3rd Time’s a Charm

Local artist Pam Hoke shares her cancer journey online at SoWeHaveCancer.org and has recently posted a moving entry. Here are a few excerpts…

“Butterfly Healing” Mixed Media on paper by Pamela Hoke – breast cancer journey, monarch protecting the artist’s left breast (Click to enlarge)

Immense sighs of relief have arrived after long days of butterflies in my stomach: My third lumpectomy was a success! In addition, the oncotype test results came from the original invasive tumor with a score of 3 on a scale of 21, meaning very low risk of recurrence. I cannot express the incredible wave of emotions that I am experiencing at this time.

In fact, I am still sorting out how best to describe the past three months. Currently, I feel like I have been hit by a train, yet given a get out of jail free card. I know, weird.

I will just have to get back with you about it all.

For now, this art serves as my expression, and this …

Cancer makes me fearful, yet empowers me to face fear.

It frustrates me, yet helps me embrace life amidst uncertainty

It breaks me down, yet lifts me up.

It challenges me, yet calms me.

It saddens me, yet inspires me.

It angers me, yet places me into gratitude.

It gets me worked up, then helps me take pause.

It brings me pain, yet the pain leads me to be gentle with myself.

It hardens me, yet softens me.

What now?  Well, the hardest part for me is over, which was living with major uncertainties at least.  Let us all realize, there is no certainty in life, except it begins and ends – it is all what we do with ours on a moment to moment basis. We either embrace it for all it is, just as it is, or not. So, I am spared chemotherapy, and I have been spared mastectomy – these are two of the largest realities for many of my cancer fellows. My heart shall always be with them, and I will do whatever it takes to be the voice I can for this major epidemic of modern humanity.

Continue reading on Pam’s blog. Thank you Pam for sharing this.

Pam will be painting at the Fair at the art activity section on Saturday, August 15th from 12:00 to 4:00, and may assist visitors through some creative works, pending crowd size and what supplies are available there.

If you would like to help her out on this journey, the best way to do so is to buy her art at www.pamelahoke.com.

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