Hope for those just starting their journey

carcharm

I would just like to post a note about how my life has changed in just one year. I was diagnosed in June 09 with Stage I ER/PR - HER 2 +++ BC. I had my mastectomy on July 9th and started Chemo in August. I have 4 more Herceptin tx and will be done in August this year. How has this impacted me? Well, at first, like all of us, I felt nothing but despair, depression, anxiety, and fear. I would wake up crying in the middle of the night wondering if I'd see my 9th grader graduate. Today, I am cautiously optimistic about my future. I do not dwell on the future-rather live each day with joy and appreciation of all the beautiful gifts God has given us. I especially appreciate my husband and children and tell them everyday that I love them with all my heart. I use to be afraid to say what I wanted but John Mayer has taught me to "say what you need to say" and you know what? I don't know why I use to be afraid to do this. I earned my bachelor's degree a few years back and never did anything with it because I was afraid of failure. I'm not so much anymore. I've switched jobs 2 times in the last year-once during chemo and the other will be coming this July. I am going to be a Quality Education Coordinator of Coders for 2 Hospitals. I have more confidence now than I ever did before. OK Effexor XR and klonapin help...but I would have neve have even applied for these jobs if I didn't feel a certain urgency about doing something with my life.(which having cancer seems to do). I thank God that I have been given this one year and pray for many more. My hair is coming back slowly so I don't feel so freakish. I just wanted to post this for women who are just starting their journey down this lonely awful road to let them know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I still suffer scaniety and fear of lumps that shouldn't be there but this has made me want to take better care of my body and I make this a priority.I wish all of you peace of mind and longevity.

iodine

And the light at the end of the tunnel is NOT an oncomming train!  good post