My attitude has taken a turn over the last week. But it's for the good!

BREAST CANCER See Pam's Story Her Struggle From Her Husband's Perspective Pam's Last Chemo Treatment E-Mail Pam Spread Word Survival Stories Myths and Facts Cancer Quiz Risk Factors SELF-EXAM How To Do It Diagrams How Do You Check? How Often? ARTICLES: Fitness Center For Patients WEB RESOURCES: Susan. G. Komen Foundation National Alliance Of Breast Cancer Organizations Breast Cancer Info National Breast Cancer Organization National Breast Cancer Coalition

When the diagnosis of recurrent breast cancer came last November, it was a shock. Especially since the cancer had spread and was considered stage IV. My faith immediately took over, and I had a peace that said God was still in control. But I have to say I did look at life much differently.

As I would drive to my treatments I would notice all the people around me, hustling and bustling, going about their lives. I knew that some of them had struggles, but it still seemed to me that they were oblivious to the shortness and preciousness of life. I felt like I was driving on a different plane.

I could see death ahead of me, but everyone else was just going about like they were invincible. It was an odd sensation, and one I knew wasn't true for everyone I was driving with. But it was a feeling I had nonetheless.

I've gone back and forth on the death thing. Because I know that Jesus died to save me and I have heaven to look forward to, I'm not afraid.

Statistics show that only 16 percent of women with stage IV breast cancer live five years after diagnosis. So, that was a fact I had to deal with, and I trust in God's plan for my life. I can't imagine going through this without my faith.

But, I think I kind of gave in to the statistics. Stage IV breast cancer. This is it. But when my parents were out to visit a couple weeks ago, my mom reminded me of the Old Testament story of King Hezekiah. He fell ill at 25 years old, and the prophet Isaiah came and told him he would die of his illness. But Hezekiah pleaded with God.

There had been many evil kings, and he was trying to bring the people back to God. Hezekiah prayed "Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes." 2 Kings 20:3. Before Isaiah had left the king's palace, he had a message from God to go back to Hezekiah and tell him he would have another 15 years of life, and in fact got 18.

This story reminds me that our prayers are powerful. No, I'm not some perfect Christian. I have flaws like the rest. (That's why Jesus had to die.) But I am trying to do good in God's eyes. I don't have to accept being in the 84 percent that won't make it to five years. I can plead with God to allow me to be in that 16 percent that LIVE!

Will God answer me like he did Hezekiah? I don't know. But I do know that I'm not going to just sit back and accept statistics. God has been faithful to me in so many areas of my life, and I know He is faithful no matter what the answer. I trust Him completely.

So, okay. This sounds like a Sunday morning sermon, but this has been on my heart, and my attitude really has taken a turn. It helped to have good news about my tumor marker last week too. Now as I drive, I'm not floating in a different realm. I know how precious life is, but I don't feel it's as fleeting as it was a few weeks ago.

I don't always feel great, but I know I'm fighting, and praying with all my strength for a miracle. They still do happen, you know. But I also know that whatever the outcome, God will be glorified.

I know many of you struggle with cancer or other diseases, or maybe it's relationships. Pray. God may not give the answer you or I want, but just being able to talk to the Creator of the Universe has power in itself just by bringing peace. My prayer is that you know that peace today.

So until next time (and I'll try not to be too preachy, I promise)...

Pam Daale
The Happy Cancer Patient ... again

You can e-mail Pam Daale at Pam_Daale@TheDenverChannel.com.