FEELING BLESSED

Karen_C · November 2017

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Hi, it’s been a little while since I have done a post but
today I feel so blessed and want to share it with my sisters at BCNA.

Yesterday I celebrated my 60th birthday and so
looking forward to my party on Saturday.
Since my diagnosis in 2006, my journey has certainly been challenging
but I am still smiling and living a quality life thanks to medical technology,
tenacity on my behalf and a willingness to keep myself as healthy as possible,
physically and mentally.

I am blessed, because:-

My gorgeous family of men who have been with me and are with
me all the way.

My wonderful sister and brother-in-law who give lots of love
and generosity in sharing what they have with us.

My guardian angels; Rae and Shaz who have taken me to so
many chemotherapy appointments. They
are so dear to me.

To my other mates who constantly look out for me and have
given me endless hours of happiness and heaps of care.

To my medical team – Dr. Mitchell Chipman, Oncologist
extraordinaire, a magnificent human being; his support, Mary-Ann and the
wonderful Janine Mount and team at St. Vincents Onocology unit. My Radio Neurologist, Dr. Claire Phillips from Peter Mac. I consider these people my family as they
have looked after me for 11 years!!!

In recent times, my physical conditioning team at Plenty
Valley Health and YMCA in Mill Park. So
good.

BCNA who has provided help in so many ways during my journey
and allowed me to be involved in some of their initiatives as a Consumer
Representative. I have found this
invaluable, as it gives me a purpose and a way to share what I have experienced
and gain knowledge on latest technologies and of course connect with people
going through a similar journey; sharing
hurdles faced living with Advanced Breast Cancer. Comfort in knowing you are not alone.

My 60th birthday party means so much more to me
having Advanced Breast Cancer.   I have
lost my health but have appreciation of what I have and thank my blessing every
day.   I was told I only have 3 years to
live in 2007 and here I am.   So, for now
I have a chronic illness that is managed.

Life is great!

Karen Cowley

Survivor 11 Years

wendy55 · November 2017

Thank you for sharing this, it means so much to women like myself, I am 4 and a half years post diagnosis and your words give me so much hope,and like you I too have a fantastic medical support team and of course the people in my life who mean so much, your post will be of so much comfort to those ladies just diagnosed and those of us who are down the "road"
a bit,in this world of metastatic breast cancer, and yes it is an illness that can be managed, I know that you will have a fantastic day, a day full of love, laughter and perhaps some happy tears, SO happy birthday for Saturday and as people keep telling me 60 is the new 40! enjoy a glass of bubbles or three,
thankyou -
wendy55

June1952 · November 2017

Happy Birthday @Karen_C
Celebrate like you've never celebrated before.
Thank you for sharing your blessings above. As @wendy55 says, it means a lot to others following your footsteps.
Summer

LMK74 · November 2017

@Karen_C, you are awesome and so inspiring and I sincerely hope you have a great birthday with many more to come.
Put on those dancing shoes!!!

Lisa

Afraser · November 2017

Have a wonderful birthday and here's to decades in the future.

BarbieAnne · November 2017

Thanks for sharing your blessing with us. Happy 60th birthday - you have reason to celebrate

wendy_h67 · November 2017

Hope you have a wonderful birthday celebration on Saturday with family and friends. It is a great mile stone to reach 60 years . I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer when I was 66yrs. and now have turned 71 and counting., enjoying life and living life with a chronic illness and hoping the illness stays stable. Have a great day!