I’ve made several attempts at writing this section and to be honest, it’s hard! I have decided to highlight areas of my life that are important to me and share them with you.
On August 19, 2013, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Triple-Negative Invasive Ductal Carcinoma breast cancer. I have a six month chemo treatment plan, double mastectomy surgery and radiation. I have a journey ahead of me but like someone very special said to me, “You will be standing in front of this soon”, and it’s true. Cancer has a way of putting your life on hold. With God carrying me and my loved ones supporting me everyday, I am able to walk through this journey of cancer with a sense of comfort and peace that cannot be put into words.
My purposes for keeping a blog during this time are; keeping loved ones informed of my status; communicating to family and friends how their continual unconditional love and support carries me; bringing light and hope to others facing challenges through my testimony; inspiring those experiencing FEAR to Face Everything And Rise .
Inspiration is revelation. I pray that God writes these pages through me, leaving nothing out so that you may be inspired.
I have called Houston, Texas my home for the last 28 years. God has blessed me with a Modern Family. My mom is one of the most strongest and loving women I know. She has done more for me than I could ever give back to her. You’ve heard the quote, “going beyond the call of duty”, Mom goes beyond that. My Aunt Brenda holds a special place in my life and heart. I consider myself to be her daughter, too (second momma). Here’s a shout out to Auntie, “Thanks for always being my safety net.” When I think of Dad I think; gentle-spirit; patience; unconditional love; slow to anger. My dad is my cornerstone. Seventeen years ago, Dad married Winkie (third momma!). Winkie is my funny momma! We laugh, we cry, we sing, and we study God’s encouraging and nurturing words together. The icing on the cake of this Modern Family are my brothers and sister, Kenneth “Wolfy”, Lochlin, Alexander and Louisa . . . talk about CRAZY FUN! You will be hearing more about them, and our motley crew in posts to come.
School wasn’t my thing but I did try! I’ve been working since I graduated high school at 17. After working a few minimum wage jobs, I decided to give college a whirl . . . that didn’t last long. Learning outside of the classroom seems to be my joy. I’ve had jobs ranging from finance, oil and gas, car sales, men’s clothing, restaurant service to temporary agencies. You name it, I worked it.
I stayed busy for many years searching for the right fit. A job where I could help, encourage and love others, while earning a living, would fulfill that desire . . . praise the Lord, I found it . . . at DEFINE. My boss Henry has created an environment of love, encouragement and peace within the realm of physical exercise. When I joined the DEFINE family, I had no idea that it would be me receiving what I wanted to give others. In posts to come, there will be more about this amazing place and the support they are during the biggest challenge of my life.
Music is a great passion of mine. It heals me and speaks to me. I like to pop on my headphones, plug into my laptop, research and listen to all types of music, creating new playlists.
Traveling outside of the U.S. is one of my dreams. Lebanon will be my first stop because it’s part of my culture. I also love to cook, eat and try new healthy foods!
I’m a really happy gal . . . always . . . I love people . . . they make me smile. I’ve made wonderful friends from all walks of life. I have an incredible family whom I adore and I know they probably think they love me more . . . I think I’m winning. I am super blessed to have such an amazing place to call home in my profession. I have a strong and very close relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ and He has my heart . . . truly. Without Him by my side, life would be a lot harder for me. This brings me to my next subject . . .
. . . life throws us curveballs. Sometimes we get knocked down hard. We can respond to these pitches in FEAR and stay down OR we can Face Everything And Rise (F.E.A.R). My dad shared this with me before I was diagnosed, it has since taken on a whole new meaning. Though I walk through this journey of cancer, I am not alone. I will continue. I will run the race and I will Face Everything And Rise. Thank you for reading. I hope you stay with me! Trust that God is Good!
With Great Love,
Kirby
Dear Kirby,
What a beautiful site you’ve created!!! I love you and am very proud of you!!!
I believe God will use you to touch and impact countless numbers of people for Him as you walk through this journey. Keep the faith my baby girl!!!
Love you,
Your Daddy
Kirbs,
One of the best gifts you have is your sweet, sensitive grace. You have the ability of making someone feel like the most special person in the room through your smile and ease. I’ve been watching you grow with grace every step of this journey, and I’m so proud of you. I love you lots.
Rebecca
Kirby,
You are one of the most beautiful persons I know inside and out! Truly amazing lady!! I love everything about you from head to toe, your personality, how you can walk into a room and leave with a million friends, your laugh, remarkable skin and hair, your excellent restaurant choices and recommendations, (yes I have been to lunch with you a time or two, hehe) I could go on and on, and especially your faith in and love for Jesus Christ!
