Me and Freddie, shortly after his purchase in April. | Photo by Stephanie Davis
My new colt is too much horse for me right now, and I am so very glad.
Let me explain: My decision to buy this colt came about after much deliberation, including a flight to another state to look him over, a vet check and many conferences with my trainer, vet and friends.
I went into this situation knowing that a) the colt was very green, and would require a lot of work, but luckily I live near cowboy trainer Larry Fleming, b) what little training the colt had already received had created a brace in him, which Larry would have to undo, c) that the 16-hand colt wasn’t done growing yet, and since he also needed to gain a considerable amount of weight I could expect this Great-Dane-puppy-of-a-horse to keep getting bigger, and d) that this colt was more sensitive than any horse I have ever owned, meaning I would need to up my horsemanship skills and develop more of a soft feel to be the partner he needed me to be.
So Larry began working the colt, coaxing him to move forward without shutting him down in order to remove the brace put in him by a previous heavy-handed rider. We fed him a fortified fat supplement and alfalfa hay, and he began to pack on much-needed pounds over his ribs. I spent every available hour I could at Larry’s ranch, doing groundwork with the colt under the trainer’s watchful eye, riding him for a few minutes here and there after Larry had worked him first, and riding other horses to further develop my seat and hands to get ready for the day when I would graduate to riding the colt full time.
The colt was a fun diversion in my busy life; my own personal Olympics. I even cheekily wrote about my bucket list goal of riding him bareback and bridleless.
But now suddenly that’s changed, and at the risk of putting too much emotional pressure on his 1,300-pound, platter-hooved frame, I can honestly say that this colt is no longer enjoyable recreation.
He’s my lifeline.
The turning point happened a couple of weeks ago, as I lay on a table in a radiologist’s office. There was no need for me to look at the image on the screen he was scrutinizing, because I knew the results by the grim look on his face. Sure enough, a few heartbeats later he turned to me and said, “This looks like breast cancer.”
In the days and weeks that followed his diagnosis would be confirmed by more tests and more doctors (having cancer, I’ve discovered, is practically a full-time job), and my particular kind of breast cancer would be given the ugly adjective of “invasive.”
As the denial, shock, anger, fear and sadness wane in and out, one steadfast thought remains: the stubborn, determined resolution that dammit, I’m gonna ride my horse.
After getting the news from the radiologist, I called my husband, who immediately came home from work. He walked in the door, gave me a long hug and said, “What do you want to do?”
Without hesitation, I said, “I wanna go see my colt.” An hour later the blistering sun was starting to slide down the big, blue Colorado sky as we pulled up to trainer Larry Fleming’s ranch, and as I walked up to the gate of the back pasture where all the geldings reside, my colt Freddie saw me, nickered and swung his big body around to walk slowly and deliberately to me, leaving his evening hay and the herd to do so.
How do they know?
I haltered him and my husband gave me a leg up on his bare back, then led me around like a kid on a pony ride while I leaned forward and hugged the colt’s thick neck. Freddie walked calmly and carefully, and Larry, who was tossing feed to other horses at the time, would later say that he thought about objecting to the whole thing (the colt was a stallion only two months ago, and had never been ridden bareback), but once he saw the peaceful picture he swallowed his protest.
Since then, I have been poked, prodded, scanned and biopsied, and as soon as the latest appointment is over I high-tail it out of the sterile environment and to the much healthier, dirt-and-manure-filled one, happily accumulating grime under my fingernails and not once complaining about the sweat that trickles down my neck as Freddie and I bumble around in our attempts to learn to dance together.
He requires my complete focus, and that state of being–where I’m free from any other thought–offers a sweet relief that is addictive.
My apprenticeship has taken on a whole new urgency. I told Larry about my diagnosis, but in the next breath, I waved a finger at him as I emphasized my point.
“Don’t you treat me any differently,” I said to the trainer, whose only outward sign of distress was the fact he took off his cowboy hat and ran his hand through his hair. “When I screw up, I expect you to tell me so, just like you always do.”
And he does. A few days later Larry allowed me to ride his own personal horse, Mick, and when I gave the gelding he’d nicknamed “Ferrari” too much leg (quickly finding out why he’d earned that moniker), Larry bellowed, “GET YOUR FEET OFF HIM!!!”
