Lauren Caulfield

Over a year ago during a routine 3-D mammogram the radiologist found something "suspicious" and after more films and and an ultrasound it was decided that it was nothing of concern and we would watch it.  Fast forward one year later and I got the call that every woman dreads while I was on vacation in Fort Myers.... I needed to come back for further testing as the mammogram showed an area of concern and a mass.  I remember walking into the hospital thinking to myself could this possibly be the last day of my life that I will not have the fear of living with cancer?  I walked out of those same doors that day a whole different person after hearing those words "It appears that it is cancer".  Wow - talk about taking the wind out of your sails.  After further testing over the next week it was confirmed that I had breast cancer.  That was the bad news...



Now the good news....  Like everything in life there are always silver linings.  I had just battled through my weight loss journey over the past year and managed to lose 60 lbs. through diet and exercise.  That was no easy task so I have already proven to myself that I am strong enough to conquer any hardship that comes my way.  Christ, if I can get through my Zumba classes without feeling like I need oxygen I surely can kick cancer's ass because God knows those first few classes a year ago were not pretty!  It's quite ironic that when I look in the mirror I feel the  best I have in years - so that is a true blessing as I prepare myself for what lies ahead.  I have decided to handle this cancer journey in the same way that I approached my weight loss.... ONE DAY AT A TIME!  I keep telling myself .... keep my goals in sight, acknowledge there will be set backs, and understand that those set backs are temporary and there is no doubt I will get through this.  


Yes, Cancer does suck and it can flip your life upside down and create all kinds of chaos in your life in the flip of a dime.  However, one thing I do know is it cannot take away my zest for life and my wacky sense of humor.  It cannot take away the strength that my kids have given me in a very short time as they navigate through this process and how proud they are making me.  It cannot take away the love and support that my husband has shown to me that makes me feel like I am never alone.  It cannot take away the overwhelming support that my family, friends, co-workers, colleagues and people who I am just meeting as a result of this diagnosis have already given to me in the first few weeks.  It cannot take away the opportunity that this has given me to understand just how important the relationships in my life are to helping me get through this challenging time and how people truly feel about me.  That is the ultimate gift.


So I am going to fight this like a girl and live by the words that "This too shall pass".