One Year
 

Well everyone, I reached another milestone today. One year since my very first chemo treatment. This time last year, I had no idea what to expect, no idea what was going on and scared to death. Since then I have become so educated when it comes to breast cancer and its treatments. I've faced my mortality and decided to make the best of my life for my kids, husband and myself. In a funny sort of way bc has helped me appreciate the smaller things in life you just don't have time to appreciate. I still have my moments when I wonder what the future holds, but the fear is no longer there. Human life can adapt to whatever is thrown at it, when in the beginning you think, " I can't do this!" So much has changed in a year, but most of all I have to say I truly found out what a wonderful, supportive, loving circle of family and friends I have around me. When the going go tough, I had the community I live in and I have to thank God for guiding me back home to be here at this time in my life. I don't think I could have gotten through the past year without them. And to you ladies, who have been my source of information, education and help with whatever I had on my mind. Christine and Joe, this support group was my lifeline through those long sleepless nights. Im only looking forward from here.
Thanks

Dawn

Congrats Dawn, My 1 year will not be until August. I have found myself already moving away from anxiety over this "challenge". I am going back to work in May and I am sure that will keep me occupied. I am scared to go back. No one from work has seen me since all this started and I am doubting my ability to perform my job how I did before. If I can't what happens then?

Whatever happens I know I have the Her2 suport group behind me 100%. Thank you all very much!!

Congratulations Dawn! You are right when you say breast cancer teaches us soooo much. It definitely wasn't a bad thing in my book. Like you, it made me face my mortality, it's strengthened my faith incredibly, and has also taught me to enjoy each and every day I have breath.

A blessing for sure.

Mary Jo

P.S. And Laurie - you will be fine. Not a doubt in my mind. Your co-workers will welcome you back with open arms and all will be well.

Yipee....
 

Dawn,
How wonderful! One year! Enjoy you cancerversary and just do something
great. Isn't it just amazing how one year can reorganize your entire mind?
You sound like such a fighter - I wish you continued success.

Hugs,
Jean

Laurie,

I also want to wish you luck when you go back to work.
I am sure it will feel strange but after the first day it will
begin to shape right back in place. It reminds me of when my
son had to go back to school after a long summer break.
He would worry about the new teacher and if he would
have some old friends in the new class. I used to tell
him - once the initial first day is done - the second day
is a snap. First day jitters....we all have them.

I am sure everyone at work will be happy you are back
and welcome you warmly. Good luck.

Kind Regards,
Jean

Dawn, Big Congratulations! I can sure relate to all those feelings you had when your first started all this. How a year can certainly change things. :) It really helps to have a great bunch of family and friends as you did to help you along the way. God bless them all. Here's to many happy years ahead, and may all your dreams come true.

Chelee

Dawn - congratulations on 1 year! May the next year go much better for you. I agree with you...this website is the greatest!

Good for you
 

Well Dawn, what a fabulous photo, full of life and love, it made me smile and feel cheered just to look at it.

Well done on not only surviving this past year but also finding the joy in living in the present, and in little moments. That's what this has given me, too. My anniversary was March 9th, and I felt such a mixture of emotions - astonishment at what I'd been through, and just where exactly did that year go?? How is it possible to have changed so much in one year? I wouldn't have wished for this to have happened to me, but I live very differently now, and intend to be around to practice the new me for a loooong time, because it's pretty good quite a lot of the time.
Thank you for sharing your happiness here and for reminding me about mine.
Caroline

Congratulations Dawn! Make sure you do something special for yourself.


Also congratulations to Laurie. And don't worry about returning to work. You'll do fine and your co-workers will welcome you with open arms!