Twenty-four years after having my first bout with breast cancer, I was quite shocked in February to learn I had a second occurrence.
In an instant, life changed and became a whirlwind of doctor appointments, tests, more tests, decisions to be made, action to be taken, treatment course to be planned. A diagnosis of cancer definitely takes over life for a bit, and keeping other facets of life moving forward is a challenge, but not an insurmountable one.
With wonderful support of family and friends, I managed, and am now cancer free once again.
I'm Thankful:
- for my family who went with me to those early appointments where I was bombarded with information that I couldn't retain;
- for my husband, Gene, who would drive me to oncology and other appointments when I no longer had the energy to walk to them;
- for Gene, daughter Susan and granddaughter Rachael for the healthy, nutritious meals they would cook and beverages they'd prepare to entice me to drink and eat well when my taste buds weren't cooperating;
- for the rest of my family and friends for their support and consideration; the phone calls to check in on me, the guided meditation sessions, the cards, shortening and slowing hikes to accommodate my needs;
- for family who planned an end-of-chemo party and the friends who attended;
- for the medical community here in San Francisco who jumped into action when action was needed; who helped me plot my course; who always treated me with care and great competence.
I'm Thankful:
- for having been able to continue working (between naps!) - to counsel buyers and sellers and continue to list and sell property, hold open houses, negotiate contracts;
- for being able to squeeze in my long-awaited trip to Peru and the 4-day trek to Machu Picchu between my surgery and the start of chemo. It was tough, but magnificent, and the memories helped carry me though the chemo;
- that my chemo ended almost a month ago!
I'm Thankful:
- for being able to once again enjoy a big glass of water without feeling nauseated;
- for being able to resume my yoga and Pilates--even though my energy is not fully back, I'm no longer dizzy when I bend!;
- for being able to join in exercise classes at the YMCA, for hiking with Gene and with friends (my challenge: not to over-extend myself; to get extra rest; to help my immune system repair itself.)
I'm thankful to be cancer-free and for life itself!
I am a fortunate person, and very grateful.
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