writer, Natalie Van Hook, is a woman who works at Clackamas County, and whom I have met one time...when she purchased "Strong & Courageous" at our County Craft Fair. Her words brought tears to my eyes...
"My" people know that the reason I even considered pursuing publishing of "Strong & Courageous" was the hope that my writings, in book form, could be of help to someone...even just one. Natalie's e-mail to me, besides bringing tears of joy, brought affirmation that publishing was a good thing, the right thing to do. '
So, Natalie, I thank YOU.
"Hi Drenda –
We talked briefly at the Craft Fair in December when I purchased a copy of your book. I recently finished reading it and just had to send you an enthusiastic thank you for writing and publishing it.
I am an 8 1/2 year breast cancer survivor and can’t tell you how much I could have used a book like yours when I was going through treatment. I was amazed at how accurately you captured the thoughts and emotions of the treatment process. They were spot on, and I can honestly tell you this brought me back to those days with amazing clarity and a sense of peace. I am fortunate to also have very supportive family members and friends, but only someone who has made the journey can truly understand the emotional and physical aspects of treatment. You may never know the full impact of Strong and Courageous, but I can assure you that you did a very good thing.
By the way, have you seen the videos on http://pinkglovedance.com? The original videos circulated a while back, but now there is a sequel.
Thank you again, and continued good health to you!
Natalie Van Hook"
"My" people know that the reason I even considered pursuing publishing of "Strong & Courageous" was the hope that my writings, in book form, could be of help to someone...even just one. Natalie's e-mail to me, besides bringing tears of joy, brought affirmation that publishing was a good thing, the right thing to do. '
So, Natalie, I thank YOU.
"Hi Drenda –
We talked briefly at the Craft Fair in December when I purchased a copy of your book. I recently finished reading it and just had to send you an enthusiastic thank you for writing and publishing it.
I am an 8 1/2 year breast cancer survivor and can’t tell you how much I could have used a book like yours when I was going through treatment. I was amazed at how accurately you captured the thoughts and emotions of the treatment process. They were spot on, and I can honestly tell you this brought me back to those days with amazing clarity and a sense of peace. I am fortunate to also have very supportive family members and friends, but only someone who has made the journey can truly understand the emotional and physical aspects of treatment. You may never know the full impact of Strong and Courageous, but I can assure you that you did a very good thing.
By the way, have you seen the videos on http://pinkglovedance.com? The original videos circulated a while back, but now there is a sequel.
Thank you again, and continued good health to you!
Natalie Van Hook"
Monday, January 24, 2011
Media
Another internet magazine story about Strong & Courageous was published yesterday. 
http://continentalnews.net/christian-news/breast-cancer-survivor-offers-hope-5410.html
http://www.koinstudio6.com/content/featured-on/story/Drenda-Howatt/k1U2oGSMP0q7ViiXboYw5A.cspx
http://continentalnews.net/christian-news/breast-cancer-survivor-offers-hope-5410.html
http://www.koinstudio6.com/content/featured-on/story/Drenda-Howatt/k1U2oGSMP0q7ViiXboYw5A.cspx
Friday, January 14, 2011
Television Star?
So, I did it.
I was strong.
And courageous.
I accepted the invitation to appear on the local, live, television show, KOIN's Studio 6.
I was interviewed by Anne Jaeger. And it was fine.
When it was over, she asked me to sign her copy of my book.
And then she said, "you should come again..."
I responded, "ok, call me!"
To see the interview, go to www.koinstudio6.com
I was strong.
And courageous.
I accepted the invitation to appear on the local, live, television show, KOIN's Studio 6.
I was interviewed by Anne Jaeger. And it was fine.
When it was over, she asked me to sign her copy of my book.
And then she said, "you should come again..."
I responded, "ok, call me!"
To see the interview, go to www.koinstudio6.com
Friday, December 17, 2010
Its NOT FAIR
I have been struggling lately.
Struggling with the 'unfairness' of life.
