A few weeks had passed and I was still camped out at my parents’. It was like living at home all over again and I was quickly approaching a month of being in their guest bedroom. I was moving around a little better, in spite of still having to sleep sitting up on pillows. It was…
Author: Monisha Parker
I've always believed that we tend to be the most effective in areas where we have been the most affected. It's often our deepest pains that draw us closer to our purpose. Those words never really hit home until I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer at the age of 28. I had watched both my mother and grandmother battle the disease, but never thought I would find myself in the same battle, especially not so young. I've learned through this journey that it's not what you go through, but how you go through it. I wanted to share my story in hopes that it will inspire someone to keep fighting, keep the faith and live on purpose.
I’m Still Here
Some days were good and others were not so great. There were days that I didn’t look at my phone, I didn’t open the blinds or get out of bed. I was tired in every sense of the word. I was still going back and forth to the doctor. I bounced between my oncologist, surgeon…
Pillows, Pills & Prayer…
I was so grateful to have the help and support of my loved ones. I had to use a small stool to get in and out of the bed in my parents’ guest bedroom. I had to constantly have help adjusting all the pillows. Between the pain and having drains on each side, I wasn’t…
Road to Recovery…
The next morning I was finally able to eat solid food. My body was so tired and sore. I managed to get up (with help) and get myself together. I struggled to pull on my shirt because I couldn’t lift my arms. When I finally looked in the mirror, my clothes looked so funny. I…
Kiss “the girls” goodbye
It was 5:45am and I was sitting in the wating room of Duke Raleigh Hospital with my mother, boyfriend and Godmother by my side. I appeared calm on the surface, but really my mind (and heart) was racing. I couldn’t believe today was the day. I was walking in with breasts and things would be…
Twas the day before surgery…
I celebrated my 29th birthday on Sunday, May 3rd knowing that on Friday of that same week I would be sitting in a hospital waiting room preparing to undergo a double mastectomy (not really something I have on my 30 before 30 list). Anyone who knows me knows how close I was to my grandmother…
Painting the City Pink
If I had to describe today’s Komen Walk in one word, it would be…AMAZING! I am still undergoing the reconstruction process and wasn’t sure about being able to walk. However, my mother and I decided that we would at least try to raise money. With only 6 days until the race and a modest goal…
Pause for the Cause–Komen Triangle Race for the Cure
One thing I’ve always wanted to do is participate in the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. However, it seemed as if life would get in the way. My grandmother, mother and myself have all battled this disease. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2011. She went through chemo from December…
Double for my trouble?
Chemo was over and although there were lingering side effects, I was slowly beginning to feel like myself again. However, my doctor visits hadn’t slowed down. I spent weeks going between my surgeon, oncologist, cardiologist and plastic surgeon. Yep, plastic surgeon. I was going to lose my breasts, but I would be getting a new…
I’m here ON PURPOSE
This post is a little different from my others in that I wanted to take time out to share how my blog was conceived, which is a major part of my journey as well. Purpose Painted Pink was conceived on the night of the biggest breakdown of my breast cancer fight. I was angry, I…
Purpose Painted Pink 