A Year Ago Today

Hi lovely ladies----here is a copy of a note I sent out to all the people that supported me through this past year, and I would be remiss if I didn't include YOU!  I don't know what I would have done without all your words of wisdom, support, and plain old just being here to listen to me vent through some of my darkest times.  Here's the post:

So I am in a reflective kind of mood the last couple days (now that I look at my new profile pic on Facebook I think it's pretty appropriate)---one year ago today my world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Wow what a year it's been.  I've told many people finding out you have cancer is like being forced to learn a language you NEVER wanted to learn, and WITHOUT a teacher.  It's so mind boggling all the information to be interpreted and then of course all the life changing decisions.  Of course there are things I would probably do differently now, but I can't change the past and try not to dwell on those decisions.  It is what it is.  Surgery and chemo, losing my hair were by far the toughest obstacles (radiation was easy compared, just time consuming) and of course the mind game cancer plays with you, but with the love and support of all of you I MADE IT through it all!  Your thoughts, prayers, cards, meals, phone calls, coffees, lunches, you name it, ALL meant the WORLD to the kids, Evan  (who was so incredible through this whole ordeal) and I.  I know I went incommunicado  at times and maybe didn't return every phone call, but they all meant something special to me.

I've met so many incredible women traveling the same road---in person, and online (some in other parts of the world) and have gained strength, hope and inspiration from them all.  One thing that does make me sad, however, is to see the ones that either have no immediate support system, and or no insurance.  I don't know what I would have done without mine, and have gained a new perspective on what to be grateful for in life.  It also makes me feel like I need to give back somehow, to help those who don't have the wonderful people in their lives like I do. 

So, of course I could still use your continued thoughts and prayers going forward (once you have cancer you will always be at risk for a recurrence), and for that and for each and every one of you I am truly blessed and grateful.

Love to you all,

Sharon