Well today - July 13, 2008 is the one year anniversary of my breast cancer diagnosis! It's been a whole year since I found out that I had breast cancer. And now I am cancer free!
It's hard to believe I am on the other side of that news - 1 year later!
I was told it would be a rough year, but that it was going to be a "glitch" in my life. And in all honesty, it was a tough year - but it already seems like just a glitch. Yah - I would rather never have to go through chemo again, or have another surgery, but.....as hard as those things were - I am truly thankful I was able to do them, to save my life and to give me new perspective on life. It's like I have a new chance - to do so much more!
I feel great - 1 year later! My hair is growing back wonderfully. The short cut is rather cute! It is very curly (coming from someone who had pin straight hair before this). I am working out 6 times per week - swimming 1 mile 3 times per week, running 3 miles 2-3 times per week and working out with my personal trainer 2 times per week. Working full time. Loving my family. Going on vacation. Life is good.
It just goes to show "you can't control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond to it". Once I got the news - I just focused on the tasks at hand, powered through, completed the treatment regimen, and here I am. Having a wonderfully, enjoyable summer! It actually feels weird to be on this side of the treatments, knowing where my mind/ emotions/body were last summer.
I have learned a lot about myself. I really am stronger than I thought. More positive than I thought. More spiritual than I thought. More emotional than I thought. And have stronger family and friends than I thought. So many people came out to support me. That was so incredibly empowering and emotionally uplifting!
As a result of all of this - I will continue to give back to the breast cancer / cancer community. It is my calling. It is my responsibility. It is my pleasure! It makes me whole. I give back because I can - because I am alive and because others gave back before me, that saved my life.
Enough for now - it is a good day today! I am so happy to be on this side of the treatment!
p.s. and I LOVE my new boobs!