You are one-in-a-million and I am so blessed and honored to have you as a friend!!!
Love you forever,
Renee
I admire you more than you know sweet girl! Honestly would do anything to take this all from you, but your positive outlook and continuous smile has always been an inspiration to so many of us and I KNOW that HE will get you through this. Praying for you to continue to stay encouraged..we are all here for you!! Love you!! Xo Laurie
So proud of you! You a strong woman, so tender hearted and giving. Thank you for sharing such a personal journey. I know it will help many understand and even more who are experiencing the process. Keep inspiring -you do an amazing job now! Love you!
Kirby,
My hat off to you for your words. My praise for your strength, faith and love of life.
I think of you often and pray for you everyday!
You are an inspiration!
Miss you! Your Define family loves you and misses you!
God Bless,
Lesley Marquez
You are beautiful inside and out. I love this post. Thank you for sharing your journey with others. You, my dear, are so inspiring. Send positive thoughts and prayers your way. Kelsey Byers
Dear Kirby,
I am sad to read of your diagnosis; yet my heart is warmed knowing God has great plans to come from your persevering through this trial and tribulation placed before you. I have no doubt that a woman as beautiful and loved by as many as you will literally change others lives. I am sorry you are having to endure this testing of your clearly rock solid faith, and will keep you in my prayers as you continuing rising each day.
““Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Corbett
I am praying for you Kirby! Love you and miss you!
Kirby
…thank you so much. You don’t know me and I don’t know you, but you gave me hope this morning. I don’t have cancer, but I do have many hardships right now to go along with my many blessings. I also will F.E.A.R. And I will be looking in on you. <3
-Cori-
Dear Kirby,
What a beautiful and inspiring spirit you have! Your strength and courage will get you through these coming months. I’m sending you lots and lots of love and positive energy.
With love,
Jackie
Wow what an incredible idea! I will follow your journey and pray for you to heal and stay cancer free forever. Mom went through it last year and it can be scary, but as you said surround yourself with those that will lift you up. YOU CAN RISE & CONQUER.
Kirby, you are truly inspirational, we will definitely stand behind you in prayer and if you need anything we are just a call away. Love your site.
Chris
Awesome post Kirbs! Keep them coming and know that you’ve got a ton of friends that love you and care about you a lot!
Smoochie boochies,
Sammy
Thanks for sharing your story and journey with us! I am rooting for you and I am confident that you will beat this.
Kirby, I’m so glad to get some news from you, as I know you’ve been inundated with tons of texts and emails. I’ve been waiting for your blog anxiously! You’ve written a beautiful message, and I hope you have the time and energy to continue posting. I’ll bookmark this and check back frequently. Much love, your “big sis” Joanne.
Beautiful post Kirby! You need to add writing to your life skills because this first post felt like we were all sitting with you in a conversation. I can even picture your beautiful smile and feel your positive energy. I’m a “sister in the bond” with you and lifting you up on this journey. We miss you dearly and I’m sending you love every day!
Maurine
Kirby,
With a mentality like yours, I do believe you’ll win your battle and rise. I don’t know you so well, however, the first time I met you, I was amazed by your constant smiles and by the happiness and joy you spread around you. I’m sure your inner qualities will make you stand, fight and rise. All your friends will be on your side.
Dear Kirby,
You know I’m here for you…there hasn’t been one day since you shared this challenge that I don’t think of you. You are in my prayers and you are a TRUE inspiration.
I would like to add to your Dads amazing lesson of F.E.A.R. (Face Everything and Rise) on a note that you have already shared in your blog: We should choose FAITH over FEAR, but if you combine FAITH and your version of F.E.A.R. then you will RISE! I will be here for you!
I adore you sweetie!
Daniela
GO KIRBY!!! You can beat it! God Bless You.
Thank you for being brave, thank you for sharing and thank you for allowing us into your life. You are strong and beautiful and will get through this. I look forward to your post.
In the bond. And yes, both classroom and life experiences are needed, glad to know you used the world as your classroom.
Kirby-
Thank you so much for creating this blog. Not a day goes by that you haven’t been in my thoughts even though we’ve only known each other a short time. You are truly inspiring and your blog gives such clarity to the struggles and triumphs you are experiencing. I look forward to reading more about your journey and watching you as you walk in front of this one day:-)
Xoxo
Kirby,
From the first moment I met you I said..”what a great energy this girl has”…”I want to meet her and be her friend”…and being your friend today is one of the greatest gifts of my life. You became someone super special right away, I felt in love with your persona, smile and consider myself super fortunate to be your friend. I look forward to our next “Kibbeh” encounter to celebrate life and your F.E.A.R. being accomplished.
