Friendship:Two weeks ago, three friends brought a very special gift to my doorstep—a hand-made quilt. The secret—that bunches of women from my MOMS Club group had been meeting and creating a patchwork of support for me—never got out. I was surprised and flattered and honored that so many moms contributed by cutting and sewing and assembling this gift for me. Twenty-one moms signed my quilt—with their names and messages like "before flowers grow, there must be rain. You will get a whole garden!" When I wrap up in my new quilt, I know I am not alone.

Survivorship:This past Friday, I participated in the Gainesville Relay for Life event. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, this is an all-night walk for cancer survivors and caregivers and community supporters. I didn't walk all night—but I did walk the survivor lap where my name was announced, along with all other survivors who walked with me.

My support team was with me at the event—John, Joey, Danny, my mom, my sister, and my niece Jordan. We got a free meal and I got a free purple t-shirt. We listened to music and visited with friends. They boys ate snow cones (Danny shared his with me) and played in a pile of dirt. And we took in the sights—which were dominated by purple shirts worn by those who are surviving cancer. Some were younger than me; some were older. Some were men. Many were women. Regardless, they are like me and I am surely not alone.

Partnership:Yesterday I had three appointments. I received my sixth radiation treatment and then met with a radiation oncologist. Then I met with my medical oncologist—this is the doctor who oversees chemotherapy and monitors me for five years after diagnosis. This oncologist is the one who told me I do not need to continue chemotherapy and who seems genuinely concerned with my health and well-being. He takes time to answer my questions (I always have a lot) and he reminds me that I am not alone—he is my partner as I navigate this breast cancer journey.