Dunham Family | Amarillo Family Photographer

Imagine you’re 33 years old, with a husband and two young children and you get told you have cancer and have to undergo chemo. Imagine that cancer doesn’t run in your family and you’re left with so many questions that can’t be answered and you’re forced to accept it and make the best of your moments right now. Imagine telling your family after you get that phone call.

When I got the message from Melissa that she just got diagnosed and she would like to do family photos before her chemo starts on the 22nd, my heart broke. Now, I don’t know Melissa, but at that moment I didn’t have to. She is me. She is a mom. She is a wife. She is a friend. She is a daughter.

She is a child of God.

I had the most fun time with the Dunham family a few days ago. They are hilarious and I’m so thankful she reached out to me so I could be a little part of the story for family heirlooms

Here is her story-

“I’m not really good with words, so this is a little difficult for me to write.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on May 1st of this year, 2019. This was a shocking diagnosis. I have no significant family history of breast cancer. When I found a lump, I had this gut-wrenching feeling something was wrong . I began that moment preparing myself for what was to come. When the news was confirmed that I had breast cancer at 33 my world came crashing down. I was shocked and heartbroken. I wasn’t sure how to break this news to my family. Tears running down my face I told them.  My two-year-old asked, “mommy why are you crying?” I said, “baby, I’m okay I’m just sad.” And then the sweetest words came out of her mouth. “Jesus makes it better” … my heart sank. That was just what I needed to hear at that moment.
Jesus will make it better! I told Him I would go through this because He has a plan. I may not understand at this moment but I choose to trust Him. Physically losing a piece of my body to now the possibility of losing my hair because of chemo. I still choose to trust Him because He has given me the peace to walk through this fire. I am beautiful In Christ! No matter what I have or what I will face. I am not alone. God has stood with me and given me strength. I have peace and knowing something great will come out of this.  I want to share my story with others because you never know what tomorrow holds. Life is precious and everything can change in an instant. I cherish every moment, every smile and laugh with my kids and precious husband. I have been blessed with amazing family and friends.
This song by Ginny Owens has always been close to my heart.
… And I’m clinging to the promise You’re not through with me yet
so if all of these trials bring me closer to you
Then I will go through the fire 
If You want me to…
I did a self-exam at home. I had two previous lumpectomies in the past and both were benign. I have been very diligent about doing self-exams. I was always told that I was too young to have cancer. Listen to your gut. You know your body better than anyone else.”

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