6 years and counting my blessings!
Six years ago today I received a phone call from the nurse at my GPs saying that my GP would like to see me that morning. I knew that this was probably not good news about the mammogram and ultrasound I had had the Thursday before. It was a very brief visit where I was to hear the words suspicious for malignancy and the start of a whirlwind change in life direction.
Today (exactly 6 years later) I also visited the GP but thankfully it had absolutely nothing to do with cancer or any ill health at all. Just organising some vaccines before a wonderful adventure later this year.
So today I feel so fortunate that the cancer was found when it was and that I am in a position of good health again now. 2013 was a tough year (mastectomy, Chemo, radio and the beginning of anti-hormone therapy) and there have been a few hurdles since then too, but right now I’m feeling so well.
When you finish active treatment you finally have time to catch your breath and it is that ‘what now’? feeling. I did not know how I was going to handle the side effects of treatment or how I was ever going to have any energy again! But with no choice but to keep putting one foot in front of the other, I slowly found my way.
What I have gained over that time is a new knowledge about what is important to me. Last year my husband and I made some major changes that enable us to spend more time and energy on the things that matter to us. Life has changed so much since that diagnosis. My daughters are now 26 and 24 and leading independent lives. We have lost my mother-in-law, who was such a support when I was going through treatment.
Life is short but oh so precious. Cancer (and treatment) took some of that time but has given me the determination to spend the rest of it wisely. I am so thankful to be living a life doing things I love with people I love. I know that it can all change in the blink of an eye but I won’t let that thought take away from the good things I’m experiencing today.
Thank-you for all the support I have received over the last 6 years. I joined BCNA just after my first chemo and I really don’t think I would be where I am today without that support. I still visit often and help out if I think I have something useful to offer. On the positive side, so many things have changed for the better since my diagnosis. I have real hope that soon this disease will be treatable for all. Take care everyone. xxx
Today (exactly 6 years later) I also visited the GP but thankfully it had absolutely nothing to do with cancer or any ill health at all. Just organising some vaccines before a wonderful adventure later this year.
So today I feel so fortunate that the cancer was found when it was and that I am in a position of good health again now. 2013 was a tough year (mastectomy, Chemo, radio and the beginning of anti-hormone therapy) and there have been a few hurdles since then too, but right now I’m feeling so well.
When you finish active treatment you finally have time to catch your breath and it is that ‘what now’? feeling. I did not know how I was going to handle the side effects of treatment or how I was ever going to have any energy again! But with no choice but to keep putting one foot in front of the other, I slowly found my way.
What I have gained over that time is a new knowledge about what is important to me. Last year my husband and I made some major changes that enable us to spend more time and energy on the things that matter to us. Life has changed so much since that diagnosis. My daughters are now 26 and 24 and leading independent lives. We have lost my mother-in-law, who was such a support when I was going through treatment.
Life is short but oh so precious. Cancer (and treatment) took some of that time but has given me the determination to spend the rest of it wisely. I am so thankful to be living a life doing things I love with people I love. I know that it can all change in the blink of an eye but I won’t let that thought take away from the good things I’m experiencing today.
Thank-you for all the support I have received over the last 6 years. I joined BCNA just after my first chemo and I really don’t think I would be where I am today without that support. I still visit often and help out if I think I have something useful to offer. On the positive side, so many things have changed for the better since my diagnosis. I have real hope that soon this disease will be treatable for all. Take care everyone. xxx
