Toni Bowling was consistent about monthly self-exams and yearly mammograms because breast cancer was prevalent in her family. Her mother and two of her aunts had breast cancer. And she was wise to be diligent because she was first diagnosed with breast cancer, which was hormone driven, when she was in her 30s. Over the years, she had several lumps removed. However, the cancer continued to recur and to spread.

During this time, Toni’s son was terminally ill, and her six-year-old granddaughter had just passed away. In addition, her home burned to the ground, killing her show dog and other pets. Understandably, Toni was overwhelmed and not very motivated to fight this battle with cancer. In 1987, it stopped being a choice. The cancer had spread, and she was facing an emergency situation.

She was sent to Salt Lake City to undergo an experimental surgery, which involved three surgeons and would be followed by chemotherapy. The surgery took 10 ½ hours, and Toni needed to donate her own blood before the surgery because of her rare blood type. 

However, she only tolerated two days of chemo before heart issues and lapsing into a coma put her in ICU. Chemotherapy was no longer an option, and Toni spent six months in the hospital for treatment and three months of outpatient treatment before she could return home.

She started a diet change and major vitamin/herb regime, and both the doctors and Toni were hopeful that the battle was over. But that wasn’t what happened. Over the years since then, Toni has had several other cancers including colon cancer, thyroid cancer and uterine cancer. With the uterine cancer, she was treated with an experimental new radiation procedure. However, it all started with breast cancer.

On June 13, 2017, Toni’s doctors told her the fight was over, and she needed to get her affairs in order. They told her she had about three weeks to live. That’s when she got mad. She didn’t get mad at the doctors or at her God. But she was angry at the cancer, and that anger gave her the energy to fight.

No other treatment options were open or available to her. Doctors had used or tried them all. So, Toni began a regimen of an herbal and homeopathic combination. And she rolled up her sleeves and began the fight of her life. And the fight for her life. She starting fighting a war against cancer and continues to do it, knowing every day is a gift and a battle won, regardless of the final outcome.

Three things make Toni’s story remarkable. The first is her unwavering faith in a God who, she says, “has never let me down.” She added, “I don’t remember not having God and my faith as a major part of my life. I do realize I share my faith with others more than I used to. I like to think it encourages others, and I know it helps me to share some of those prayers and thoughts now more than it ever has.”

The second is her ability to see each day as a gift and to be grateful for the smallest things. Each day, Toni posts a “Gratitude Post” on Facebook. Those posts are upbeat and encouraging. She expresses gratitude for the smallest things…things you and I take for granted. Whether it’s her silly guinea hens or just that she was able to eat a small bowl of soup without having it make her sick, she’s consistently thankful.

The third is her changed priorities. She told me, “Before this last diagnosis, my interests were dancing, ranching, rodeoing, hunting, fishing, camping, family, teaching college penmanship and calligraphy. My interests now are family, friends, pets, and fighting the battle.” 

Fighting the battle. And facing each day with courage, integrity, and faith. Toni doesn’t know how much longer the battle will continue. But she knows for sure it’s been a lot longer than three weeks since June 13, 2017. So, she’ll continue to fight until the last battle and will trust her God with every ounce of her being even then.

Fight on, Toni. Hundreds of  people are cheering you on and taking to heart the final words of your daily gratitude posts, “Hug your loved ones. Life is short.”