I heard them.
I lived them.
I still live them.
This is my story.
Cancer wasn’t an unknown in my family. In fact, my paternal grandmother lost her battle to breast cancer at the age of 80 and my father is a breast cancer survivor (20 years!).
I knew I was high risk. I still wasn’t prepared to hear those words. Who is? I was scared.
Nine months prior to my diagnosis, I had a clean mammogram. You can imagine my shock when my doctor told me my cancer was Stage 3 and had spread into my lymph nodes.
Panic set in.
I felt like I was being crushed by a ton of bricks.
Even breathing seemed like an impossible task.
My first thought was, “I need to get the best care possible.” I threw my fear into research and found the hospital and treatment plan I felt would work best for me.
Just weeks after my diagnosis, I underwent a lumpectomy. The surgery was successful and following it, radiation and chemotherapy.
I didn’t know I became part of a club when I was diagnosed with cancer. It was a club I never knew existed and surely didn’t want to be a part of, but it was my reality and the experience shaped my entire life.
I met new friends as I went through struggles that only a cancer patient understands, friends that are still part of my life to this day.
I lost friends that didn’t understand.
I watched friends lose their battle to the disease.
I learned what really mattered in life.
And never again would I take this precious gift for granted.
But, I live with the after effects of cancer every day.
My hair used to be thick and full. Now, it’s thinner and duller. Thanks, chemo.
Also, due to lymphedema (swelling in my arms due to cancer treatments), I have a hard time doing any repetitive motions.
Chopping vegetables…forget it.
Vacuuming or scrubbing the floor…near impossible.
But you know what I CAN do, I can LIVE!
The negative effects don’t define my life. They are merely a reminder of what I went through and the strength I know I possess inside.
Health.
Family.
Friends.
These are the three most important parts of my world.
I don’t say no anymore.
If someone asks me to take a trip, I go.
If someone wants to make a dinner date, I don’t hold off on the planning.
If I have a business opportunity, I seize it.
Tomorrow is not a given. I know that.
I heard the words.
I lived them.
I still live them.
I LIVE.
I share my story with you today because 10 years cancer free feels pretty amazing!
I’m celebrating the notion that you truly can overcome anything if you set your mind to it. That you can choose to live life with a positive attitude and accept what comes your way, without ever giving up on your dreams.
I know you have a story. I know something in your life has changed you, shaped you. I’d love to hear about it. You can always schedule some time with me on my calendar. I’m here to support you in your business. More importantly, I’m here to support you as a friend.
Until next month!
