I want to take time to remind everyone how a cancer diagnosis is a blessing, not a curse. Please read my story.
Well, today is the day! 5 years cancer free! I know this is long, but indulge me and read my long message! 5 years ago I was lucky to have friends praying with me. My surgery was with the amazing Dr. Brian Biggers. This surgery was a recision. My lumpectomy was a month prior but my margins weren’t clear, so here we were. But this time we got it!
I posted a note to my friends on Facebook on the day after I learned of my cancer- Sept. 25, 2010. I think of all the friends I have now, that I didn’t have then, because I met them through cancer. It’s just another positive that came out of my cancer diagnosis. I have also lost a lot of friends to cancer in those 5 years.
I read my words back then and think it was pretty on target- with the exception that my aggressive cancer needed chemo before surgery- which is why my cancer free date was pushed out to 4/6.
I ask that you all look back on what you’ve accomplished in the last 5 years… bet most of you wouldn’t trade that for anything! So, here’s my little reminder (ok, I nag) to get the mammogram, colonoscopy, prostate exam or whatever happens to be bothering you.
Bottom line- everyone not diagnosed with cancer will die from cancer, but those diagnosed, especially early have great odds! Trust me, your family and friends will thank you!
Here it is:
Yesterday was one of the greatest days in my life (9/24/10)!
Why?? Well, because I was diagnosed with cancer. I know most of you will read this, and after your shock… you’re thinking this girl is CRAZY!
But, as you know, I certainly have a unique take on most things… including having cancer.
First of all, being diagnosed is the ONLY way you can be cured… so I am that much closer to being cured. It also means I won’t die… something that could happen if I didn’t know. I have no symptoms, no pain, nothing. I did have a lump. I had it looked at twice. Both times, the doctors felt it was a muscular injury. I would have been happy living with their diagnosis, but I really had a little voice telling me I had cancer.
So, no sadness, no I’m sorrys… plenty of love and prayer and positive thoughts. Be very happy for me… because I KNOW!
So, now that YOU KNOW… I hope that if your little voice is telling you something, you are listening and taking action. Ladies, get a mammogram… guys, get your prostate checked. The great thing about cancer… early detection saves lives. It will save mine, and it could save yours.
If you have an excuse, get over it! No insurance or bad insurance… there are free programs all over the place… cancer.org can lead you. My local program was called Show Me Women’s Heath… they paid for a mammo, ultrasound, diagnostics, biopsies, etc. This was all done at the local hospital, all I needed was a voucher. So if you have another excuse… company, kids, parents, school, busy… well, too bad! Just do it. Most of you are “at that age”, so join me to stay healthy… do it for YOU! Your spouse, kids, pets, family and friends will be much happier having you around for a long time than losing forever because you were too busy to take care of yourself.
As for me… I’ll be having surgery soon… and we go from there.
Hugs and good heath from me to you!
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