As well as being a cancer blogger, Laura Yeager is a religious essayist and a mental health blogger. A graduate of The Writers’ Workshop at The University of Iowa, she teaches writing at Kent State University and Gotham Writers’ Workshop. Laura survived cancer twice.

Laura Yeager

Laura Yeager is a two-time breast cancer survivor. Catch up on all of 

A two-time breast cancer survivor, I’ve had many mammograms. I’ve discovered that prayer helps me through these stressful tests.

Mammograms can be unnerving. I can’t think of anyone who would disagree. Here’s what runs through my mind before, during and after a breast scan:

• “Let’s just get this procedure over with, and please, let there be no cancer.”

• “Goodness, my breast is completely flat!”

• “Oh, thank God; that feels so much better; I’m free at last.”

But there are things you can do to make the scans easier, such as take a pain reliever beforehand (aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen), and pray the following prayers:

It’s that time again, time for my annual mammogram. I can’t say that I’m not nervous, but I can say that I put this procedure in your hands. From the first glance in the mirror as I donned my hospital gown, to the cold pinch of the machine’s clamps, to the day I receive the results, please guide the powers that be to an ultimate clear test result. And if cancer is found, help me deal with what comes next and give me the courage and strength to survive the disease.

I am struggling to maintain a hopeful attitude. Help me to trust in your saving energy. Whatever occurs, grant me peace of mind knowing that my doctors and nurses are all on my side and will work to my advantage no matter what.

And here’s my prayer after a clear scan:

Now it’s time to treat yourself. Have a brownie sundae or a chocolate martini, and engage in some retail therapy. A new outfit never hurt anybody, especially a cashmere sweater and nice wool pants. Put it on your debit card. You won’t regret it. Then, call your favorite friend and tell them the good news. Go out to dinner with a loved one. Spend time with your adorable, furry pets. Light a candle.

However, I do have a prayer after a suspicious scan. After all is said and done, the scan may reveal bad news. If this is the case, don’t jump to catastrophic conclusions. Many procedures must be done before you know how much to worry about; these may include an ultrasound, a biopsy and staging, etc.

My cancer was stage 2B. I endured a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and 10 years of Soltamox (tamoxifen). But everyone’s journey is unique. What I know to be true, again, is that prayer can calm you. Here’s a prayer for bad times with breast cancer:

Be with me on my cancer journey. I know it might be a long one, but with you traveling by my side, it will be easier. Guide the doctors and nurses in my treatments. Help my family not to worry too much. Give me your strength and will to live despite this turmoil.

In conclusion, mammograms, although potentially uncomfortable, are a vital part of a healthy existence. Be sure to get a mammogram annually. You won’t be sorry.

And don’t forget to say your prayers. Give it to God, and then rest easily in his hands.

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Articles

Mammograms, while essential for breast cancer detection, can be anxiety-inducing. Personal experiences highlight the emotional journey before, during, and after the procedure, emphasizing the role of prayer in managing stress. Practical tips, such as taking pain relievers, are suggested to ease discomfort. Prayers are shared for various stages of the mammogram process, offering solace and strength. The narrative underscores the importance of annual mammograms and the power of faith in navigating potential cancer diagnoses. Celebrating clear results and coping with suspicious findings are also addressed.

Having a collection of prayers before, during and after a mammogram has helped ease my mind tremendously after having breast cancer.

My Mammogram Prayers After Breast Cancer  

I’ve never been one for pink cancer paraphernalia, but recently I was shopping at a local discount store, and I saw these beautiful glass-beaded bracelets. The beads were clear, and they had the pink cancer ribbon painted on them. I was instantly drawn to them. I picked one up and checked the price. One side of the tag said $12.99, and the other side read 99 cents. Like I stated above, this was a discount store. I knew I wanted one. In fact, I wanted all of them. I pulled the six bracelets off the hanger. One for me and five for the cancer center in our town. At that price, I could afford as many as they had. I asked a salesperson if there were more in the back. There weren’t. I paid for the bracelets, took the tag off one and put it on. It looked perfect on my wrist.

