I was diagnosed on October 15, 1985 at the age of 42.

Gerri

When I was diagnosed with IBC in 1985, I was told that my chances were slim. My diagnosis and all treatments (chemo and radiation) were in North Dakota during the winter. It was a long daily trip when the radiation treatments started. But you do what you have to do. No surgery other than a biopsy was done. But the IBC never came back.

In August 2001 I was diagnosed with infiltrating ductal breast cancer. I had a mastectomy this time.

In August, 2002 and January, 2005 I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. I have been free of all cancers since then.

I thank God every day for my life and the blessings He has bestowed on me and my family.

Please click on the titles of the song and the hymn in order to hear the music.

I Will Survive

First I was afraid
I was petrified
Kept thinking I could never live
without you by my side

But I spent so many nights
thinking how you did me wrong
I grew strong
I learned how to carry on

And so you're back
from outer space
I just walked in to find you here
with that sad look upon your face

I should have changed my stupid lock
I should have made you leave your key
If I had known for just one second
you'd be back to bother me

Go on now go
walk out the door
just turn around now
'cause you're not welcome anymore

Weren't you the one who tried
to hurt me with goodbye
you think I'd crumble
you think I'd lay down and die

Oh no, not I
I will survive
as long as i know how to love
I know I will stay alive

I've got all my life to live
I've got all my love to give
and I'll survive
I will survive

It took all the strength I had
not to fall apart
kept trying hard to mend
the pieces of my broken heart

And I spent oh so many nights
just feeling sorry for myself
I used to cry
Now I hold my head up high

And you see me
somebody new
I'm not that chained up little person
still in love with you

And so you felt like dropping in
and just expect me to be free
now I'm saving all my loving
for someone who's loving me

* * * * * * * * *

by Gloria Gaynor

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

On Eagles' Wings

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
who abide in His shadow for life,
say to the Lord:
'My refuge, my rock in whom I trust!'

And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of His hand.

The snare of the fowler will never capture you,
and famine will bring you no fear:
under His wings your refuge,
His faithfulness your shield.

And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of His hand.

You need not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day;
though thousands fall about you,
near you it shall not come.

And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of His hand.

For to His angels He's given a command
to guard you in all of your ways;
upon their hands they will bear you up,
lest you dash your foot against a stone.

And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of His hand.