The Niebur Girls

I am the youngest of 4 girls. You can imagine the conversations, clothes sharing, and dance parties that we had growing up. Never a dull moment. And I am pretty sure there was always one of us who was crying over what someone else said. But in the end, we always had each other’s back; to cheer one up when they were down, to be a leader when the other needed guidance, and to tell a funny story when all you needed was a good laugh. We always had each other, even when we were apart. I never thought there would come a day when I would have to lean on them more than I have had to these past few months. They have been by my side through the toughest times, saddest times, and even those in between silly times. This journey is hard, but my sisters are right next to me. 

My oldest sister Kenna has always been strong, confident, and a caregiver. I remember crying my eyes out when she left for college (I was in 4th grade) and then again when she got married. I was so afraid of losing her. For me, she was like a second mom. My big sister. When I was little I counted on her to take care of me. And she did as if I was hers. I looked up to her as she poured out her love.  She is a constant in my life and throughout this past year that has not stopped. 

Next in line is my sister Kelly. Unfortunately, Kelly has also been going through breast cancer these past few months as well. I am so thankful that it was stage 1. She has completed her treatment and she is doing great. For me, Kelly has always had a special place in my heart. We used to make up dance routines in her room and lip sync to songs. She gives me almost daily affirmations that I hold close to my heart and she is ALWAYS there. No judgement, just listening. I am so thankful for those listening ears and a gentle heart. 

Finally, Lindsey. Lindsey is an extension of me. She and I grew up sharing a room which inevitably has made us so incredibly close. She knows what I am thinking when I don’t have the words and I, the same for her. It was probably the hardest for me to tell her that I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. I knew that it would impact her as much as it has me. But like she always is with me, she was calm, clear headed, and loving. She reminds me all the time, she is not worried: I will get through this and be cancer free. Whether she has doubted this or not, she would never let me know. She is the one I call when I am scared, sad, or just have something funny to share. She is my rock and she will always be.

These amazing ladies are walking alongside me on this journey each and every day. So, where am I on this journey? I have completed 4 weeks of radiation and am in my final week! I go every day, 5 days a week, with the weekends off. This has been a unique treatment for me. I knew very little going in. The entire process takes about 15 minutes. I lay down in a mold of my body, where they make sure I am precisely lined up to the dots that they had previously tattooed on me, and then the treatment begins. I don’t see or feel the lazors but my skin shows it is working. The only symptoms that I have are red irritated skin, much like sunburn, and fatigue. While it is irritating, it is nothing compared to chemo. 

I have just one week left of radiation and then I will begin the chemo pill for 4 months. In the meantime, I am planning on going back to work and trying to do things that make me happy! Life is short and this year has been so difficult, for everyone, so do what makes you happy! 

This week, I have a sweet bouquet of 3 bright marigolds, Kenna, Kelly, and Lindsey.  Thank you beautiful sisters for brightening my days.