LIFE INTERRUPTED AND LIFE REGAINED
Hello Butterflies! I’m back and I’ve missed you too. It’s been quite a year but I made it through. This time fourteen months ago I was thrown into a medical vortex, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today, I’m officially cancer free. The grueling six-month aggressive chemotherapy treatments I had to go through are over and I’ve since received confirmation of an all’s clear during my most recent post-chemo check-up. Although I’m still recovering from the side effects of the chemo, I’m happier than I’ve ever been. Filled with grace and gratitude and anxious to re-focus on the things I love; family and friends, gardening, designing a beautiful home, cooking delicious food, taking on fun projects and striving to be a great resource for daily inspiration.
I realize it took a while to let everyone know that I’m cancer free but I needed the time, space, and freedom to reflect and mentally work through that part of my journey. As a cancer patient, you feel so well cared for while you’re going through treatment. Everyone from the front desk attendants to your doctors and nurses make you feel supported. But then one day, you’re just done, and you’re let loose to go back to your regular life…just like nothing never happened. Going back to regular life is strange. It’s like everything is filtered through the lens of the diagnosis. It’s hard not to feel a little bit lost when all the feelings you hadn’t had time to acknowledge suddenly hit you all at once. Such a life-altering ordeal requires an abundance of mental, physical and spiritual self-care to fully heal, appreciate and be reminded of the power, beauty, and love of God that is all around and within us.
I often hear, “I’m so happy you’re done with treatment! Now you can get back to where you were.” The latter is simply false. My life will never go back to the way it once was. My challenge now is to figure out what the entirety of my new life looks like. I’m a firm believer that we go through trials for a purpose. God allows us to endure unpleasant circumstances in order for growth and maturity to take place; to become more refined versions of ourselves. I’m definitely at a different and more positive stage of my journey and as I face this new chapter living cancer-free again, I pray that I laugh more, live in the moment, focus on what’s truly important, find balance and make time for healthy habits, and continue to be filled with grace and gratitude.
Finally, thank you for the support – you cannot imagine how much strength your support gave me. This is a personal thank you to each and every one who prayed for me and shared your thoughts with me, sent cards, emails and texts, left voicemails, sent pre-packaged meals, love, encouragement and all of the little but hugely important things that helped me and my family get through a difficult time. I’m so very fortunate to know and have the relationships of each and every one of you. I know that the power of prayer really and truly works. I thank you for coming into my life and giving me grace and hope.
Sincerely,
Edna
I’m reminded that everyone has a battle that we all may not know about. When you look at a person, any person, remember that everyone has a story. Everyone has gone through something that has changed them. Be Kind!
Photo love to BClassic Photography
“It’s okay not to be okay. You don’t need to bury your ugly feelings beneath a layer of rainbow sprinkles and unicorns.” Liz Coleman, Fighter & Caregiver
“The only true thing that you or I possess right now, is this very moment. And in this moment, I am alive, I am healthy and I’m happy.” Stephanie Seban, Metavivor
I’m reminded that everyone has a battle that we all may not know about. When you look at a person, any person, remember that everyone has a story. Everyone has gone through something that has changed them. Be Kind!
Filled with grace and gratitude and anxious to re-focus on the things I love; family and friends, gardening, designing a beautiful home, cooking delicious food, taking on fun projects and striving to be a great resource for daily inspiration.
Gloves off – life on! Punching UP!
I will probably always have some level of anxiousness about the possibility of the cancer returning. I’ve been told that it’s perfectly normal to have those thoughts. But it definitely feels good to exhale even a little.
