Second Wind "A Mother's Strength": Army Soldier and Two Time Breast Cancer Survivor

By Andrea Maine

Second WIND Army Soldier and Two Time Breast Cancer Survivor, takes you on an uplifting journey of perseverance and faith. Whether you are faced with a breast cancer diagnosis or are a supporting family member or friend, you can take comfort in knowing that millions of men and women like you and me are walking, this journey with you. Inside is my heartfelt, warm and at times, fun filled story that opens your heart and allows you to accept and to survive any life altering diagnosis. We all have struggles and unforeseen circumstances that seem to set us back, but all we need to do is to trust and to believe that God sees and knows our challenges. Though your diagnosis may seem devastating, remember that you can withstand it and continue to live, to emerge, to grow and to find inner peace.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 31, 2014
• ISBN: 9781491843772

Andrea Maine

Sergeant Major Retired, Andrea Maine, is a two-time breast cancer survivor and is grateful to God for both miracles. Since her diagnosis of breast cancer, she dedicates herself to sharing God’s blessings and to sharing her heartwarming testimony of serving her country while battling breast cancer. Her 24-year career as an active duty Soldier is decorated with numerous service related awards and accolades. Andrea and her two sisters were born to Margarite Freeman and the late Andrew Spell Jr. in Columbia, South Carolina. When she is not working as a High School Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) Instructor she enjoys inspiring and mentoring youth. Andrea lives in North Carolina with her two sons, Jamel and Nicholas, where she continues her mission of motivating youth and spreading love, strength and support to every person she meets.

Book preview

AuthorHouse™ LLC

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

© 2014 Sergeant Major (Retired) Andrea Maine. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 02/18/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4918-4376-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4918-4375-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4918-4377-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013922828

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Introduction

Dedication

Chapter 1: Military Move to Alaska

Chapter 2: Birth of a Love Child

Chapter 3: Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Chapter 4: Continued Treatment Accompanied by Marriage Struggles

Chapter 5: Anxiety After Treatment

Coping While Continuing My Service Obligation

Chapter 6: Deployment to Haiti: Most Humbling Experience I’ve Ever Encountered

Chapter 7: Breast Cancer Recurrence

Chapter 8: Issues with Treatment Procedures

Chapter 9: Support From Family & Friends

Chapter 10: My Peace After the Storm

Bibliography

Introduction

Life as a single-parent Soldier had its rewards, as well as disadvantages. Being able to raise children independently was a false gratification that most women are blinded by. Anyone would welcome support and an additional adult to bear the tough burdens of raising children. I served over 24 years of military service and some days were better than others. I battled Breast Cancer twice and some days were better than others. I went through a very stressful divorce, but some days were better than others. I needed rest and recharging as much as the next woman. I loved being a mother and Soldier, but it was a struggle at times that called for drastic sacrifices. It was rough being sole provider for growing children who needed full-time nourishment, counseling, mentoring, and consoling. My life in the military caused a lot of unforeseen stress in my family, but I Soldiered on. I depended upon my mother for help with my son when he was young, which was difficult for me to exercise, because I knew it wouldn’t be easy caring for such a rambunctious youngster as this little guy. It was unfair of me to burden my mother with my responsibilities and anguish. My sisters were there to comfort me when my emotions were on overload. I remember several times living and sleeping at my youngest sister’s house thinking my family was a burden on hers, but she never complained. I also remember my middle sister leaving her job and university to come see me during my time of distress. They gave up so much for me and I’m exceedingly grateful.

Dedication

My family is my true support channel and they never complained or second guessed my request for assistance. I love and care for my family and I dedicate this book to them all; my mother Margarite Freeman, my sisters Lotoya Spell and Angela Spell-Robinson and my children Jamel and Nicholas. I love you guys with all my heart and without you my life would be incomplete.

Chapter 1

Military Move to Alaska

W ow, time was moving extremely slowly. It was 2001. I was ready to permanently change stations (PCS) and begin my new life as a married woman. But, prior to our move to Alaska, I was tasked with completing the Advanced Non Commissioned Officer Course (ANCOC), an eight week mandatory course for promotion to the next military rank. These were definitely going to be a strenuous eight weeks. I had to prepare and succeed in class, plan a wedding, and plan a major family move simultaneously.

This period in my career was very rewarding and at times overwhelming. Because of my background in training as a Drill Sergeant, I was looked upon for assistance with most ceremonial events while attending this course. Again, adding a little bit more to my already hectic life. But I’m still a Soldier so please don’t take me wrong, I love training and mentoring Soldiers; it’s what I do best. From the position as Student First Sergeant to Flag Detail to everyday precession marching, I was busy.

I loved my life and my career. My man had made it from Oklahoma and was visiting with me on the regular. My son was residing with my sister in South Carolina and doing well in school. Life was wonderful. You could see it in my walk and hear it in my talk.

"Time is progressing and the class is going well. Soon things will be moving vigorously and I look forward to my transition and life as a wife".

