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CAN YOU SELL HOMES IF YOU WERE DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER?

YES I DID! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Ironically I was diagnosed with breast cancer October of 2004. But first let me go back in time- I had participated in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life event in Tracy in honor of some friends & family who survived cancer. Little did I know that in the following months I would be diagnosed with breast cancer, and be back the next year as a cancer survivor myself.

The thing that bothered me the most was that my broker's wife (who I used to play softball with) had died of breast cancer the month before (Sept 2004) I was diagnosed in Oct of 2004. I was still getting over the grief of her death. She was only 42 yrs old. I never thought, "Why me? I thought, "Why now?" My husband and I were planning our retirement - there's so much more that we want to do."

I had been so busy with our Real Estate business that I postponed my mammogram checkups for 2 1/2 years, so when my broker's wife (Cecilia) died of breast cancer I knew I couldn't put it off any longer. When my doctor asked me to come back for additional testing, "I intuitively felt that something was wrong. It's what I call woman's intuition." It wasn't a lump, it was a calcification. I would not of found it in a self exam. It was confirmed that I had cancer. It was devastating. It's not just knowing your days are numbered. God knows all our days are numbered. It's knowing that it could be over a lot sooner than you want it to be. I didn't feel like I had done enough for God, my family, etc....

My husband and I have spent alot of time and training as Ninja realtors, (if you don't know what that is I will post another blog about it) so we quickly realized that we needed to change our thoughts to change our reality. First I have to give credit to my lord and saviour Jesus Christ. Second we have a strong family and network of friends that helped me through some of my darkest hours. It meant so much to me that friends and acquaintances called me with their stories.

From the time I was diagnosed I continued to work selling homes. I had to go to Florida for a week for a real estate conference. Which I ended up taking a friend with me because we were so busy my husband had to stay home and take care of our clients while I was gone to the conference. My surgery was scheduled for December 03, 2004 it so happened that I had to show a listing I had in Antioch at 7:00pm the night before. It takes me 45 - 50 minutes to drive there from Tracy- Manteca. Yes I sold the home. Praise God.

I thought I would of been back to work by Christmas. Boy did I get a shock. That surgery took so much out of me I would get tired real fast and easy. I didn't get back to work until January and by February I was diagnosed with Skin cancer. I ended up having that surgery the same month. I had to recouperate from that. It was pretty hard since it was on my shoulder and I couldn't move my arm while it healed.

I had several scriptures that I read daily! "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 corinthians 12:9)

This December I will be cancer free for 3 yrs. Yeah!

Remember to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the American Cancer Society.

Posted by Marcella (Marcy) Hanson, REALTOR,GRI,SRES,Notary on 01/15/2009 10:00 AM

Comments (46)

selling homes, breast cancer, blogging, activerain, christian real estate, buyers, sellers

This post has been included in California Information San Joaquin County, CA Information Tracy, CA Information

46 Comments on CAN YOU SELL HOMES IF YOU WERE DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER?

OCT

2007

Marcella, your courage in posting your personal story is an inspiration to me. Thank you also for the reminder to make an appointment for my exam.

Kris - It's important to be checked. I didn't think that waiting 2 1/2 yrs would make much of a different but it sure did. Thank you for your comments.

Praise the Lord for you're recovery Marcy, I hope you continue to remain cancer free and continue to sell homes.

God Bless You

Marcella-Thanks for sharing your story and reminding us that we need to put our health as a priority. Thank God that you are a survivor and cancer free!

God Bless you and keep doing what you do. We do 24 hour relay for life to fight cancer. I wish you and your family the best

Marcy: What an inspiring post. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. By his stripes we are healed! I believe it.

Marcy,

I hope all continues to get better and I will keep you in my prayers.

My wife and I just finished the 3 Day60 Mile Walk for Breast Cancer in Philadelphia. Each of the 2500 + participants had to raise $2,200.00 to walk.

What great experience to have and to hear the Survivors speak.....makes you put your own life into perspective. I applaud you for sharing.

MARCY: This was a great post, and it's great that you were able to overcome Breast Cancer. This post ended up being the 1000th post to the group Active Rain Addicts. I featured it at the top of the page, and wrote a blog about our 1000th post being yours. Thanks for the inspiration, Marcy.

HUGH- Thank you so much for your comment. I thank God every day that I am able to go sell homes cancer free.

LAURA - I definately believe that our health should always be a priority. You can't live a normal happy live without it. For me to have been put on hold for a few months while I went through this was a reality check for me. I helped me to slow down and realize that my family and friendships are more important than any amount of money I could make. Can't take it with you. Thanks for your comment.

TODD - It's great that you support relay for life to fight cancer and it helps to earn funds for cancer research. God Bless you for taking time out of your life to do such a noble thing. Thanks for your comment.