For once in my life, I wanted to tell the world that I had cancer; that I supported those with cancer and most importantly, that cancer was a huge part of my existence. I guessed I was proud that I’d survived the horror of the experience.

The best thing about the discount store was that it belonged to a chain of stores in my town and the surrounding area. I knew if this store had these bracelets, the other stores might have them too. So, I drove to the nearest sister store to see if I could find any pink glass bracelets. But I was out of luck. This second store didn’t carry them either. I decided to call the other stores instead of using up all the gas in my tank. I called the store in Kent, Ohio. Bingo! They had eight bracelets. I asked them if they’d hold them for me.

I drove up to Kent and bought the eight bracelets which, again, were only 99 cents apiece.

The next day, I could hardly wait to drop the cancer bracelets off at the cancer center. I drove over and went in, planning to make a monetary donation as well as the donation of the little glass baubles.

I was greeted sweetly by the woman at the desk.

We caught up with each other, and then I said, “I found these neat bracelets, and I wondered if you’d like them.”

“Oh, they’re adorable,” she said. “We’d love them.”

“Just don’t give them to children because they’re glass, and someone might get hurt.”

“No, I have the perfect idea for them. We’ll put them in the wig room, and people can take one along with their wig.”

One of the things that our cancer center did was fitted and supplied people for wigs for no charge.I was happy the bracelets would go to good use there.

Then, I made my monetary donation and was on my way. I felt like my time, talent and treasure had been put to good use.

It’s been a week since my trip to the cancer center. I’m still wearing the glass-beaded bracelet. Haven’t taken it off. I’m planning to wear it when I teach. I know people will ask me about it, and I plan to tell a little bit of my story when they do. I am certainly aware of cancer, and my cancer awareness bracelet will help others to be aware too.

While I’ve written about my cancer for years, I haven’t “advertised” that I had cancer in my life off the page. Now, with the purchase of this beautiful bracelet, I’m ready to do so. I see the precious jewelry as a conversation starter. Who knows where and how the knowledge will affect people?

I’m not sure, but I’m ready to begin the discussion.

I bought 14 precious cancer bracelets in a discount store to help spread awareness about cancer — something I’m ready to speak out about. 

How Cancer Bracelets Can Help Spread Awareness 

It’s been 13 years since my first breast cancer and eight years since my second, and I have to say that as the years pass further away from those trying times, I have more mental and emotional space to love my husband. In a nutshell, the turmoil of cancer took up a great deal of head and heart space. Today in 2024, I adore my husband more than I ever have.

We met in 1994. My brother introduced us. He worked with Steve and thought we’d make a good pair. On our first date, we went to Applebee’s. He had trout, and I had a Caesar salad with chicken. It’s strange how we remember the little things over the years. Steve still has the crinkled paper receipt from the dinner we ate.

We dated for three years and then got married in 1997. Steve’s work took us to Rhode Island. Two years later, we moved back to Ohio, my home state. Flash forward to 2005: the year we adopted our son. The following six years were spent raising him from infancy to school age. Then, in 2011, my cancer struck.

The next 13 years would be full of doctors’ appointments, surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation and cancer drugs. It was a true learning experience. I figured out how to roll with the punches.

Now, in August 2024, I can breathe again. I am elated when my husband comes home from work. We eat dinner and talk about our day. He rarely has a bad thing to say. He’s a man who can truly leave work at work.

Recently, we hosted some old friends at an impromptu barbecue. Steve worked on getting the lawn and patio in shape for our company. I toiled in the kitchen and in the house, making food and cleaning. We were having barbecued chicken, pasta salad, baked beans and strawberry shortcake. We had wine and beer and sparkling water for drinks. I was so impressed by how he worked to make our place look beautiful. As I watched Steve mow the lawn and rake up the grass clippings, I fell in love with him all over again. He was a quiet man, but a very strong one (and could make a mean batch of barbecued chicken). He’d hung in there through my cancer years and stood by me when I thought I couldn’t go on. I remember one day after chemotherapy. I had bad mouth sores. We were in a coffee shop, and I was weeping. He held my hand and didn’t say much, but he was there in spirit. Those memories are the kind that make me love him even more.