Two weeks until we graduated and excited would be an understatement. The gown was ordered and the Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids dresses were at the seamstress’s. My fiancé was soothing me with promises of a wonderful life; everything was going as scheduled and things were looking up. I was looking forward to spending some quality time with my family prior to the move. Virginia is beautiful and I would really miss it, but it was time to move on to bigger and broader adventures. My fiancé and I were anticipating our seven day driving trip to Alaska as husband and wife.

Seven days on the road with my new husband, my son and our darling dogs. I’m looking forward to being the best wife and friend that I could possibly be. My life is peacefully turning into something so memorable and grand.

Well, graduation was finally here and my family had arrived; my fiancé and son, my sister and her children, and my aunt. How beautiful it was to sustain the support of family during this special occasion. The military is extremely stressful on single parent families, but family support makes it all bearable. Stress is the inevitable but thanks to the love and support of my family, my military career thus far had been rewarding. Through the demanding obligations to my military career, my family has been nothing short of amazingly supportive. There were times when my mental and emotional state was tested, but the love and support of my family stood the test and I appreciate everything they did for me.

After graduation, we shared a family weekend in Northern Virginia, a small relaxation period prior to the wedding. We enjoyed a seafood feast and historical monuments, and just the joy of each other’s time. Where else does your profession allow you to live this comfortably and free of charge? The kids were having a wonderful time and no one was complaining about the lengthy walking and touring. This was the first time my nieces and nephews visited Northern Virginia and the expressions on their faces told you that this was indeed an event they would never forget. Through it all, thoughts of pure joy and happiness consumed me and it was a feeling of incredible passion.

As the weekend neared its end, I was reminded that we had three weeks until our vows and again I was overwhelmed with preparations and planning of the best ceremony possible. My special day was quickly approaching and after 31 years of my life, I was finally getting married. My military career was fast-tracking and now my personal life and family would soon be complete. Everything was falling into the order of life God had prepared for me. The wedding planner had done a marvelous job on the proposed plan and reception hall venue. She had been a diamond in the rough, with all the turmoil and chaos. The dresses and tuxedos had been fitted and tailored. The wedding party had been briefed and rehearsed. All was proceeding according to plan and I was overly excited about my special day.

Thoughts of the wedding start to consume me. I find myself over-thinking things and constantly worrying about the responsibilities the planner should have a handle on. I’m a nervous wreck but my spirits are high.

My wedding day (August 4, 2001) had come and I can remember running out to the hair salon for my spa and final preparations. Anxiety had set in and I found myself wondering if all expectations and preparations had been accomplished. I couldn’t help praying and asking God to bless me with the most special day ever. Well, I was reassured by my stylist that it was normal to feel the way I was feeling, because we all strive for perfection and try to prevent imperfections. My mind was at ease as I drove back to my sister’s house to finish dressing for my special ceremony.

Well, we’re all dressed and ready to move on to the church. Anxiety sets in and I’m forced to put those feelings aside and get on with the job at hand. I’m reminded that this is the moment I’ve been waiting for.

Our wedding was as perfect as anyone could have imagined. The church in South Carolina was elegantly adorned with flowers and pew dressings. The Bride’s & Groom’s Party were beautiful, their ensemble of forest green and black were stunning. The music (live musicians) was electrifying and memorable. My family turned out in the masses. This was truly a marvelous day for this new bride. Several of my military buddies traveled to South Carolina and made this occasion that much more special. I remember vividly being nervous, as my uncle and I walked down the isle of the church. He continued to ask me if I were O.K. and insisted that I just follow his lead as we moved from pew to pew. You see, my father had passed away four years earlier and it was an honor to have his youngest brother, give me, his oldest daughter away on her wedding day.

The ceremony was so beautiful and time actually stood still, at least in my mind, for this unforgettable occasion. Wow… let me not forget,

"I have two days and we’re off on our road trip to Alaska."

With all this in mind, I gave myself to the joy of the little time we had left with the family. My sisters planned and put on a phenomenal reception and the turnout was as amazing as at the church. We danced and ate and had a great time. Everything from the traditional removing of the garter to feeding each other cake; this had to be one of the most memorable days of my life. After the reception, it was off to our hotel suite, which was booked by my aunt at the Embassy Suites. It was quite beautiful and elegant. This was not a typical honeymoon, but nonetheless a beautiful ending to a beautiful day. My special day was winding down and the next leg of our journey was gearing up.

Well, morning meets us with a ray of sunshine and brisk winds. My Husband and I indulge in each other and afterwards a short breakfast. Yes, our time is being cut short; we will be departing for Alaska in 24hrs.

After checking out of our Honeymoon Suite, we drive about twenty miles to my sister’s house. Once we arrived, my son met the truck and expressed to me how happy he was that we were going to Alaska. Actually, I think he meant happy that we were starting a road trip and he had no more school. Nonetheless, I shared this happy moment with him as we made our way to the front door.

"This has truly become a bitter sweet moment; unbeknown to me, the next time I would