Ann R Gorski

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Username

anngorski

City

Rhodesdale

State

Occupation

Hostess

Hobbies

Flower Gardening, Pet German Shepherd Dog, Birding,Walks on Beach or Wooded Paths (Nature Lover), Love to Cook, Making New Friends, and Visiting places that are about the historical significance of the area on day trips or weekly in our Recreational Vehicle.

Favorite Books

"Dear and Glorious Physican" although read years ago and still looking for a copy to read again. Author Fern Michaels paperbacks and most recently "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne. Long time favorites--The "Bible" and my friend, the "Webster's Dictionary".

Proudest Moment

Still Working on this one. I have attained some of my goals and continue to look forward to future accomplishments.

Where I look for inspiration

My sister, a 7 year survivor. In Heaven, where my grandmother,Mom and Dad are looking over me and helping me find my destiny.

LIFE "ON THE OTHER SIDE OF CANCER"

Survivorship

Living on the Eastern Shore of MD, I believe I have a greater chance of being diagnosed as MD & DE have the highest Breast Cancer rates in the nation and personally I have most of the " ".

Diagnosed

I am presently under the watchful care of Johns Hopkins Breast Center for suspect tissue is the same area where I had a biopsy 15 years ago which was negative at that time.

Biggest Fear When Diagnosed

I sensed my sister's fear,although she is two years older than I, we feel and think like twins. She chose to have both breasts removed at the same time and postponed reconstruction several years later. Now she is back in her swimsuit and looking good is I might add. Her husband and mine are brothers and I praised God as I watched her husband change her dressings. Not sure if my husband could handle the physical aspects of recovery from surgery yet our men are quite emotinally supporting. I know that my God, my sister, and my husband will see me through the treatment should I be diagnosed so I really do not think I will fear ca of any body part because my sister's strength through her "ordeal" has provided me the ammunition that I will need to fight back.

How did you overcome that fear?

I will use the above experience to get me through and certainly this web site. Just saw Karen on "Today Show" this am and have bookmarked it for present and future support.

What got you through your cancer experience?

Guess I should have asked my sister to answer these questions yet she was and continues to be like Karen's mother--refused to talk about it with anyone other than a special nurse during chemo and her husband, my other sister, my husband and myself. She would not or could not share her diagnosis, treatment, and recovery with anyone other than the above. She keeps her feelings inside herself and I often wonder how she was able to without the emotional support from additional family and friends, and professionals.

What advice would you like to pass on to others?

"This Too Shall Pass", "Courage is the Power to Let Go of the Familiar", The Serenity Prayer, Repeating a favorite Bible verse, mantra, singing, and remembering to act on the words of song "I hope you Dance"

What was the most important lesson you learned?

I can vouch for her--enjoy each and every moment. Be it alone in the flower garden, watching a child play, smelling a home cooked meal, touching a baby's skin, listening to birds sing or whatever simple pleasure is right there to enjoy.

What would you like to tell other women who are either newly diagnosed or too afraid to seek treatment?

Others Really Do Care and especially those that have faced and overcome -- "More than Conquerors" a Bible verse translated into song by Karen Peck is quite inspirational to me. Should I face this disease (I feel like the cards are stacked against me because of my genes, my location, and the alarming rates of breast cancer statistics) so I shall say when I face this diagnosis, "I Will Overcome!" and should my time on earth be up according to His Plan, then I will join my loved ones because "We're Going to have a Wonderful Time Up There", another song I love.

Best advice given to me by a Survivor

"Celebrate Each Day"