One Year Out!

As many in cancerland know, one year 'out' is a good thing. One year out of treatment and cancer-free is a big deal. The bigger deal is when you hit five years out of treatment. At that point, you are like a little birdie, free to leave the nest. Although I am not free yet, I feel like I've reached a huge milestone in hitting one year of being cancer free. All of this will be confirmed with my annual mammogram in January.

The last year has seen a lot of change due to my cancer diagnosis. I've changed jobs, reduced my professional and personal stress levels, participated in a 200 mile bike ride of breast cancer awareness and redirected much of my energy to being a better wife, mother and friend. Although cancer was the worst experience of my life, it forced me to see what is truly important in life.

I've learned that they aren't going to put in my tombstone that I was a 'hard worker'. Have you ever seen one that said that? No, they say things like 'beloved mother, devoted wife, lover of animals'. That's what important to me - my family, my friends, my legacy for those who I love. How much money I made, classes I taught, conferences I spoke at, etc don't matter. In 20 years, someone else will fill those spots in life and I want to be remembered as someone who was loved and who loved life.

So as I enter "year 2", I hope to continue being healthy and to continue living life to the fullest, with family, friends and happiness!