Almost There

I am relieved that July is almost over. (If the extreme heat and humidity would also disappear in 4 days, that would be another relief.)

July 24 was my 6th Cancerversary. It was a difficult day. Many thanks to those of you who reached out. I covered Oreos in candy melt the colors of the metastatic breast cancer ribbon – pink, teal and green. Dave helped me deliver them around the area. The final stop was my primary care physician’s office – the place where I received the devastating news on July 24, 2019. “There is never an easy way to say this…” On that day I learned I had breast cancer that had already spread to my bones and liver (innumerable masses on my liver). On that day I shared the diagnosis with my elderly mom and my three children. It was the next day that I learned it had also spread to my adrenal gland. It was another 16 months before I learned it had spread to my brain.

Today is my 56th birthday. Six years ago my birthday became a sad occasion. I didn’t allow it to be mentioned for a couple years. Now I can manage a subdued remembrance. This was my first birthday without my mom Six years ago no one thought I would be alive to see 56. So I’m thankful, sure, but I want more.

In January we learned my best friend, Indie, had osteosarcoma. They said she would be lucky to last a month and definitely no more than 3 months. She is still hanging on, 6 months later. She isn’t well and struggles with mobility but is still the best nurse. She and I (along with our other lab, Madi) spend almost 24/7 with each other. She is happy and always perks up when there is an opportunity to beg food.

I’m going to leave you with a quote I’ve shared before:

“You don’t have to like it or want it or approve of it; simply allow it to be there – because it already is.”