Happy Birthday Eve!

As I sit here on my birthday Eve (we do birthday eves in my house), I can't help but pause and reflect.

I have heard many say," I bet this is not how you thought you would be spending your birthday... "

in the midst of a double cancer diagnosis, not quite bald and heading into 2 months of radiation.

First... right. I have never thought about when I would get cancer and what that would be like...

Second.. I tend to look at things a little different.

My hair is growing in, but that is beside the point...lol.

I am thankful to be through chemo and serious surgery. I am thankful that after being diagnosed with one of the most aggressive and rare breast cancers out there, that nearly every medical professional says "Your case is not typical." As the surgeon was briefing the resident attending my surgery, it was precious hearing him stumble over his words trying to explain inflammatory breast cancer cases in general and then.... "then there is her case. It has not been typical from the beginning."

Don't get me wrong, my body screams at me, I am so not excited about radiation and adjustments to my new body are challenging.

Life in general changed this year for me in 1 billion hard ways. As the challenges of life raged and chased after me, the beauty of it comforts me and holds me while I cry, when I just am trying to get through the day, while I try to sleep, while I actually begin to get back at it, and when I smile from ear to ear.

This birthday is a birthday of victory. It is a statement that I am not going anywhere. In just 5 short months after my double cancer diagnosis, I am heading into my last leg of treatment. I am moving on. Friday the oncologist said your immune system is what we would say is normal. That's a pretty good birthday present.

This journey is one of endurance, perseverance, confidence in my creator, joy and hope. You are loved and I am here for you...to stay.