Lives for the Moments, Part 2

If you haven’t read part 1 of Jule’s story, please read it before reading the conclusion to her story.

Spot of Breast Cancer

Two years after having a double mastectomy, Jule’s doctors found a suspicious spot on her back. The breast cancer had returned. She underwent surgery to remove the cancer and endured more chemotherapy. As if all her previous health issues weren’t enough, she began experiencing a numbness in her face. It caused Jule to wonder if she’d had a stroke. The doctors ruled out stroke and determined the numbness she was experiencing was Bell’s palsy. The numbness lasted about six months. Two years after her last breast cancer scare, the doctors found another spot of breast cancer on Jule’s 7th vertebrae. A more aggressive treatment was needed this time. Her doctors took out her 7th vertebrae and replaced it with two of her ribs. A “metal cage” was put in her back to protect this sensitive area. She began experiencing pain in her legs and back as a result. Additionally, she began a maintenance chemotherapy regimen with the hopes of eliminating any further recurrence of breast cancer.

Faith in God

During all of those years of Jule’s health struggles with breast cancer and the painful treatments, she admits she couldn’t have made it without her faith in God and the support of her precious family.

Romans 5:3-5 is Jule’s favorite Bible verse. Her daughter, Jordan, wrote this note on Jule’s Facebook page about her favorite verse: “This passage perfectly describes the wonderful and brave woman I am lucky enough to call my mother. Even on her worst and saddest of days she still shines the brightest light and takes refuge in her faith. Mom, I am so thankful for your stubbornness and will to never give up and how you take on all of these challenges with the mindset of “ain’t nothin’ but a thang.” I love you so so very much. This world would definitely not be the same without you, and I would never have come close to the person that I am without MY crazy momma. Thank you for giving each day your absolute all.”

Jule smiles when she tells me her husband still treats her like she is the most beautiful woman in the world. It means so much to her because she says, “having so many health struggles not only affects me, but also everyone around me.”

A New Kind of Health Challenge

Several years ago, Jule faced a new kind of health challenge when she started choking and her throat closed. She couldn’t get in any air. Rushed to the Emergency Room, her doctor decided a tracheotomy was her only option. The trachea tube helped her breath again, but an infection occurred from the antibiotics she was given. She was told the infection in her bowels, named clostridium difficile or c-diff, could be deadly.

The doctors admitted her to the Intensive Care Unit to deal with the deadly infection. Her blood pressure was extremely low, which concerned her doctors. They removed the temporary trachea tube and replaced it with a permanent one.

Strength to Carry On

Jule found herself once again facing serious health challenges. It began to feel overwhelming. Depression set in. She cried out to God, “Give me the strength to carry on.”

A year and a half after the permanent trachea was put in, the doctors agreed it could be removed.

It would seem she has overcome her last hurdle, but the every three week maintenance chemo treatments and the six week echo cardiograms continue on. She also has a yearly PET scan, MRI, and CT scan to make sure the chemotherapy is not damaging her heart. She is determined to prevent any cancer from returning.

What Now?

Jule is excited to be working part time at a Christian bookstore. She and a friend are also working on the plans for a company called Runfurrit, which will fulfill her dreams of sharing her message of hope through inspirational speaking. After reading all the comments from part 1 of Jule’s story about how she has touched and inspired so many, I truly believe she will be successful! I just had to ask Jule about her advice for overcoming all of the various health struggles she’s faced. Her advice: “Stay focused on loving others, doing something fun and meaningful, and always having something to look forward to!”  

Share with me: Not enough can be said for the importance of having a support system. Jule’s family and friends have strengthened her during her numerous heath struggles with their endless encouragement and unwavering love. Share ways your friends or family have supported you during a difficult time in your life.

  On November 22, 2017, Jule’s long and courageous fight against breast cancer ended. I know God welcomed her with open arms.