I woke up this morning to a heart attack... so to speak.  My sweet, amazing neighbors got together and made enough love notes to fill our porch.  This little gesture of love was one of many that gave me the strength that I needed to face the very difficult road ahead.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on August 19, 2011.  I was 33 years old with no history of breast cancer in my family.  To say that the diagnosis came as a shock would be the understatement of the year.  After finding a lump, having an ultrasound, and a mammogram, I just knew that it would be a cyst or fibroid that would easily be taken care of.  I didn't have time for cancer in my life.

After the initial diagnosis, there was a whirlwind of doctor's visits all filled with words like:

Grade 2 Tumor”

“Stage 3 Lobular breast cancer”

“Chemotherapy”

“Radiation”

“Mastectomy”

Reconstructive surgery”

What?  These are not words that I should be hearing!  I'm too young!  I have 4 kids to raise and a husband that I want to grow old with.  I have a bucket list filled with things I haven't done yet!  These are words that you hear other people talk about in regards to a friend or relative - not in regards to yourself.

Nevertheless, I found myself starting an unexpected journey.  One that has been filled with ups and downs, good days and bad days.  A journey that has already taught me so many things, including the true meaning of Christlike love and service.

When I was first diagnosed, I knew that this would not be a “private disease.”  I knew that I needed a ton of support if I was going to make it through this battle.  So I used the best tool I could think of - my blog.  It was the fastest way to spread the word, and spread it did.  I could not believe the immediate outpouring of love and support from my family and friends.  I had no idea that so many people cared so deeply about me.  It was overwhelming at times.

When I went in for my first surgery, I issued a little challenge to anyone who was willing to participate.  Lumpectomy Friday became Pink Friday.   I asked my family and friends if they would send me a picture of them wearing pink.  I was expecting a few pictures.  I ended up with over 100.  It blew my mind to think that so many people cared enough about me to support me in this battle.

The day I started chemotherapy was surreal.  I could not believe that this was going to be my life for the next little while.  As I was sitting in the recliner at the cancer center with the chemo med running through my veins, I received a text message.  What I saw on my phone brought a fresh bout of tears as I looked at a picture of the entire student body and staff of the elementary school where I had just served as PTA president for 2 years.  Most of them were wearing pink and they were all making the “I Love You” sign.  As I sat there with tears streaming down my face, I felt an overwhelming sense of love.  I felt the love of every single person who had sent me a picture, made a comment on my blog, said a prayer for me, thought about me, or had called me with words of encouragement.  Not many people get to experience such an outpouring of love and support, and I feel incredibly lucky to be counted among those that have.

My journey continues, and I know that I will hit rock bottom a few more times before I win the battle.  However, the good news about being at rock bottom is - the only way to go is up.  I will be able to make that climb up because my Heavenly Father has blessed me with a massive support system who will love me and lift me to the top.

As difficult as her journey has been, Desirae Ogden is thankful for the lessons she has learned and the opportunities fighting cancer has given her. She absolutely loves being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ and the opportunities it has given her to serve others and to be happy. She enjoys music, a good crafting session (sewing, wood crafts, digital scrapbooking, etc.) and just starting to dabble in songwriting. Desirae taught preschool for about 10 years and  currently serves on the Stake Young Women Camp Committee. She and her husband, Mark, were married in the Salt Lake Temple and have 4 amazing kids.

Desirae blogs at One Day at a Time