Yet the hard work is starting to pay off. On a recent Saturday, when Larry “allowed” me to ride Freddie in one of his clinics, my heart sang when the cowboy rode past the two of us as we worked a serpentine pattern and said, “Very good.” Coming from him, that’s high praise, and I’ll be clinging to that memory in the days and weeks to come.
After hemming and hawing about buying a new saddle, I finally ordered the Julie Goodnight trail-riding saddle I’ve been eying ever since I borrowed one during her May clinic and fell in love with it. Life’s too short to procrastinate.
I’ll be having surgery this week. And as soon as I’m able to walk, whether it’s doctor-approved or not, I will be heading back out to see my colt; even if someone else has to drive me, even if I can’t sit on his back but can only lean my head against his and breathe into his velvety nostrils and promise him that soon, I’ll be back.
Because as you and I both know, horses are the best medicine.
Me and Freddie on this recent 4th of July, my last day of riding for a while. | Photo courtesy of Amy Herdy
Sending good thoughts your way. My husband was diagnosed with advanced stage colon cancer 7 years ago. His horse was his lifeline. He rode through his chemo and radiation, right up to his surgery. I wasn’t insulted when he said he wanted to wake up to pictures of his horse on his hospital room wall. After his surgery, he took his horse for long walks to get his strength back, while waiting to get back in the saddle. I can only say that while there are plenty of fearful tears shed when you hear the word cancer, you also shed some joyful tears too, like when I got to ride with my husband and watch the pure joy on his face when he finally got back in the saddle after his surgery.
We are still riding together this many years later, and this is in a situation where he had only a 15% chance of making it past year 3. So, do what you have to do to get through this and hug your horse, your lifeline!
I too had cancer but my doctors told me not to go by my horse while I was taking 7 powerful chemos, but I couldn’t stay away. because I always did my own cleaning and feeding. My daughter took over for me but my horse was not happy. So I went to the barn where he was stabled and when I got there he would put his head on my shoulder and you just knew what he was saying. mama please take care of me. He would just lay his head and not move I but I paid the price I have to go to the ER because my blood count would drop. I’ve been free of cancer for 6 yrs now and still have that 29 yr horse who loves me plus a 5 yr old mare that I take care of. You will be in my prayers. Good Riding to you in the very near future.
Thanks for sharing. Good luck and God speed with the road ahead.
It is so amazing to me that after 22 years off of riding it is the highlight of my day to go out to ride and get ‘dirty’ just being around and loving on the horse that I have borrowed from a friend. I can’t imagine getting a Breast Cancer diagnosis but I can totally understand that your ‘colt’ has become your place where you are you, not a patient or anything else. Godspeed to your speedy recovery.
My horses are my lifeline, too.
Your horse looks really gentle. He’ll help you get through this!
Best of luck!
I’ll be praying for you!!!! Mickey
God Bless you and know that I am keeping you in my prayers for a full and hasty recovery. Horses are indeed the lifeline we cling to when facing some of life’s most crtical issues. I know how you felt when you called your horse after your diagnoses and he left his buds to come to you. I had a similar experience with one of my old friends. Like you, the first thing I wanted to do after leaving the hospital after surviving a life threatening accident was to have my husband take me to see my horses. My old gelding with whom I have covered many, many miles with, and who never comes up unless he is with his buds, (because he knows that work lies ahead!), saw me painfully limping to the fence,. Before I even called him, he raised his head, whinnied to me, and trotted up, and put his head in my chest.! I cried then, and I cry as I write this; how do they know? The Lord knew what he was doing when he created this wonderful amazing creature called horse.
Stay strong, do not lose faith, and know that many you have never met are praying for you. God bless you!
Thank you for sharing your story Amy. I will keep you in my prayers and take a picture of Freddie to keep with you wherever you go——horses are God’s gift to us and it will keep you strong. God Bless You. You and Freddie are both beautiful!
Barb Daicoff
Keeping you in my prayers as you travel this journey. Remember, you are not alone. You have Freddie and your wonderful hubby. Also, all of us who read your blogs. God bless.
