My Cancerversary

Today is my twelve year cancer free anniversary.  Every year at this time, I take a few moments to reflect on what I've been thru and how far I've come.  I doubt, no matter how old I am, that this day will always be an important day for me.  There isn't a day that goes by that at some moment, even if it is a fleeting moment, that I think how lucky I am to be here. 

As these twelve years have passed, I've seen medical advances I'd never have dreamed of, but I've always noticed a growing trend of people getting cancer younger and younger.  Cancer has become such a prevalent part of our lives these days.  I don't know a single person who hasn't been touched by it in some way or another. 

Two things that have touched me happened in our community this year.  The first thing was a girl, she was 27 I believe and she had fought breast cancer for three years, lost her battle.  The other is a friend of mine who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had her whole pancreas (among other things) removed and spent a whole month in the hospital.  She is just a few years older than me.  When I think of what these two brave women have been through, it makes my heart cry.  It reminds me of all the fear and anxiety I went thru twelve years ago.  I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.  I didn't even know the girl the who died from breast cancer personally, but I weeped for her.  How did this monster that is cancer come into our lives?  What did we do to deserve this?  I had enough of a battle with my own cancer and yet I still look at these two women, and everyone else I know who has battled cancer, and can't help but feel how lucky I was.  By some miracle, I only had to have my colon resection and from that day forth, I've been cured.  My friend, the one with pancreatic cancer, had her first scan a few weeks ago and they found a spot on her liver.  Today, she is undergoing a biopsy to see if its anything to be concerned about.  She is lucky that she has a HUGE network of friends and family that love her and support her.  I truly believe she will be OK.  She's definitely one tough cookie.

As I celebrate my victory over cancer today, I am wishing and hoping everyone out there fighting their own battle the best of luck!  I am always happy to help support anyone that needs it.  Even strangers.  We are all united in the fight against cancer.