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Future So Bright – Gotta Wear Shades! 😎

Now that chemotherapy has wound down, I’m entering unchartered territory again. I will be doing hormone therapy for my breast cancer and that’s about popping a daily pill which presents its own side effects. But, not to worry, because I’ve already put out into the Universe that once again I will not suffer any major side effects.

I am still somewhat tethered to my Oncologist since I will be checking in periodically for lab tests to make sure my body is adjusting and coming back from the cancer drugs. In the meantime it’s:

Celebration Time!

Yes, I’m currently planning a blowout Birthday/Chemo Over Party! It’ll be really great to see friends and family again since I haven’t during my cancer treatments. Having it in my hometown to catch up with friends (some of whom I haven’t seen since college) and family to really make this a joyous occasion!

I’ve also signed up for my first Survivor Dinner and Relay Race! I didn’t join any support groups after I was diagnosed because talking to you guys through this blog has been the best therapy and support I could ever have. I bonded with fellow patients during my chemo treatment so it’ll be nice to meet survivors at the dinner.

The Relay Race should also be fun. At first, I was skeptical because I haven’t run or done a relay for years. My Nurse “Angel” Navigator who has been with me since the beginning assured me that I don’t have to run, just take a survivor victory lap for cheers and support from friends and family. Okay, I said, if that’s the deal, I’m totally in!

So, a lot to look forward to on the horizon. And as I’ve been told – my future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades! 💖😎

In Celebration of Angels 😇

God’s love, mercy and grace know no bounds and God sent his angels to support me all around.

I’m dedicating this post to the two angels who have brightened my life and taken such incredible care of me!

Nurse Stephanie

Nurse Stephanie

From day one Nurse Stephanie put her angel wings around me, making me feel safe and secure. We bonded immediately and our friendship endures. Thanks so much for making my life and needs a priority by listening and addressing all my concerns. Your loving care is priceless. You rock! 💖

Nurse Chad

Nurse Chad

The Chad! Thanks so much for your warmth, patience and sincerity. I watched your interactions with other patients and knew that I was in great hands. Confident and strong with the biggest heart inside. I always knew you were there for me. 😘

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angelsquote

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Celebrate Life! – Last Chemo!

God is truly amazing! He’s walked with me every step of the way and my life has been forever changed because of his grace and favor. Through him, I’ve been given the strength and determination to prevail through my colon and breast cancer journey. My life has been blessed with the love and support of family and friends, doctors and nurses and I want to thank you all for your encouragement and prayers. I love you all!

Dreams do come true. Always Believe!

Happy😋 Happiness is the Truth!

In anticipation of my last chemo treatment, I’m feeling so very happy! The Pharell song “Happy” has been a favorite of mine since it was released and its message says it all for me. I’m happy and feel happiness is the truth. I feel like a room without a roof! Clap along if that’s what you want to do – Hallelujah!!

Share my happiness 💖

Dance Along 💃🏽

Enjoy!

The Quest for Self

What have I come here to do with my life?

Consider this quote from author Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love)

“Share what you’ve learned.”

A big part of who I am and why I love to write is expressing and exploring my life’s journey with others.

“Bring the light”

This is what I strive to do by sharing my thoughts and communing with others thru my blog.

If you’re searching for happiness or striving to find the light, start by creating mini quests.

Every day go out and find something beautiful.

Circling back to my original question, I think it’s important for us to ask…

What have I come here to do with my life?

Happy Friday! 😎

Living in my happiness!

1 More Chemo to Go!

I’ve now reached my 11th out of 12 chemotherapy treatments. I’m filled with so many emotions but the primary one is thank you, God, for your grace and favor while physically jumping up and down with joy!

I created this video as an expression of my feelings and experiences with fighting cancer. The song “Defying Gravity” from the Broadway play “Wicked” perfectly describes what I’ve taken away from my cancer journey.

Shedding fears, my unwavering faith and belief that God is always with me and that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to is such a freeing and powerful realization I’ve been blessed to receive.

My message and desire for everyone is to embrace your faith and shed your fear. We only get one life, let’s enjoy it!

Perserverance – Embracing the Hills

Throughout my cancer journey, I’ve always looked for quotes, videos, songs to inspire and motivate me to thrive, “push through the hills” and reach my personal success. I like to share these words and moments with others to hopefully inspire self-realization and strength. I came across this motivational video on YouTube and was moved, encouraged and felt like, I get it and I intend to live my life always pushing forward and embracing the hills.

Always Remember

Chemo Self-Realization ✨

Years ago I asked my husband “would you rather your life be like a Ferris Wheel or Roller Coaster?” I told him, for me, I much prefer the coaster ride! The ups, the downs, the suspense and yes, the screams.

Taking chances, making that leap of faith. These are the moments that make us alive. I don’t believe our journey is meant to sit rocking in a chair, going nowhere.

This my self-realization: I want my world filled with opportunities to grow that may take me outside of my comfort zone and full on embrace the importance of taking a leap of faith.

Well, I asked for growth and faith and boy did I get it because my cancer fight and life journey has definitely been an adventurous ride but also in the process has truly strengthened my belief in the miracle of faith.

A bit of humor:

When we were planning our wedding I asked my then future husband, wouldn’t it be cool to do a free fall from a plane after we take our vows? His answer – You fall, I’ll meet you on the ground. 😄

You Better Tell Somebody!

Chatting with my husband about his mother’s health, he talked about her pain medicine and how the dose wasn’t adequate for her pain level but she won’t speak up and tell her doctor about the problem.

Jokingly I said “she better tell somebody” so she’s not living in constant pain and proposed that perhaps I should do a speaking tour encouraging patients to work with their physician on any problems or concerns about their medical care.

I tell my doctors immediately if I have concerns or any differences with my body or symptoms during my chemotherapy treatment. They know to depend on me to share.

Some may feel that sharing this information is a sign of weakness when in fact it’s empowering to take charge of your health and care. Having a reciprocal relationship with your physician is essential to managing any issues and addressing your concerns head on.

Maybe I should take my message on the road- the “You Better Tell Somebody” Tour. Next career endeavor? Humm, food for thought.