I too was diagnosed with an aggressive, invasive form of breast cancer eight years ago. My horse was also my lifeline. Through my chemo I rode.My horse, like yours, felt he had to be very careful with me at this time. My trainer would ride a horse he was training during my lessons so that if I needed to rest or vomit, he could work the colt and I wouldn’t feel rushed.My doctors were amazed at how well I was able to stay in shape dispite the agressive chemo I was taking. This meant they could give me the most aggressive therapy available and I was able to have my surgery and radiation as soon as the chemo was finished. My horse and my job at the barn were the reason. I had reconstructive surgery at the same time as my double mastectomy. This involved taking part of my stomach muscles and moving them to the chest. While still in the hospital I asked the surgeon when I could ride he said as soon as I could get off the pain killers. At my four week check he asked when I felt that I would be able to ride and I shocked him by answering “What do you mean when, I have.” (Just walking, but riding at least) I will say that my horse may have been too in tune with me. When my hair fell out, he rubbed his mane off, something he had never done before, and when my fingernails fell out, he developed white line and had to have a large portion of his hoof removed. Then he cut himself while I was in the hospital so that we had stitches at the same time.Thank goodness he didn’t have as many. It has been 8 years since I started treatment. I firmly believe that without my horses, I would not be here. I pray that your treatment goes smoothy and that outcome is as good as mine. Remember that you can do anything when you know it is for a good reason and has an end point.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, and while my disability isn’t life threatening, it has taken over my life so I too know what you mean when you say my horse is my lifeline. I know the only thing keeping me going are my horses and I can remember a time when things were really bad, I couldn’t even make it out regularly (it was that bad) and when I finally was able to visit my filly came running up to greet me as if to sat, “I missed you.” And in that moment everything was fine. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found solice in the saddle- the world fades away, its just you and your horse and you can see everything clearly. I keep breathing, keep fighting, for them, and I hope you will too.
I hope that you have a quick and successful recovery. I lost my father to Prostrate cancer and my horse helped me through the grief. They are wiser than we know. Good luck and please keep us all posted as to how you and Freddie progress together.
Count me among those that have you in thoughts and prayers. Horses are the very best therapy. It certainly sounds as though you’ve been blessed with a horse of empathy…they just know.
Two weeks ago I was diagnosed with a second round of melanoma, this one subcutaneous. Life presents these road blocks and hurdles; we fight and get around them the best way we know. In addition to modern technology, the best way I know is to indulge in massive amounts of horse therapy. It’s God’s way of telling us to spend time doing what we love.
Yes, you have many people that you’ve never met pulling for you. You are not alone in this. Big Freddie will be your strong, silent, stoic partner…the best therapist one could have. Remember…this is 2012 and cancer is conquerable! GOD BLESS YOU!
Your column made me cry and yearn for my horses attention. I wish you a speedy recovery. Thank you for sharing your personal thoughts with us all. You are very brave to be so vulnerable but it will be your strength through this.
I have a friend who has MS and caring for her horses helps her both physically and mentally. The most she can really do is water them but in her scooter she can visit them and they will stand with her as long as she is out with them doing nothing but doze and provide her with love and company. I suffer from severe migraines and vertigo. Riding horses is not in my best interests, but I just can’t give them up. So I moved into the world of Miniatures and Section A and B Welsh Ponies. It is so soothing just to take care of them and groom them. Any time with them is well spent. Many blessings on you and a swift recovery.
Blessings to you-you have a wonderful attitude and a wonderful horse! So glad you found each other.
Thinking of you.
Sending many prayers and blessings your way for a speedy recovery. I firmly believe that horses are God’s gift to us that help us through these challenging times.
My prayers are with you. I had a bilateral mastectomy 8 years ago. My horses had a large part of my regaining my sense of self. They will heal your soul like nothing else on this earth. God, a wonderful husband and horses. My answer to a full recovery. I pray the same for you.
Thank you for sharing with all of us what you are going through. My horse has been so helpful in my own healing that I completely agree with your article and I had to post to thank you for sharing this. My family has been enjoying your articles, books, and suggestions and frequently send them to other horsie friends. You have been helping so many people. Best of health with your healing process!
