Cynthia Newsome celebrates milestone in breast cancer battle

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Some people would call it a red-letter day. I’m calling this a pink-letter day.

I completed my 33rd radiation treatment at Saint Luke’s Hospital on the Plaza Wednesday morning and that means my fight against breast cancer is finished!

This all started eight months ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I’ve had 8 rounds of chemotherapy, a lumpectomy and 33 radiation treatments.

My husband, Ed, was with me this morning for the final radiation treatment. We brought 33 balloons to giveaway to the medical team and patients we’ve come to know and love over the past few months.

Each balloon had a hand-written message from me with the scripture from Philippians 4:23 that reads, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

As I laid on the table in the treatment room I remembered every kindness and every e-mail and every doctor and medical professional who helped me. My husband Ed gave me a big hug following my treatment.

When we walked out of the building, we released the 33rd balloon toward heaven in grateful appreciation to God for giving us grace and strength.

This is the end of the battle and a new beginning.