DIANE - Yes by his stripes we ARE healed...I believe it and live it. Thanks for your comment.

DAN- It sure does put your life into perspective. The months before I was diagnosed I didn't give to much thought about cancer of any type until Cecilia died. Then the very next month (breast cancer awareness month) I was diagnosed. My advise is live your life like it's your last day and always put your family before your job. Money comes and goes but precious days with your family can never be replaced. Thank you so much for your noble acts of selflessness and supporting cancer events. I appreciate your comment.

ADAM -

WOW THAT'S GREAT! I DIDN'T EXPECT THAT BUT I REALLY APPRECIATE IT. I DIDN'T WRITE THIS POST THINKING THAT IT WOULD BE THE 1000TH POST BUT I THINK THAT'S REALLY COOL.

KNOWING IT WAS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH I WANTED TO SHARE MY STORY WHICH I SHORTENED FOR THIS POST. I DIDN'T MENTION THAT MY DAD DIED IN JUNE JUST MONTHS AFTER MY BREAST CANCER SURGERY. I JUST HOPE THAT I CAN BE AN INSPIRATION TO OTHERS AND ADVISE WOMEN NOT TO PUT OFF THEIR EXAMS. I KNOW I DIDN'T LIKE TO GET MY MAMMOGRAMS DONE AND I WOULD PUT THEM OFF AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. BUT THAT WAS THE WRONG THING FOR ME TO DO. I CAN TELL YOU THIS- IF I DIDN'T KNOW GOD AND KNOW THAT JESUS IS THE REASON I AM HERE AND HEALED. EVEN IF I WASN'T HEALED I WOULD BE IN HEAVEN WITH HIM. I FEEL BAD AND PRAY FOR THOSE THAT DO NOT KNOW OUR LORD JESUS. THE FEELING OF NO HOPE COULD OVERWHELM SOMEONE WHO DOES NOT BELIEVE. WE NEED TO PRAY FOR THOSE THAT ARE AFFLICTED AND DON'T BELIEVE.

THANKS AGAIN FOR WRITING THE BLOG ABOUT IT.

OCT

2007

You know Someone upstairs is directing traffic - it can't be a coincidence that your post is the milstone one in the ActiveRain addicts. So many more people will see it than under any other circumstances. Thank you for being an inspiration. Everyone hopes we'll never be in this position but we know it happens, and your courage in surviving it and telling about it will no doubt make difference in other people's lives. Thanks for sharing your story.

You are definately an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your story. God Bless You.

OCT

2007

You are an inspiration. My son is 5 year since his transplant after diagnosis of Leukemia. we celebrate

Hi Marcy. When my children were 5 mos and 2 years old, I found a lump near my collarbone and I instantly knew. I was diagnosed with Lymphoma, and began chemo in September '04. After the chemo and radiation was completed, I was pronounced cancer-free. I didn't realize until later that I'm now considered "high risk" for breast cancer. One can't help but be dramatically and forever changed by the diagnosis and the jolting realization that life is a gift and a privilege, not an entitlement. Bless you for blessing us all with your story.

Marcy, Wow! You put up a real fight. I had 2 friends this past year that had breast cancer. Both just finished chemo and radiation. I get checked every year and I am always so scared. I don't think I could be as brave as you and my 2 friends but I guess God only deals you what you can handle. God Bless You.

OCT

2007

I just made a note in my calendar to call my doctor Monday to get an appointment for a routine physical and mammogram referral. It still amazes me that you have to get a referral and can't just make an appointment for a mammogram...I think the hoops we have to jump through and the high cost of health care keep many people from getting annual check ups. I'm about 6 months overdue because, as you mentioned, life sometimes gets in the way.

Thank you for sharing your story.

OCT

2007

Margaret- I believe that the one directing traffic is God. Whether you believe or not it's true. I will have to do a new post on what transpired before I was diagnosed with breast cancer that got me through. Thanks for your support. Even if you don't have it please support it. Thanks for your comments.

Mary & Michelle- I would hope that I can be a inspiration to people so that they will go get checked in a timely manner. I know how life gets in the way. Thanks so much for commenting.

Pat - CONGRATUALTIONS.......I celebrate with you. I hope all continues to go well with your son. My sister had lukemia starting when she was 25 yrs old and she is now in her 50's so we celebrate every day.

God Bless and continued health. Thanks for the comment.

Sharon - God Bless you for blessing me with YOUR story. I appaud you for all you went through. I know how hard it is and some of the side effects nobody really talks about. You know exactly what I am talking about when I say every time I have a ache or pain the first thought in my head is "OH NO the Cancer has come back....." I stay a lot more postive today but in the beginning it was a nightmare.

Stay healthy and strong. Thank you so much for your inspiration.

Roberta - God works in mysterious ways that's for sure. Thank you for your comments and watch for the next post on what transpired before I was diagnosed with cancer that helped me to get through.