This was so insightful. Anyone who reads this, with or without a horse in their lives, will understand how important and impactful a horse is. And how we live with and for our horses and they live with and for us. Here is wishing you a speedy recovery my fellow cowgirl…
My best wishes for you! Having horses is truly the very best medicine…get well soon
So, I am not much on blogging myself, but felt very compelled to share my mother’s story. In1987/88, my mother had a masectomy bravely when diagnosis with breast cancer. When she was growing up in the ranchlands of South Dakota, she rode horseback everywhere. She did not learn to drive until much later in life as her horses were transportation as well as companions. Now at 92 years old, her battle with cancer is long forgotten to dimentia. Yet, her love of horses remain. As her daughter and primary caretaker, one of my happiest moments with my mother these days are the times that I am able to help my mother straddle a horse as she walks around a round pen and soaks in the love of that amazing equine friend we are all so in love with. FIGHT A GOOD FIGHT. GODS SPEED. May you look back as my mother does and feel blessed by your ability to share the love of a great hose.
I am a 19-year invasive breast cancer survivor who has been cancer-free for 17 years. It will, indeed, totally change your life. And in a good way, for you will live more completely from now on. At age 56 I bought the horse I’d wanted all my life, and at age 58 my sweet husband and I sold our lovely lake home for a 69-acre farm that, at that time, had only a beautiful barn, a good well, and LOTS of barbed-wire fences on it. 6 months later we had a lovely new house, and moved in on January 23 of 2011–the coldest day of the year in Superior, WI. Spent the winter removing barbed wire, and in May brought 2 of our 3 horses home, the 3rd came in July. Our horses always know, and I am SO glad you have your Freddie to accompany you on this great adventure. As with all adventures, it will have scary times, painful times, and times of big and little victories and surprises. Reading the above stories of my sister survivors, I am not surprised that horses were so much a part of their journeys. Seriously, all great adventures are best travelled with your beloved steed to get you through brambly pathways and across the lovely meadows to your destination. Travel well, rest often, and have faith.
I also will be praying for you. May God bless you with a speedy recovery.
Stay strong and confident. When it’s time, I want to be in the chorus from your faithful followers to tell you to, “Now get back on that horse, then get writing!”
I am so sorry to hear about your health problem. My prayers & thoughts are with you. With Freddie by your side, you sure with conquer the cancer & get back on your beloved horse. Have a speedy recovery & keep us up with your progress. Thank you for all your writing, it seems like you are one of my horse friends.
God bless you both!
Amy, I am keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Amy, You have a lot of “sisters” out there. I was on my horse a week after my mastectomy. He is a tall horse and I could not lift my left arm. After 60 years of mounting from the left, my left leg refused to swing over the saddle, So, with the help of my friends and a step ladder, I made it. And just like I made that first struggle, I made it through the rest of the ordeal. So will you. We horse people don’t have time to feel sorry for our selves. We have 1200 pound animals to take care of, trails to explore, and yes, stalls to clean. Please go to http://www.ridethetrailtoacure.org to see how our Grey Mare Society turned my breast cancer into an event to bring awareness to our equestrian world and raise funds for local breast cancer support groups.
What would we do without our horses? I’ll be praying for you.
I’ll be thinking of you. Had the scare but different results but I’ll be praying for you just the same! Horses are the best medicine, and the best therapy. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
I’m sending you all the best heartfelt wishes for a full recovery! Never give up – you can beat breast cancer!!! I did. Keeping a positive attitude really does help you heal. I found that the cancer journey kept me right in the moment, just flowing with whatever was happening in each moment. And yes, horses help! And dogs too.
LIfe throws us crazy intense curve balls when we least expect it, but I believe EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING. Freddie with his unconditional love for you, and your emotional connection with him will pave the way for many happy trails together for years to come. Thank you for sharing your story. Prayers of healing and courage are sent your way please keep us posted. Let us be your virtual support system…all wild and crazy women who love our equine companions as much as they love us. You ride ‘em cowgirl…..we are pulling for you!
This may be the most insightful column I’ve ever read about who we are as horse people. Thank you for letting us know and for showing us — once more — how horses enrich our lives. As someone else commented here, “it seems like you are one of my horse friends” and I always look forward to what you have to say.
So very sorry to read about your diagnosis. But several things ARE so true…cancer IS a full-time job. (husband was diagnosed with stage 4 small cell lung 7 months ago). I am healthy, thank God, but bear the burden just the same. He was “born” on a horse, and cowboyed for decades, but hasn’t ridden in more recent years. Sadly, I don’t think he has the strength now. I even suggested he get a gelding he could ride (he has a retired ranch gelding who’s close to 30).
