January 9th. My Cancerversary.
It comes yearly without fail. And I could retell every minute of that day without error. Amazing how one day, which I would assume is overlooked by most people, has burned such a mark in my life. So much has changed. It forces me to stop and reflect. To look back on all the chaos of these past 4 years, and remind me that there is so darn much to be lived going forward. Because to be frank, being labeled a "cancer patient" only served as the initiating snowball of what soon became an avalanche involving various aspects of my life. It was one big blizzard. And at times, it most certainly did feel like a white-out with no end. Yet, that is why I love today so much.
January 9th naturally brings with it some pain and frustration, but more than anything, it defines strength and gratitude. How blessed I am to leisurely sit here with my fresh brewed coffee, celebrating how far I have come over the years. And I know others with a "____versary" date, do the same. My wish is for majority of people, their "day" is a triumphant feeling, like mine. And my heart breaks for those who's "day" teeter-totters to the side of pain and sadness.
To briefly update, I am currently trying to find the best time to make my way home for almost over-due lab tests and diagnostic scans. (On that note, if anyone wishes to donate a private plane for use when needed, I would forever be indebted to you ;) But I am feeling the best I have in a very long time, which most certainly is a victory! Unfortunately, cancer doesn't "hurt" or make itself known well until later, so the time around appointments is consistently filled with a little anxiety. Regardless, "all is well and all will be well." (to quote my sweet mother.)
January 9th. The day I celebrate simply being. And while I annually reread all clinic/hospital notes and results--as any medical nerd would-- I also make my way through a very large stack of cards sent to me from y'all during this time 4 years ago. I absolutely love a handwritten letter. So much so that I have a kept a special box to hold each card in over the years. In fact, it's almost time to find a bigger one. A problem I don't mind one bit! So thank you. Thank you for the support then, and for the yearly reminder of how many wonderful people there are in this world. I am alive; therefore, I am blessed.
xoxo