Love you,
Marcela
Keep your head high! My aunt is a breast cancer survivor, keep positive thoughts always and if you ever need anything don’t even hesitate!
Jay + Susannah Kulkarni
Kirby, you’re an inspiration. You’re so beautiful inside and out.
Erika Ta
Kirbs,
I am so so proud of you! What a beautiful courageous blog. I think of you so many moments every single day. Your strength and grace makes all those around you better.
You will beat this awful disease and your beautiful attitude will help others beat it too.
I am here to help you every way I know how.
Thank you for helping me through my journey, now it is my honor to help you.
Love you,
Jane
Sweet girl,
I am your MD Anderson friend. Love your update and to know God is blessing you with peace and strength. Much love with a lot of prayers from Corpus Christi! Mi casa ed’s su casa.
sharron Spears
Kirby- You’re an inspiration to me… So happy, so positive and so full of love. You were an inspiration before your diagnosis and you’ll continue to be an inspiration long after you’ve beaten this disease. I love you and miss seeing you so often (especially eating with you!). And remember… I know it true… God doesn’t give you more than you can handle. When it gets hard – just ask Him to carry you.
Love- katie
Kirby,
Great way to keep us updated. I pray that you beat this battle! Stay strong!
P.s. Greece is amazing…it’s a must!
xx
Voula
My beautiful, pure, faithful, God loving girl. Your smile radiates the light straight from His throne… You are a walking tower of strength, joy, hope and love. I love you Kirbita, I am standing in complete agreement and you SHALl RISE! Keep sharing your heart!!!
Kirby,
Your story will inspire so many people – your attitude and ability to meet adversity head on make you an inspiration to those with cancer and to all of us who are sharing this journey with you. Continue to inspire and share your story as you are able. You will change the world!
LOVE!
Kate
Kirby I wish you all the best and for a full recovery soon! It was a pleasure meeting you at US Fiduciary! You were a great co-worker, friend and such a friendly person!
I will keep you in my prayers.
Love,
Jessica
You are an inspiration Kirby!! In the words of Marianne Williamson: “We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Love you!!!
Kirby,
You have a radiance that simply glows and this light touches all that you meet.
Our thoughts, prayers, well wishes, and positive energy are all coming your way.
So proud of you!
xx
Kirby,
Your post was so beautifully said. You are in my thoughts during this hard time. YOU are going to Kick this. I am here for you if you need anything at all.
Melissa
Kirby!!! We love you and you are such a beautiful person with such positive energy! You will beat this and all your dreams will come true! Keeping you in our prayers!
xxx L & Z
I picture you making your journey a crusade to help so many others who are struggling and feeling failure. You will indeed rise and in your fight, help others do the same. God has opened a door where He needs your help…Much love and support to you. Sharron Spears from Corpus Christi
KIRBY is Kicking, Inspiring, Rallying, Believing, and Yumdiddly-awesome!!!
I miss you and am praying for you
God is Good – I too am a survivor stage 3 Ovarian. Special Blessings.
As
Hi Kirby, I love your blog. I worked with Joanne W. a few years ago, and I remember her talking about you, as she referred to you as her “little sister.” The Lord will continue to bless you and provide that peace beyond understanding. Sending lots of love and blessings, ~Ana F.
hi kirby. we have met before at define. i loved the energy and passion you would bring to your classes, especially when mine was depleted. i was very sad to hear about your cancer months ago, yet did not know how to reach out or say hello. i am so proud of your FEAR and love having that as a new mantra. i was diagnosed in august 2011 with stage 3 colorectal cancer. i had a tough year and was finally feeling good and doing well. dec 2013, and a few dr visits later, i am now stage 4 and back in treatment. reading your post today was inspiring, so thank you for that. i appreciate your strength, wisdom and grace. big hugs, sari
Sas was here on 1/29/14.
Happy Birthday!!!!
You know how I feel about you!
No need to waste space on your home page.
LOVE U
Kirby,
I am so sad and yet incredibly inspired by your courage and perspective. I am just now learning about your condition. I am in Argentina but when I return in August, I want to see you.
Love always, Randall
Oh Kirby! What an inspiration to us all! Our prayers continue to flow for you. You are truly amazing! Thank you for the wonderful updates!