Second…horses ARE a lifeline. Despite all the negative things going on in other areas of life, dealing with the horses and their caretaking is a terrific antidote to the toxicity of a close family member with basically terminal illness. As for riding, 100% of your attention BETTER be on the horse, so yes, it’s the best mental respite I know.
Best wishes for most positive outcome possible.
Amy – My horses also served as my lifeline after I was diagnosed with breast cancer 7 years ago. I would come home from my radiation treatment, fortunately no chemo, and head straight for the barn. Just hugging them and brushing them was excellent therapy and they seemed to know I needed their soft breath and their nickers. One of my horses actually found my cancer by constantly biting my breast and after landing a bite and breaking the skin it just didn’t heal correctly. My doctors were concerned enough to do another mammogram even though I had had one 6 months earlier and they found the lump. My one horse kept trying to bite my breast until the day of the surgery, and he has never tried to bite it since. He sure knew something I didn’t know! Lumpectomy surgery followed, then radiation and then tamoxifin for 5 years, but there has been no relapse. All through it my horses were always there to give me that extra attention. I hope your results are as positive as mine have been. Good wishes for a good outcome. Get back to your horse as soon as you can. I was in the barn in 3 days, and riding after a month.
Amy, my prayers are with you for a complete and speedy recovery. We should never underestimate the healing power of our dear horses. My horse sensed my needs and helped me through the death of my son 5 years ago in August. She was diagnosed with EPM just a few weeks after my son’s death so we walked long walks and talked long talks as we healed each other. I pray that you will be back in the saddle again soon.
Your spirit and the love of your horse, family and friends will get you through all of this. As Churchill said ” There is nothing like the outside of a horse for the inside of a man.”. Horses are the best medicine. I will pray for you and keep you in my thoughts. Freddie will always be there with love and a good ear. Best wishes for a good outcome.
I wish you the best!
Going through the same now. Bilateral mastectomy and chemo still, my boy IS my lifeline! I got back in the saddle almost immediately and been riding through out. Know you are not alone!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My ex-husband is going through his second round with follicular lymphoma (thanks to Agent Orange in Viet Nam) and having a very rough time.
I am not able to spend as much time with my horses as I would like but everyone is right-they are our lifelines!
Hand in there!
Prayers for you and your family. Keep on using that lifeline, your husband, family and colt will bring you through this.
Amy, My thoughts and prayers are with you!!! I am so glad you have Freddie for your lifeline! Thanks for sharing your story! Please keep us updated on your fight!
I thought I had the flu, then in one day I got the news you have an invasive molar pregnancy. It’s an extremely rare event, one my doctor had never seen in his 20+ years except in books.
At the time I was half leasing a mare and picking up riding after many years away. Just prior to my second round of chemo the family who owned her put her up for sale. I called my husband in tears thinking about the money, I might lose my job because I was sick, or worse. He just said “Stop. You NEED this horse. Call them back and see what they will work out.” They did and the Dr. who owned her even stopped in to visit me in the hospital. After emergency surgery my one goal was to get back on and ride again. That happened January 1 of 2005. We haven’t stopped yet and my lifeline has been with me ever since. We do shows now and I have done more than I’d ever dreamed I would do. We even won a season grand championship a couple years ago.
This October I’ll celebrate 7 years of great health with my gal Secret, our two other horses, my husband, two dogs, two cats and our goat. Yes, I have a big family of four legged kids now!
It’s apparent that horses are the lifeline for many of us and I’m so glad you have shared your story. I hope along your journey you will continue to share more and I hope some of our stories will help you as well.
All my thoughts and prayers are with you for a safe journey. I’m glad you have your lifeline too. They really do know.
I am very sad to hear of your diagnosis, Amy, but as a two-time survivor of breast cancer, I can tell you that it is not the end of the world. My horses were a wonderful lifeline and inspiration for me both times when I was going through it. Nothing is quite like a horse for cheering you up or giving you positive goals to work toward, and I can tell your colt Freddie will be in your corner all the way. In the meantime, follow the best treatment plan you can, keep yourself healthy, and spend as much time as you can with your colt. It doesn’t even matter what you do–it’s being with them that counts. I went so far as to participate in several Charles de Kunffy seminars when I was going through treatment the first time (I didn’t have to do chemo that time). I had wanted to do it before and always put it off because of the money, but funny how you can find it when you need to! God bless you dear. I’ll certainly be praying for you.
