Mary Lou
On determination…
“When I grew up, you didn’t hear the word ‘cancer.’
People got ‘the Big C’ and then you went to their funeral.
So, that’s what went through my mind. I had ‘the Big C’ and then next thing would be my funeral. I was scared to death.
My diagnosis was I wasn’t supposed to live the year.
And that was 14 years ago.
I went home and decided I would go to bed and die. My husband said, ‘You are not going to lay in this bed and die. I will not allow it.’
And I didn’t.
He took such good care of me. I feel like I’ve gotten a second chance.
Forget the statistics. I had a 35% chance. I wish I never heard that.
Every day I’m alive, I’m changing statistics.”
“I copped an attitude. Nothing can touch me. You don’t know where I’ve been. You can’t hurt me more than I’ve already been hurt.
It’s attitude.
Good or bad, it’s mine.
I’ve got living to do and I’m going to do it. Before you understand life, you have to look death in the face.
Then, you understand life.”
Mary Lou Poteat | 71 | Fort Pierce, FL | wife to Ed | mother of Lamarcia, Melenda, Lucretia and Doug | retired beautician
Diagnosis: Inflammatory Breast Cancer Stage III May 1996 | R Mastectomy August 1996 | Chemotherapy May – August 1996 | Radiation 1997 | Survivor
6 Comment to “Mary Lou”
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I love your pictures, but the one of you and Lamarcia says it all! You are a great team!
Oh Mommie…You look BEAUTIFUL…
Mommie,
I call you that cause that is what Lamarcia calls you. You are a very strong woman who looks absolutely awesome in these pictures. Your story is inspiring. I thought I knew alot, but then I read all of our stories and learned so much more. I am glad to have you in my life. You have an awesome daughter who I love so dearly. Thank you for being alive and apart of my life.
I love you Mary Lou.
Betsy
Mary Lou,
You are one of my oldest and dearest friends and I’m so thankful and blessed that I still have you! You are such an inspiration to me and an absolute joy! I’m glad you beat this and am glad that you’ll be here for me – others as well – for a long time! Tom is also grateful for your friendship as well as Ed’s. THANK YOU for all you have taught me. I love you LOTS!!!!
Love – Harriet
Thinking of you, Mary Lou. Hang in there, you are loved by SO many. What a powerful testimony you have, and what a beautiful family you’ve raised. I hope I do as well as you with my four boys. Remember, God is always in control, even when things are crazy and make no sense. You are loved and held in the palm of His hand.
Love Always,
Nicole
Praying for you…waiting to hear of your full recovery. So blessed you came into my life…thank you for being you and sharing your fighter spirit.