Two Years Out

Two years ago, I was waiting for my biopsy results... a week from today I will be exactly two years out from my initial diagnosis. I cannot believe how much has changed, how much time has flown, and how much I have grown.

I do not count my diagnosis date as my Cancerversary date. Some people do, I don't the tumor was still in me. Cancer cells were still growing. I have been counting my Mastectomy Date - November 11th. Some people count the end of treatment. Some people celebrate all 3. For the sake of me hitting the two year mark, I am going to celebrate all three. I am just grateful to be here, to be alive, and to be healthy. It has been a long road, but in 2yrs this is what I have come to understand:

~ Shed my fears
~ Learned to Love Myself more
~ Learned who will be there for me through thick & thin
~ Know that you cannot plan everything & that life has it's unexpected turns that you just need to roll with
~ That I can find peace with Cancer

In all of that, I have bounced back physically. I am in better shape than I was pre-cancer. I do not get tired easily anymore & I am no longer in pain when I run.

I also have taken the jump and begun to cross things off my bucket list... so far I have seen New Orleans & San Francisco. I am planning to go to Vegas soon. All of these ventures have been with my survivor sisters. These are friends I will have for lifetimes.

I thank Cancer, as crappy as it is, for bringing us together. I thank Cancer for making me a person who can conquer her demons. I thank Cancer everyday when I put on my Running Shoes that Chemo didn't kill me, it made me stronger. When I am 1/2way through my runs and I think "this is too hard," I remind myself that if I was able to run when I was bald & sick, I can do anything & I am never going to give up on anything when I am healthy and happy.

This video is an inspiration for all of us who have been there & despite all odds came out thriving!