Hated to read of your diagnosis…..damn that C word and diagnosis!!!! But I will be praying for you and I so appreciate your honesty in all of your writings…..Pray you get the best and wisest Drs. there are, and encourage you to read everything you can about also changing diet and environment to encourage health. We can’t take out all the negatives, but every little bit helps your body fight. And yes, spend as much time as you can with your horse and enjoy that new saddle!!! May God grant you peace and courage to fight this battle, and remember He is also with you….He is the ultimate healer!!!
My prayers are with you! I enjoy your stories and posts on here. Take care of yourself and keep touching that horse. You will come through this!
When God closes one door he opens another! I too am a cancer survivor. So I do know what you are going through both physically and mentally. It is a long hard road to travel, but with the support that you will get from your horses, friends, and family, you will conquer it! We are survivors! I lost my leg (high thigh amputation) due to osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) when I was 16 yrs old. The doctors told me I would never ride again after my surgery because I would not have a leg….well guess what …I do ride today. I just had to figure out how to ride. My horse is now 35 years old . I just retired her this year and I am currently working with another horse. So keep your chin up and look to the future, because you have the courage and determination to beat this because you are a fighter! God bless! Hassy
Hi Amy, i had a mastectomy of my right breast 4 yrs ago.I am 62 yrs young.
I had them send my tissue and do a onco dx test, i came back at 6% I was a stage 1 and i did not have any chemo or radiation. No medication of any kind. When i awoke i did not have any pain never have. After a few wks i was back riding again. God will bring you through this. Freddy will be there to help. I am praying for a speedy recovery.
HUGS AMY. Judy
Hi, Amy.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you. I will identify with my horse being my lifeline. Had herniated disc. The thought of waiting a year to ride made me crazy, but I followed orders and rode a year to the day.
Ride on, my dear, ride on.
I too felt my horse was my lifeline
but after 11 weeks po major surgery I was riding and two dogs came at us out of the woods. He spooked badly whipped around I went off now I have 5 pelvic fractures. So now I can’t ride take care of him nothing. Very frustrated not sure if my days of riding might be over. I am wheelchair bound for another month at least. You obviously have that relationship with Freddie that I long for with my horse . I wish you a very speedy recovery and pray soon you will be rid of the demon cancer best of luck . Linda Flynn 7-10-2012
Am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I am a cancer survivor and I believe you are too! We serve a big God and may you have peace through this ordeal.
Stay with it. Lot’s of folks thinking about you! Jim
Thank you everyone for your kind words and well wishes. We spoke with Amy after her surgery yesterday and she’s doing well. Definitely itching to get back out to the barn.
Amy wanted to pass on her thanks for the happy thoughts and prayers for her and her family.
As she progresses we’ll keep you all updated on her status.
Tiffany from MyHorse Daily
Hi Amy, I almost cried as I read this. I so understand what you are saying about your horse being your heaven! I am having one of the worst years of my life. Husband in hospital in January with irregular heart rate, Mother-in-law diagnosed with cancer and passing from the cancer, then my brother was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. To top it off horse has soft tissue damage, not a bad thing really, becuase it means I have to go to the barn every day. She is my heaven!!! You will be in my thoughts and prayers. look after yourself.
Hi Amy,
Your willingness to share what’s happening in your life truly touched me! I truly understand the concept of your horse being your life line. Stay strong Amy! I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers for a complete and quick recovery!!!!
God bless,
Nancy Resop
I wasted 60 years of my life without a horse, and when we finally connected it was an instant match. Like you, I was diagnosed with cancer, and in the few months of biopsies, exams, and waiting for surgery my horse was the one escape I could count on. My surgery in January was successful and like others who have commented , I was back on him the day I was cleared. In a horrible twist of fate, however, he was just diagnosed with a terminal cancer. In the few remaining months it will be my privilege to be his lifeline.
Hi Amy,
Thank you for sharing your story with us. I’m currently attending Bob Jeffreys and Suzanne Sheppard’s ProTrack Training Certification program. One of the wonderful ladies going through the program with me was just recently diagnosed with an agressive form of breast cancer as well. It was a shock to hear the news, but she has a really positive attitude and lots of support as you do. I will keep you both in my prayers. Sending positive healing energy!