Not struggling with the 'unfairness' of my life.
But struggling with the 'unfairness' of the battles of those around me.
It is NOT FAIR that my nephew, Jon, is dying from cancer.
It is NOT FAIR that his wife, my niece Dustine, has to deal with everything that cancer delivers to a family.
It is NOT FAIR that Jon's sweet mother, Shelia, has to watch her son's struggle against the nasty side effects of cancer and its treatment.
It is NOT FAIR that my sister, Linda, and her husband, Ron, have to feel helpless to stop the pain and terror of their children and grandchildren.
It is NOT FAIR that precious Nik, Sam, Kiesha, Syaira, and Lilah have their lives scarred by cancer.
It is NOT FAIR.
How many times have we told our children "Life is not fair. Get used to it."
We are really very prideful, I am very prideful, to think we deserve fairness.
If we really got what we deserved, I don't think we'd be so happy.
This week, a co-worker was talking to me about "Strong & Courageous". She mentioned Elizabeth Edwards and how Ms. Edwards couldn't understand how a loving God could allow for suffering. How a loving God could allow for 16 year old children to be killed in car accidents. And I responded that I understood those questions. My goodness, I have certainly asked those very same 'how did this happen' and 'why me' questions. Many many times.
But the answer is that life is bigger than 'this'. That 'this' is not all there is. Because, really, if 'this' is all there is, what's the end? Think about it. Really. And if there is nothing more, after death, how strange is that?
What is the end? Is there an end?
There IS an end...to this part. But life goes on...our decisions today determine exactly where that life goes on...but it does go on.
Think about it.
Really.
Struggling with the 'unfairness' of life.
Not struggling with the 'unfairness' of my life.
But struggling with the 'unfairness' of the battles of those around me.
It is NOT FAIR that my nephew, Jon, is dying from cancer.
It is NOT FAIR that his wife, my niece Dustine, has to deal with everything that cancer delivers to a family.
It is NOT FAIR that Jon's sweet mother, Shelia, has to watch her son's struggle against the nasty side effects of cancer and its treatment.
It is NOT FAIR that my sister, Linda, and her husband, Ron, have to feel helpless to stop the pain and terror of their children and grandchildren.
It is NOT FAIR that precious Nik, Sam, Kiesha, Syaira, and Lilah have their lives scarred by cancer.
It is NOT FAIR.
How many times have we told our children "Life is not fair. Get used to it."
We are really very prideful, I am very prideful, to think we deserve fairness.
If we really got what we deserved, I don't think we'd be so happy.
This week, a co-worker was talking to me about "Strong & Courageous". She mentioned Elizabeth Edwards and how Ms. Edwards couldn't understand how a loving God could allow for suffering. How a loving God could allow for 16 year old children to be killed in car accidents. And I responded that I understood those questions. My goodness, I have certainly asked those very same 'how did this happen' and 'why me' questions. Many many times.
But the answer is that life is bigger than 'this'. That 'this' is not all there is. Because, really, if 'this' is all there is, what's the end? Think about it. Really. And if there is nothing more, after death, how strange is that?
What is the end? Is there an end?
There IS an end...to this part. But life goes on...our decisions today determine exactly where that life goes on...but it does go on.
Think about it.
Really.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Strength & Courage Keeps On
Strong & Courageous is growing.
I so want the book to be of help to others, and it is being placed in locations where that will happen!
It has been purchased for the Clackamas County Employees' Assistance Library.
It has been given to cancer survivors.
It has been given to cancer fighters.
God is at work, and it is my honor and privilege to be a part of what is happening.
I think I am beginning to see part of the purpose of my breast cancer...
I so want the book to be of help to others, and it is being placed in locations where that will happen!
It has been purchased for the Clackamas County Employees' Assistance Library.
It has been given to cancer survivors.
It has been given to cancer fighters.
God is at work, and it is my honor and privilege to be a part of what is happening.
I think I am beginning to see part of the purpose of my breast cancer...
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