Three years for me too!
 

I guess today is considered my 3 year cancerversary since this was the date of my lumpectomy. The date of my diagnosis (November 23, 2005), sticks more in my mind, as this was the day that life took a sharp turn for me. Now, three years later I am grateful to be here, feeling healthier and stronger than I have in a long time. I thought back to what I have learned in three years; here are a few things I came up with:

* I am stronger than I think.
* Losing my hair was not as traumatic as I imagined – it really does grow back.
* Love is blind (see above).
* Stubbornness, once considered a detriment, worked in my favor.
* Doctors are human too.
* Knowledge is power.
* Don’t sweat the small stuff is great advice.
* A friend is someone who supports you through the tough times – even if you have never met.

I am moving forward with my life. As of September 1, I have lost 25+ pounds by joining Weight Watchers. I will be thrilled if I can lose an additional 25, since the 25 I took off were the pounds I put on due to treatment. I am feeling so much better! I am now a Reach to Recovery volunteer for the American Cancer Society and I love it. It is a great feeling to be able to help others just starting their journey.

Thank you, all of you, for the help and support you have (unknowingly) given me these past three years. My heart breaks each time one of “us” faces a new challenge and I rejoice with the good news. I have learned so much from the members of this board – the friends, that I have not yet met. You have made all the difference in the world to me.

Happy Holidays to one and all. May God bless you and keep you safe.

Much love,

Beautifully stated, Gerri.

I was just thinking today that I wished I could post a special blessing for those families who did lose a loved one this year (whether from this board or otherwise).

Reach to Recovery sounds like just the ticket for you now that you are more energetic and in the "giving back" mode.

Hope you and your new hairstyle have a wonderful holiday season as you begin year 4 as a BC survivor.

Well said. Congratulations and thanks for sharing.

Good to hear you're living and enjoying life after bc, many congrats from me Gerri!

Gerri...That truly was beautiful and it warms my heart when good aka blessings are found when tough things come our way....because there always are blessings IF we take the time to look and learn.

You are a blessing to us Gerri hence one of OUR blessings along this journey.

God Bless you Gerri......

Mary Jo
Romans 8:28

Gerri, many heartfelt congratulations on your milestone! May you have many many many more!

Hugs,Marcia

Gerri-
I don't post often but do visit occasionally. I just want to wish you a Happy Cancerversary and 100 more! I love your avatar, it's picture perfect.

Liz

Big Contrats Gerri!

I appreciate your lovely sentiments.

Hi Gerri, Congratulations on being three yrs out...another big milestone. I like your list of the things you've learned...I agree with each one of those. :)

Also big Congrats on joining "Reach to Recovery". I know it was impossible for any organization I called to find someone that was her2 positive for me to talk to when first dx. (I felt even more alone when every place I called did not have anyone available for me to talk to...you know what that made me think.) :( So I'm glad you joined it and are enjoying helping others out. Way to go girl! :) Just to make it offical...HAPPY CANCERVERSARY to you. Here's to another 50 plus some to come. Wooo hooo.

Chelee

That was beautiful and well stated....and the Christmas Tree is beautiful too. Thank You, it was wonderful to hear.

Congratulations Gerri!!

Congratulations and have a wonderful, healthy holiday.

Congratulations on three years! You go girl

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...heerleader.gif

Congrats Gerri!! Wishing you many more cancerversaries.

all the best
caya

Congrats. I love to celebrate. Hope you have or had an opportunity to celebrate. The weight loss itself shows your new strength. Good for you for sharing with others. I am also a reach volunteer. If you like it, you should also join Imerman Angels.

Gerri,

Congratulations on your third cancerversary and many more to come.

Amelia

Gerri,

Congratulations on your 3-year anniversary!

Joan

Congrats Gerri. You are a great asset to our family here. Many, many more are sure to come. I loved your post here as it is so from the heart and so true.

Congratulations and many more!

Ruth