Lisa
I always enjoy your blog and your openness is heartwarming. Keeping good thoughts for you and knowing your horse will see you through!
Amy – so many before have said it better, but just had to add because all of us feel we know you and you are a friend. So dear friend – only the very best wishes to you. There is no doubt you will not only survive, but be stronger. You HAVE a huge support group – all are sending healing thoughts. Focus on healing – you will heal!
I was diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer in the fall of 2009 had a bilateral mastectomies with immediate reconstruction. In four months both tissue expanders had to be removed leaving me with a terribly scarred chest. It took me a long time to decide to repeat reconstruction but I had my Latissimis Dorsi bilateral breast reconstruction the end of Feb 2012 and my Arabian colt Gino was my incentive to heal rapidly and prove to my plastic surgeon that I could get on my horse without a mounting block 6 weeks after surgery. I spent time with Gino nearly every day since he is just out the door as a youngster he seemed to know to be gentle and patient with me while I was healing. I had 6 drains after surgery and couldn’t try to ride until the last drains were removed April 3rd. So I’ll be thinking about you and encourage you to be couragious in all you do.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery and a little latin for you to remember. Illigitimus noncarbarumdum (Don’t let the bastards wear you down, or something like that).
I wish only the best for you during this difficult journey. You are blessed to have such a wonderful, young, therapist to help you. Be brave and strong. Many prayers for God to lay his healing hand on you will be said. May you have a quick recovery.
God Bless you and your family on this journey! I couldn’t stop thinking of you after I read your story. I will be praying for you!
Luke 8:50
Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” (NIV)
Thinking of you Amy and sending positive thoughts.
Prayers for your swift return to perfect health from J, Doc, and the herd.
Good grief Amy! Sending you all my best wishes and positive vibes. Still owe you a picture!!!!
Thanks for sharing with us. I will keep you in thoughts and prayers. Nugget , my MFT, is the best “doctor” in the house!
Amy, I, too, went through treatment with my horses. My mare was in the equine hospital for surgery for an abscessed tooth at the same time I was in for breast cancer surgery. Having chemo and being around horses is trickier, but I had my pictures to carry me through. May God carry you gently through this time. I hope you are encouraged by all these survivors. I’ve had 9 years of experiences and memories beyond treatment. I am sad that you’ve been admitted to the club, but it does have a lot of great members. Hugs, BJ
Love your blog, Thanks so much for your open heart to share your story. I am having to retire my older gelding and have been shopping for a new horse…hard to do when my guy has been my therapist and best friend all these years. Nothing better for the soul than a horse! I will praying for you during this difficult time. God has a perfect plan for you and loves you…he will use you to encourage others. Bless you! Isaiah 41:10
I wish you all of the best and may you be back with Freddie Riding the Range
Quickly.
Thanks for sharing your story. I passed along a link to it in our HoofPrints newsletter here http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs009/1101533203510/archive/1110500314224.html Will keep you in prayers…
Thank you so much for sharing your story! Wow…I’m passing it along to the fans at Sport Horse Products so they too can be as inspired as I was when I read it!
Sending you healing thoughts, prayers and the very best wishes as you begin this journey!
Sport Horse Products – Cindy Corwin
A big thank you to everyone’s warm wishes. Also a shout out to HoofPrints.com for linking to the story. (here’s the link to their newsletter http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs009/1101533203510/archive/1110500314224.html)
As we get updates from Amy and her progress we’ll be sure to pass them along.
Thanks,
Tiffany from MyHorse Daily
Amy- Somehow I missed this whole thing…Just caught up on your battle. I am pryaing for you now daily- you’re on the daily list! Please keep us updated if you can. I am so sorry to hear this, and I know that God will answer – He has promsied to do that! Hold Him to it! Thank you for everything you do for us all, and if there is anything I, or we, can do please dont hesitate!!! The invitation to ride Lost Park to you and yoru husband is still on! Let’s do it!! When will the horse be ready??
For your info, my mom went through what sounds like the same thing you are facing. That was 12 years ago, and she’s going strong!
God is faithful and He will answer! Trust Him!
Ron Zaccagnini
What’s the latest news with you? It is now Oct. & I would love to know how you are doing & if you have been able to get back to riding?? B.W.