Thursday, September 30, 2010

Hope For a Cure

I can hardly believe it!  October 1st marks the 1 year anniversary of my cancer diagnosis.  It seems that was a very long time ago.  This has certainly been a very long year for me (and my family), a hard and challenging one in ways, but also one that has made me grow and learn a lot.  I don't wish it never had happened to me.  I've never asked 'Why?', but I think I know why.  I know that we all experience trials to test us and strengthen us, and through trials, blessing do come and I've experienced that.  So I would have to say I really am grateful for this experience, but I pray that I don't ever have to go through all that again.

So through the past year I've had 4 surgeries with 1 more to go, 6 hard chemo treatments, and a lot of easier chemo treatments of which I'm still getting every 3 weeks until Christmas, and a bajillion doctor appointments.  I will be SOOOO glad when all the treatments are done.  However, it's not all torture.  I have loved going to the Cancer Center - love the people, love the place.  It's usually a very light-hearted happy time with plenty of staff to bring warm blankets, and ice-cream (my two favs), program my television and chat with me about what I've been up to since my previous treatment.  I do enjoy it!

And the people who have helped me pull through it all are my family and friends.  This would be extremely difficult without the love and support of Tyson; Collin and Mackenzie to keep me distracted, and extended family and friends.  I'm so lucky to have such wonderful family and friends!

So here's hoping that this next year is better than the last, with fewer doctor appointments, longer hair :), and some fun!  I have a new motto I came across that says, "Breast Cancer didn't take my life, it made me live it." 

2 comments:

Tara Nelson said...

You are such an inspiration Stephanie. Your strength and will is admiring. Thank you for making my day better and reminding me to be grateful for everything that I do have. HUGS!

James and Tricia Thomas said...

That was beautifully written! You have been such an inspiration to me this year! I hope and pray that this next year is as good as it gets!