6-YEAR MASTECTOMY ANNIVERSARY

Six years ago today, I had a mastectomy. 

I remember being so nervous but, at the same time, happy that we were finally going to get this thing done. I felt like it had been so long since my diagnosis and learning that I would need surgery. 

I was diagnosed on October 3, 2016, and here it was April 7, 2017. It had been determined that I would receive chemotherapy to shrink the tumors before surgery. And it worked. The tumors shrank quite a lot. But now I had finished chemo and just wanted the cancerous boob GONE!

My right breast was removed, along with 11 lymph nodes. I was so afraid to think about what was underneath those bandages.

I left the hospital a few hours after my surgery. I was shocked and a little worried about going home so soon after surgery, but I didn't argue with them.

Some things are a bit blurry when I reflect on that day, but I remember the ride home from the hospital. I remember sitting in the front seat and zoning out while Ray was driving, and all of a sudden, I saw an ice cream sign. I literally yelled, "Ray, STOP! I NEED ice cream! We had already passed the entrance into the parking lot of the ice cream place, but Ray somehow managed a quick U-turn, and the next thing I knew, we were sitting there, parked in front of an ice cream shop I had never even noticed before today, and Ray was asking me what kind of ice cream I wanted!

It's funny the things you remember sometimes. First, of course, I remember the ice cream! But much more importantly, I remember my husband caring for me, nursing me, and, most of all, loving me through those rough days. 

I can't say that every day of these past six years since my surgery has been easy, but I can say without a doubt that I am thankful for each and every one of them. 

So yes, life is a blessing. 

And being surrounded by loved ones while going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment, or any other crisis, is an immeasurable blessing. 

I feel so sad when I think about anyone going through such a time of distress and fear without the love and support of friends and family. 

Many of my family members and friends live out of state, but I know they are always a phone call away when I need them, and I could not have made it through these past few years without them!

I am blessed.