I love him because he’s capable. He’s an engineer — a problem solver.

I love him because he’s funny. He has an amazing memory that connects events to other events, usually in a satirical fashion. I never expect the punchlines he comes up with.

I love him because he’s smart. Recently, he had to take an online graduate-level physics course for his work. He easily aced it.

I love him because he’s humble. He never shows off. He jokingly states, “You’re the main attraction. I’m just the side man.”

What can I say? I love him because he’s stuck by me through sickness and now through my healthy days.

And don’t get me started about his terrific fathering skills. He loves to bike ride with our son. On these rides they spend quality time in the outdoors, talking about life and love. My son is now 19 and is ready to fall in love, himself.

As a writer, I teach writing. I’ve taught people how to write for about 40 years. One of the assignments I give is a definition essay. Students are asked to define some abstract concepts. Some of them choose “love.”

Love is when you want to leave, but you stay.

Love is not knowing what to say but coming up with something profoundly memorable that makes your partner smile, then laugh and then cry and then smile again.

(I never would have realized these things unless I suffered through cancer.)

Thank you for everything. Let’s live the next 30 years healthy, wealthy and wise.

Having breast cancer has allowed me to truly appreciate and love my husband even more these days.

After Breast Cancer, I Appreciate My Husband More Than Ever

As a breast cancer survivor who endured a mastectomy, I’ve done my time wearing prosthesis. I wore them for years until I couldn’t wear them anymore. They were hot and heavy, and I didn’t really like the way they looked. Did I really want to be that big?So, I threw them all away and decided to go au naturel.

For a while, I went without anything — no bra, nothing. Then, about five years ago, I found some “over-the-counter” bras that I could stand. I’ve been wearing those and feeling OK about it.

But recently, I’ve rethought the whole thing because I’m going to a special wedding in September — my niece is getting married in Rhode Island — and I want to look my best. I found the perfect dress which would be even more perfect if my “breasts” were a touch larger than the double A that they are now.

So today, I went to the store that caters to breast cancer survivors. They sell prosthetics and bras, bathing suits, dresses — everything a cancer survivor could want. I could get lost in their supply of pink jewelry and motivational charms that speak to those of the cancer world. I couldn’t believe I was back. The salesladies remembered me, and my fitting experience was actually pleasant.

“We’ve got some terrific cotton bras that your insurance will cover.”

“Sounds good. I love cotton. It’s so much better than spandex,” I said.

First the fitter put me in an A-cup bra with size A prostheses. I liked the look, but then I thought if I was going through the trouble to get fitted and purchase these items, I might as well go with the B cup bra and size B prostheses. The fitter measured and adjusted the bra until it was at its optimal position. I looked in the mirror and let’s just say, I liked what I saw. I had decent breasts again.

I drove home wearing the new bra and breasts. I texted my dear friend, Louise, and told her what I’d done. She approved and sent me a darling gif of Cinderella going from rags to a beautiful princess gown —and that really captured how I felt. I was Cinderella again, and the whole world was a ball that I was attending.

Actually, the only party I was going to be the wedding in September. I could hardly wait. Now, all I have to do is drop those extra ten pounds and I will be at my best.

That shouldn’t be that hard. Should it?

Until they find a cure for cancer, a mastectomy is often part of the treatment, and because of this, so is the prosthesis.

And don’t get me started with implants. I did my time in those too. Implants ultimately cramped my style, so I had them removed.I didn’t like the idea of foreign objects in my body.

Call me fickle. I’ve done it all. But if I had to be pinned down, falsies are the best for me.

I feel so much more attractive. Who would have guessed that my cup size would make so much difference?

In preparation for a family member’s wedding, I purchased a new bra and protheses and felt like a princess by doing so.  

Laura Yeager

My Mammogram Prayers After Breast Cancer

How Cancer Bracelets Can Help Spread Awareness

After Breast Cancer, I Appreciate My Husband More Than Ever

Feeling Like Cinderella Again After Cancer

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