An Anniversary

Two years ago today, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Stage one, grade one ductal carcinoma in situ, to be exact.  A few days later I was upgraded to stage one, grade two.  That's not good news.  In the end, it didn't matter:  I totally kicked it's ass.  I was officially cancer free before the end of 2010.

Going through all that, I was pretty focused on the fight.  I didn't cry, I didn't think about the "what if's".  I did my research, followed the doctors' instructions, and did my best to take care of myself.  People tell you how brave you are, but here's the thing:  you have little choice.  You fight or you die, period.  Bravery has very little to do with it. Besides, the clinic staff had the hard part.  They had to save my life.  All I had to do was show up on time.

Looking back on everything that happened, it's hard not to get emotional.  One of the hardest things I've ever had to do was tell my mom I had cancer.  Nobody wants to cause their mother that kind of pain and worry.  I hope I never have to say those words again. 

Last week, I took myself shopping and bought myself a gift: a pretty pink sapphire set with tiny diamonds on a silver band.  I wear it to remind myself that life is precious, and not to take a moment for granted.