How I Beat Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Thank you for sharing this

Today was my last day of chemo.  I read Jennifer's article on a plane ride just after diagnosis and surgery but before I started chemo.  I could relate to everything she said.  She is a bit younger but I am a very active mother of four that has my own business and never thought I'd get cancer.

  Perhaps because I have dealt with some very difficult situations in my life and in order to move on and be happy I had to learned to be in the moment I was somewhat prepared to deal with this crisis. During the last chemo visit today, the oncologist said "During the next few years you will worry with every ache and pain that you have cancer." I assured her I wouldn't.  She said "Many people feel abandon after radiation is over feeling they have to deal with the cancer all alone."  I told her I would be thrilled not to have to spend so much time at the hospital.  Because I've never really felt that I had cancer I don't spend anytime obsessing on it.  

As a walked to the hospital today I encountered an elderly homeless woman pulling all her belongings.  It was clear she was mentally ill and has a difficult life.  Hard to feel sorry for yourself when you think about what it would like to suffer from severe mental illness.

I exercised through chemo (I'm sure I'm quite a site on my bike in spinning class), wore a wig for ten seconds then switched to scarfs, hats or baldness, used the chemo card when I forgot to pay a charge card bill to get out of the late fee, cried when I got down to one eyelash, never missed a party or outing because of how I looked, signed a lease and opened a new store the day after I got diagnosed, met some wonderfully doctors and nurses, laughed a lot, play and won two competitive paddle matches for my team, filmed a spot for NBC LXTV Open House television show (still had hair then), had to tell my boyfriend of then 4 months that I had cancer....he stuck around and has been incredible, insist 3 of my four kids that live in other parts of the world stay where they are and carry on....

 I will take care of myself....get more rest, eat better, keep up with my exercise, follow up with the doctors but just like I won't worry if I will get hit by a car, I will not worry about the cancer coming back.  If it does, I'll deal with it but besides taking care of myself there is not much I can do about it.  Living in the moment is the best gift you can give yourself....being present to everyone you encounter.  

Why me?  I guess I ask "Why not me?"  We"re all going to have our struggles in life and breast cancer is one of them.  I've had a pretty interesting and blessed life.  Breast cancer has made me a more compassionate person.  It has taught me a lot about myself and others.  

I often forget I'm dealing with cancer until I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. As far as I'm concerned I'm cured.....if it come back I'll deal with it then but for now I'm going to be in the moment and enjoy my life!!!!