Yesterday (February 20) was my two year “cancer free” anniversary. Like most life altering events, the time since my diagnosis seems like only yesterday and forever ago. Three women I know have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the last year and a half. I sat and talked with two of them at length.
We talked about the meaning of ER/PR, Her2, triple negative, Sentinel Lymph Nodes, ALND, mastectomy, lumpectomy, and a myriad of other acronyms and terms that have invaded our vocabularies.
We talked of the feelings of disbelief and fear that invaded our lives, these unwelcome interlopers sneaking into our thoughts at every turn.
We talked about deciding on treatments and the possible side effects of said treatments.
We talked about our families.
We cried.
And we laughed.
Yes, even in the midst of such turmoil, there is laughter. And beauty. And all the things that were there before diagnosis. Sometimes you just have to be reminded of them.
Yesterday was my two year “cancer free” anniversary. Scott and I talked a bit about the events of the last two years.
He made me laugh, describing some events of the day.
We celebrated by eating ice cream.
Yesterday was my two year “cancer free” anniversary. I took the bus to a doctors appointment. (Since diagnosis, I get “nervous” before any doctors appointment. My blood pressure goes up. I have to practice meditative breathing.) For most of the 25 minute ride, a woman sang hymns. The bus was as quiet as a packed bus could be. The tension flowed out of my body. By the time I got to my stop, I was the calmest I have felt going to the doctors in the last two years.
I was lucky to be on that bus, at that time, with that women.
It was beautiful and calming and I saw and felt that beauty.
Yesterday was my two year “cancer free” anniversary. Next year I will celebrate my three year “cancer free” anniversary. There will be beauty and laughter and I will experience both.
A few photos from the polar bear plunge Jan 1, 2015 – My way to start the new year. Way out of my comfort zone!
I celebrate you and your cancer free anniversary. You are always a generous “giver”. So happy a stranger was there for you when you needed it…Karma!
Loretta, Lovely thoughts about your bus ride with the singing woman and your 2nd year-cancer-free celebrations. I’m looking forward to your 20th year and beyond cancer-free celebrations. I’m in awe of your polar bear plunge – further evidence of your can-do spirit.
Jan
Congrats on 2 years cancer free. And here is to many more. Thanks for all you do for us and your friendship.
Beautifully expressed Loretta… as usual. So happy to spend time with you yesterday.
XOXOXO
Dee
Congratulations, Loretta!! It is a wonderful feeling….I”ll be coming up on my 2-year anniversary in April. I admire your choice to “polar plunge” into 2015….new year, new choices, ongoing life! You are a braver woman than I in that plunge…cold is NOT my thing!!!! 😀
Much love & a big hug!
Teri
Loretta. You are beautiful, inside and outside. Love all around you at this anniversary and many, many more in the future.
Beautiful, Loretta. Thank you……I’m so lucky to know you.
Much love,
Nancy
Loretta, congratulations!! So very Happy for you and your Family. You are a inspiration for so many. Jody is surely dancing the dance in the stars for you.
Janet and Rob.
Congratulations! I exactly what you mean by it seemed like yesterday and forever ago. Danny will be celebrating 10 years cancer-free in April. I have gotten to a point where I don’t acknowledge – even forgot to pause – on the anniversary of his diagnosis. He, of course remembers but It’s more of a hiccup or blip in the grand scheme of life. I want the same for you. Life is good…well done!
I love reading your posts. So glad we get to keep celebrating you!!!