Cure isn't a word the oncologists use for breast cancer. They use, instead, survival rates -- how many live for how many years after they've had cancer. So instead of saying, "I'm cured", you call yourself a survivor, and then you learn that surviving isn't very different from what you were doing before.
I love this quote from a breast cancer book I just read called "The Victoria's Secret Catalog never stops coming". (It doesn't, by the way. Semi-annual Sale, anyone?!)
Surviving just means life is going on normally and I still feel so blessed each & every day. It's ironic that it takes cancer to make you realize that you were taking your days for granted before being diagnosed. Eventually those days add up to months, and then years.
This month I acquired a fun, new wig! (Thank you Christy!!) It is hot as you-know-what outside already and wigs are so hot to wear. As much as a love my long haired wigs they just aren't practical for summertime. As soon as my hair isn't so patchy and doesn't scream "cancer patient!" I'll ditch the wigs altogether!
attending a wedding with the hubby
berry picking with my baby girl
Today I had my 2-months-post-chemo checkup. You know you've become a slave to these appointments when your oncologist walks in and says "See you in another 6 weeks!". No mention of the bloodwork I just had drawn, nothing! We've got this routine down-pat. It's just another answered prayer to have quick & easy appointments. Just how I like them!
Tomorrow morning I will have my 3rd (and FINAL!) surgery. I'm anxious for a lot of reasons: the lingering unknowns of surgery in general, the outcome, the readiness to have this all behind me. But I'm confident it will all go well and can't wait to update that all of my procedures are finally over with!!
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6
Good luck Anne and we'll be thinking about you.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with taking life for granted. Unless you are going through it or know someone who is battling, you don't really realize what life is all about. I also think a lot of people who haven't been around someone with Cancer, don't really realize how much or what they go through.
You have been an inspiration to so many and have educated that many more. You have been blessed for sure:) take care and wish I was still your neighbor to help out and give Claire some boys to play with!
Good luck Anne and we'll be thinking about you.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with taking life for granted. Unless you are going through it or know someone who is battling, you don't really realize what life is all about. I also think a lot of people who haven't been around someone with Cancer, don't really realize how much or what they go through.
You have been an inspiration to so many and have educated that many more. You have been blessed for sure:) take care and wish I was still your neighbor to help out and give Claire some boys to play with!
Good luck Anne and we'll be thinking about you.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with taking life for granted. Unless you are going through it or know someone who is battling, you don't really realize what life is all about. I also think a lot of people who haven't been around someone with Cancer, don't really realize how much or what they go through.
You have been an inspiration to so many and have educated that many more. You have been blessed for sure:) take care and wish I was still your neighbor to help out and give Claire some boys to play with!
Good luck Anne and we'll be thinking about you.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with taking life for granted. Unless you are going through it or know someone who is battling, you don't really realize what life is all about. I also think a lot of people who haven't been around someone with Cancer, don't really realize how much or what they go through.
You have been an inspiration to so many and have educated that many more. You have been blessed for sure:) take care and wish I was still your neighbor to help out and give Claire some boys to play with!
Good luck Anne and we'll be thinking about you.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with taking life for granted. Unless you are going through it or know someone who is battling, you don't really realize what life is all about. I also think a lot of people who haven't been around someone with Cancer, don't really realize how much or what they go through.
You have been an inspiration to so many and have educated that many more. You have been blessed for sure:) take care and wish I was still your neighbor to help out and give Claire some boys to play with!
Looking good, Anne! Ben and I continue to pray for a great recovery. So glad you can call yourself a survivor!
ReplyDeleteLove the new wig! :) Sassy and cute!! I'm so thankful it's all going well. I'm eager for the surgery to be finished!
ReplyDeletePraying that surgery goes smoothly and wishing you a speedy recovery!
ReplyDeleteWe are thinking about you! Love, Kevin, Nena and Noah
ReplyDelete