I don't blog much these days but today is one of those special anniversaries I like to celebrate! I think sharing my story may give hope to those fighting today and I know what that feeling. I know how it feels to think life totally sucks and there is no end to the depression and pain cancer causes us. I'm one of the lucky ones that has been able to get my life back and I am grateful for that every morning.....even though I am NOT a morning person and can be a bit short-tempered until I wake up!
Crazy, nonstop, busy, exciting, hectic, fun, rewarding, and stressful. Those are some terms that explain my life now! I'm officially a 4-year TNBC survivor, and that alone is an accomplishment I'm happy to announce out loud! Four years ago today I was in a 5-hour long double mastectomy surgery getting rid of this disease for good!
So, what has life been like these past 4 years?!
Now I'm 43 years old and traveling is at the top of my new "To Do" list! I try to do this as much as possible now that I got a second chance at life. We went to China and Hong Kong with our company, then took a mom and sisters trip to Ireland to experience our roots! Visited my sister in Seattle and made 8 trips to California for a cancer research study I was in. Been hunting in Texas, S. Dakota, Ohio and just scheduled more hunting trips coming up in Argentina and Italy! My mom and I took our dogs on vacation to a cabin in Ashville, SC and have had several road trips that have been as entertaining as any of the destinations! My husband and I have had a lot of fun traveling and hunting together. This has really shown me a new level of appreciation for the beauty of nature.
It hasn't been all rainbows and unicorns, but I'm working on it! The first year after treatment was the worst, it sucked. I didn't know my place in my life. I had to figure out my role in our companies, with my friends, and even my marriage. Everything was different - my emotions were a rollercoaster, my body was different, hot flashes were obnoxious, and parts were missing! Parts didn't work (thanks chemo menopause!). I was on Cymbalta for nerve pain and help with my mood, but that drug is the devil in disguise! Turned me into a zombie and after over a year on it I weaned off. Eventually, I had my life back and was able to focus and laugh again.
Never thought I'd be off medications to help with pain, anxiety, and sleep, but I am for the most part. Some of that is due to healing, but I also credit acupuncture, massage, and essential oils for most of this recovery. The rest is due to putting the pieces back together and learning how to live and not be the victim of cancer. My biggest complaint now are migraines but I can usually mange them now that I have the right specialist that understands.
Today I'm back to running several companies with my husband and recently won an award for Enterprising Women Of the Year for our Marine and Industrial company as President of Lightning Bay Pneu-Draulics. That's exciting! Together with my husband we run several companies and have great employees that help keep us successful. Never thought I would have a farm, but we have that too and it's been awesome to watch Shogun Farms develop over the past few years! Funny where life takes you and with the husband I have.....I never know what to expect next!
If you don't know this, I LOVE DOGS! A few years ago when I was lost and depressed after treatment I got involved with dog rescue and started fostering them. Yes, this just added to my busy schedule, but it’s rewarding. I watch these dogs transform mentally and physically. So many are beat down and losing hope then with love and proper care they become dogs again! I can relate to what this feels like and I absolutely love how rewarding it feels to see them live their new happy lives!
Last year I took over as Executive Director for a 501c3, DC Dogos Inc., because of my love for the breed, Dogo Argentino. Not the easiest breed to work with but one of the best! There is a lot of evil in this world but there is a lot of good too; I have fabulous volunteers to prove it! I have helped a little with cancer related non-profits, but I wanted to re-direct my focus away from cancer to help my healing, I think it worked and surely think that dogs have a way of healing us!
Honestly, life has been good to me. I have my moments, but that is normal. If I had to live it over again I would not change the fact that I was diagnosed with cancer. It’s changed me but has made be who I am. I hate cancer. I hate what it does. Three years ago this Friday it took my best friend of over 30 years. I think what I’ve learned the past few years is to appreciate the little things and make memories.
Thank you for reading & support someone with cancer today!
