I had breast cancer. Cancer had a face now, and it was me!
This past year has been a roller coaster of emotion. I've undergone two surgeries (soon to be three), IVF, and 16 chemotherapy treatments. I did this all while having a toddler at home, working, and still going to classes to pursue my MBA. Thankfully though, I had an army working for and with me. My doctors have been nothing short of fantastic and I am grateful to have doctors who did not brush me off because of my age. My family, near and far, supported and encouraged me through my entire treatment. And my husband and son were there through everything and helped me laugh through it all. I couldn't have made it through without all of their help. Also, my coworkers who supported me and brought some great meals, and even better desserts!
So to celebrate my one year survivorship anniversary my mom and I hit the road, to Washington, D.C.
We attended the ACS CAN Lights of Hope event. They were urging Congress to increase financial support for cancer research. There was so much passion and drive with this group and it was great to celebrate my one year anniversary with them. It wasn't ideal weather, actually it was horrible weather!the rain did not stop us though! We heard from two big advocates for cancer research, Marcia Cross and Chris Draft (retired NFL player). We also got to hear from a ACS CAN Ambassador who is a cancer survivor (at age 13) who is now pursuing her PhD in biology so she can continue cancer research at Johns Hopkins. Her message really stood out to me, you're never truly done with cancer. You can never go back to the way things were "before cancer", that life is gone and you have to try and find your "new normal". I am still trying to find my new normal and it isn't easy.
It may sound crazy, but cancer has changed my life quite a bit, but mostly for the better. I am a better person now than the one who started this journey just a year ago. I have also been blessed with 13 breast friends who are all kick ass survivors! Meeting these women has been my biggest blessing on cancer, my silver lining. They understand what I have and am going through because they have faced the same obstacles. I talk to them daily and they are there to help me if I am having a hard day, but even better, they are there to celebrate the victories with me. Our victories may not always been huge, but sometimes making it through a day in one piece is an accomplishment and no ones understands better than them. I am forever grateful for their friendship, support, and encouragement.
Until next time...
AD
