In 2019, Marge Brauer went in for an emergency hysterectomy, and three weeks after the procedure, Baurer’s gynecologist gave her news that would change her life. Brauer was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma (LMS), a very rare type of cancer.
“I was clueless. I wasn't expecting it. I didn't even know what that big word meant because I've never even seen it before. Cancer was the last thing on my mind, so it was a big shock. I'm glad my husband was with me when we were there because I walked out of his office and we were just speechless,” said Brauer.
As of right now, Leiomyosarcoma is incurable but that does not stop Brauer from fighting everyday to feel better. Luckily Brauer also has a great support system to help pick her up.
“I've had a really strong support system of friends and family far and wide, those who are near me and those that live out of state. My biggest supporters though, are my husband and my daughter-in-law. Those two have really helped keep me going. My husband dropped everything for me when I got diagnosed, he's my rock. I wouldn't I wouldn't know how I could survive everyday without him,” said Brauer.
Brauer’s daughter-in-law has been a big help to her as well. Her daughter-in-law helped Brauer get the information she needed to know more about her cancer, and Brauer’s daughter-in-law also gives her someone to talk to.
“I can just sit and talk with her a lot better than anybody else and she has helped. She found some LMS websites to show me. I got to learn more about my cancer. It helped a lot or else I would be clueless about my cancer. I can just confide in her. Whenever I need her, where ever I need her,” said Brauer.
To help Brauer keep her spirits up she always reminds herself of how blessed she is to still be able to enjoy life.
“I have learned that you have to stop and smell the roses. I know it's a cliche, but we live such a life nowadays that we have our heads down and we don't look up and really see our world. I wake up every morning with a smile on my face and I'm thankful that I'm here. I see beauty in the smallest little things every day. I see beauty in the biggest things every day. I just feel blessed to be here every day,” said Brauer
Leiomyosarcoma is a hard road to travel. But there is nothing that Braur can’t handle.
“I struggle every day with LMS but I'm stronger than that's why I look at it. I went two and a half years without a recurrence and I am fighting the recurrence right now. I've had a couple multiple surgeries in the past. It’s radiation and chemo right now, but I feel positive. I am focusing on going a couple more years if not be blessed further than maybe five years. But my goal is to get it any day so that my husband and I can travel,” said Brauer.
Brauer has a long journey ahead of her, but she is strong and she is fighting every day. Always remember to stop and smell the roses when times get rough.