Kelly - Funny you say that. I had to get a referral also. It is the type of insurance I have. My general doctor had to refer me to a specialist for anything. So it was a bit frustrating that I had to go to so many appointments.

I am glad you are going for your mammogram. I know that life gets in the way but it is important.

Thank you for your comment.

SEP

2008

I will continue praying for all patients to get well, I bet you are in one of my prayers. God Bless you and always.

I totally agree! Stay Strong. I have stepped up and decided to donate every month and by the end of the year I will have shared this with 12 people, I am a HUBBY Humanity Unites Brilliance www.charitylifeclub.com HUB is about taking action now and making an impact on millions of lives. 435 millions of partners, the most powerful force for good.

Good Luck!

JAN

You are an inspiration!!!!

And I think every month should be .

Congratulations! Thank you for your courage and inspiration for those out there who are coping with cancer! It is amazing that you survived not only breast cancer, but skin cancer simutaneosuly! A lot of people would have given up, but through Christ you prevailed!! Thank you for sharing your story.

Marcy,

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October of 1992. I was working as both a broker and residential appraiser at the time, and I thank God that I could continue to work and earn a living during that time. I was 37, with no family history of any type of cancer.

Thank you for sharing your story and allowing us to share ours. I am now on the Board of Directors for a group called Circle of Hope, which helps uninsured and underinsured women here in Santa Clarita, California.

You are definately an inspiration! Enjoy each day and stay well.

Marcy I am so happy for you, and proud of you as well. YOU are a survivor! God is good ALL the time. :) I am a big supporter of breast cancer awareness. I have 2 aunts that are survivors and know of women my age in my age (early 30's) that have been diagnosed. It breaks my heart to see them in pain, but their strength to continue to fight through it inspires me to do more to bring awareness.

Thanks be to GOD! This was truly an inspirational story, and touched me deeply. The scripture you wrote in this post is great -- "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness."

Marcella: Your story is very touching and I plan on writing more about my bout with the same problem in 11/04. People need to know how common this is and that it does not always happen to other people.

Take care and if you ever need to talk, call me.

Sheila

Okay I am going to make the appointment. You got through to me and I'm going to make the appointment. I had a agent who worked for me go through breast cancer and I've still not had a mamo in over 3 years. It's time and I'm going to make the appointment. Thank you for sharing your story.

I worked through my breast cancer in '07 too - early detection by self examination is critical. 2 mammos missed my tumor.

Marcy - God has a plan for you to be around much longer. I've lost two close friends to cancer one to breast cancer and one - my sister-in-law to bladder cancer - I miss them both very much. God Bless You!

Marcella, I too find you courageous in your battle and feel that you've helped many people by sharing your story. A good friend of mine is undergoing tteatments for Inflammatory Breast Cancer---having missed HER regular check ups. This will help many people, myself included to remember to make time for the real priorities in life. Blessings!

Marcy,

You go, Girl! Keep that upbeat ATTITUDE! Your positive 'tude helps keep the NEGATIVE body cells at bay! Only healthy cell get to stay!

Good wishes sent your way,

Kathy Opatka, RE/Max, OCEAN CITY,MARYLAND

I love hearing great breast cancer survival storys....I lost my aunt a few years back from brain cancer...she beat breast cancer and MS for 25-26 years or so....and I have another aunt fighting it (breast cancer) now..

every month is breast cancer awareness when you have it or someone you love has it ......peace zane

Marcy, What an inspiring story. You probably haved helped someone on here by urging them to get thier mammogram. Thanks for a great uplifting post!

Congrats on your 3 year anniversary! Wishing you many more years of health and happiness.

Your post is an inspiration of a journey that will encourage others. Me included, I need to make an appointment.

Amazing words of inspiration!! Keep up the good work and words!! All the best.

Marcy, congratulations on being cancer free and for sharing your story. God bless you.

Yeah is right! Good for you. No doubt your belief that you would beat it helped. We must believe and have faith. I survived cancer too. When I got the news I had no doubt I would beat it. Faith is a powerful healer.

JAN

Marcy - Glad to hear you have been cancer free. I have watched the disease affected friends in the ways you described. Yes all women should make sure to keep up with the periodical screening.

Thanks for posting your story, it can inspire others.

Marcella,

Thank you for your wonderful story. God bless you and thank you for reminding us all our health is our most important asset.

This is very inspirational for anyone facing this situation, and I think it is a timeless post. I hope you post more about your story, since people receive the cancer diagnosis every day, and I'm sure some ofo them have the same question you asked in your title

Marcy-

Jesus also has healed me of cancer twice and I stand with you and rejoice! It's awesome to see someone who has learned so much from walking through the valley and is willing to help others! I'm sure your clients are as blessed as we are for sharing in your story! God bless you! JB Brookman

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