It takes strength, focus and organization to be able to run your life after you have been diagnosed with breast cancer. This has been the most fascinating and most educating experience I have ever been through. In fact, I would add that it’s quite stimulating for the mind!
A friend of mine said to me that life has prepared me for this moment and to look at this as a gift rather than a burden. I would have to agree with her. My life has prepared me for this moment. When I was 10 years old I lost my father to colon cancer. It was then that I found inner strength. I motored through school like everyone else did. It was school that taught me how to be organized. I eventually made my way into the software industry as a sales rep. It was then that I learned how to navigate corporate America and to ask for what I want. I have a great passion for working out and found my way into the body building sport. It was then that I learned how to care for my body through regular exercise and a clean diet. As we go through life we experience different levels of friendships, relationships both professionally and personally. We learn something from every person we meet. We learn how to be better, how to be emotional, how to love and be open, how to push when we don’t think we can push any more. We learn how to fight for what we believe in. We learn what it feels like to win!
It is all of these experiences and more that I have learned how to embrace the fact that I have breast cancer. I walk around with my head high. I am not afraid or ashamed to talk about it. In fact, I now feel like an educator of sorts from all that I have learned. The cancer has become a part of me and I am at peace with the cancer.
It is all of these experiences the have helped me stay strong, focused and organized during my diagnosis with breast cancer. I was able to stay focused in each and every appointment I have had beginning on January 4th when my OB/GYN recommended I have a mammogram. I have had over 25 appointments since that day. I have been poked and prodded in each and every one of my appointments.
Life takes off after you have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The volume of appointments is only one component I have had to manage. I have 3 children who are all in school (one in southern California in college). I have homework, sports activities, and my job to contend with. I never stopped being responsible, but it is very hard to focus on any one thing. I’ve lost track of schedules many times, my mind takes mini vacations on a regular basis and I forget where I’m driving to, what I’m supposed to be doing and why I am doing what I’m doing. The mind is consumed, so I have had to reel it in and force myself to be present. It is a workout in itself. Calls, texts, emails and other forms of love and support come in all day, every day. I do feel so fortunate for that because I now believe it takes a village to combat cancer and all it comes with.
My friends and family have come to my rescue, inspiring me, motivating me, loving me and not asking for anything in return. It’s these experiences and moments that continue to help me maintain my strength. I have daily appointments at Kaiser…in person and or on the phone. I have had to battle their system for two weeks straight to get my surgery on the calendar. I climbed that organization until I was finally heard and I got a result; a date to have my surgery. While I made the calls and had many many conversations and took detailed notes…I was not doing this alone. I had my village of friends and family to keep me going.
If you are like me and don’t understand what takes place after someone is diagnosed with cancer, you can’t begin to understand how your world goes from structured to out of control. There really are no words to describe the process I have been through. I really don’t know how anyone could get through this without strength, love and support. What I can tell you is I GOT THIS!!! I’ve listened, I’ve researched and I’ve learned. Life is a journey and offers many lessons. My lesson so far has been to apply what I know throughout this process. I have applied passion, strength, determination and acceptance to get where I am with this! Most of you know I am a do it yourself kind of girl. I have always been challenged with asking for help. Help has come to me in all forms. I’ve opened my heart and learned to accept all of your help. I honestly could not have gotten here without all of YOU! The calls, the emails, the texts, the posts on facebook, etc. YOU ALL are helping me fight this disease.
We are never alone, unless we want to be. This is just another competition for me!
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