2 Years

Cancer is not the happiest of topics I guess, but since I originally resurrected this blog as a way to keep family and friends up to date on my cancer, I figured I should probably post an update.

The 19th marked 2 years since I found out that I had breast cancer.  While I didn't get the actual "official" diagnosis until they called me with the results of the biopsy on the 23rd, I knew at that appointment.

Cancer is a big, scary word and it opens the door to a big, scary world, but it is also a world filled with silver linings.

Having cancer deepened my faith.  I learned to truly rely on God for strength and peace.  Cancer showed me just how much J cared for me and loved me.  While I had never doubted his love for me, it was a true comfort knowing that he was there taking care care of me throughout the treatments and surgeries.  My family and friends were amazing as well.  The prayers and the card and the visits meant the world to me.

Cancer also taught me about me.  Because of it, I found a determination to live the life that brings me joy, and not the one that seeks to match people's expectations.  Cancer gave me a better ability to see which things matter, and which things don't, and to be okay with pursuing the things that matter to me.

Cancer treatments gave me plenty of time to think and to contemplate what I like and what I don't like, whether food, or fashion, or a personality trait in myself.  I took the time to develop a better sense of style and learned how I like to spend my time.

Cancer isn't a journey that I would wish on anyone, but for me at least, it has been a journey that also brought hope and joy and learning.