My name is Cheryl Owens Patterson. I am a mother, sister, employee, friend, parishioner and Stage 4 cancer patient. I told my very personal story at the encouragement (some would say insistence) of those who love me in the hope that my life and journey will be a source of encouragement for the countless women, families and friends who daily fight this battle. I reside in Pennsylvania with my dog, and I have two grown sons.

While I continue to fight this battle, I have chosen to live life to the fullest. I overcame my fear of water, at the age of 44, by learning how to swim and now it is part of my weekly routine. I overcame my fear of heights and jumped out of a plane, also at the age of 44, just because I could. It was amazingly fun! Recently I went to Italy with my three best friends and had a blast. Check out my blog for photos (I have recently disabled my blog for the simple reason that I have been too lazy and busy to keep it updated. Sorry!).

In 2005 the cancer was classified as Stage 4, having spread into both lungs and my spine and the chest wall. Slowly, through alternative methods, the tumors became inactive and I lived cancer-free for a while. Unfortunately, in 2010 the tumors reactivated on the chest wall, some lymph nodes and again on the spine. I have increased the intravenous vitamin therapy, and added in some traditional Chinese medicine, along with an increased awareness of the mind/body connection. It has been a grand pathway of learning and growing.

Thank you to my family and friends for your prayers and encouragement. I could never walk this pathway alone. I am ever grateful that I can now live close to my parents and extended family in beautiful central Pennsylvania, they are such a help to me.

Please feel free to contact me, add a comment or at least let me know what you are facing. No guarantees that I'll respond to everyone, but I'll do my best. Thanks for visiting!