My journey began back on October 18, 2013. That is the day I found out that I had breast cancer. Since that day I have been on a roller coaster ride filled with many ups and downs. I have been holding my breath every October as I check in with my oncologist having blood work taken and scans of my body to see if the cancer has returned or spread to another part of my body. With every ache or pain I go through a stress response that is hard to describe to anyone else who has not been down this path. This past February I had to undergo an ultrasound due to some complications I was having. I could barely describe the very intense visceral response I was experiencing as I lay on my back awaiting the physician coming back into the room after the tech left my side. Others would probably not think anything of it but just 4 years previously I received the most horrible news that changed my life forever and I was all alone. A routine test turned into a nightmare that very day. I was not sure how my day might turn out in February.In the end it was easily treatable but still concerning. A relief in the end but I sure went through a great deal of emotion for a fairly routine scan... Who knew.

I now have a different outlook on life and open myself up to others so that I can offer support and encouragement as best I can. Today I thankfully received very positive and encouraging news from my oncologist. He reassured me that my blood work was clean as were my scans. I have no signs of any recurrence of cancer. What a relief!!!! For some strange reason I have been waiting for this day more so than any other anniversary. There is something special about reaching 5 years. The literature does support that if you can reach your 5 year milestone without a recurrence of cancer or any new cancer you have a better likelihood of long term survival. I do hope that I am one of those fortunate ones. I do feel blessed. I have had the love and support of family and friends to get me through the tough times. There were many a day when I was uncertain that I would make it through but I did.

I want to take a moment to remember our friends who have fought beside us and have lost their battle. They have shown great strength and courage as well. We must remain strong and carry on for them. They would want us to keep fighting. I know I plan to keep fighting each day. After my diagnosis I had found a quote that inspired me and kept me going. I wanted to share it with you all.

"Promise me you'll always remember : You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think and twice as beautiful as you'd ever imagined"

Keep up the good fight and thank you all for being with me these past 5 years. You have given me the strength to carry on!