Still NED, thank goodness! Seven years ago we were getting ready to head off on a road trip to Calgary for my consultation at the Tom Baker Centre. How uncertain the future seemed then, and how far we have come!
This past fall the incredible Dr. Temple retired; he will always have an indelible mark in my family's life and all our joys, so I hope he gets to enjoy a wonderful retirement. He is one of those rare human beings that really make such an enormous difference in the world that is hard to describe!
There's this idea out there that you become a new person every seven years. I don't believe that's backed by science ( except for the idea that our cells are constantly dying and new ones being made) but I very much embrace the idea. I am not the same person that I was back then; that person is gone through the trauma of all that we experienced, through the treatment and the years of healing that came after. And that's okay. I can't say that I will -ever- be thankful for having to deal with cancer, but I am thankful for the clarity that my family (myself, my husband and our son) have achieved over time since dealing with it.We take care of our mental health and emotional well being; we break away from toxic cycles and relationships and continue to support one another and grow into the best humans we can be.
That's the crux, isn't it? We don't stop growing, we don't stop changing. In another 7 years I will be yet another -me- as will my husband and son. We will be exploring new stages, new opportunities and new challenges and still searching out what makes us happy, healthy and fulfilled. And that waits down the path, not looking back behind us.
I've documented my life with my illness and its treatment, the various ups and downs since that initial MOAS and I am finally ready to step away. I realized today that I don't think about cancer anymore... finally! It possibly had to do with ceasing communication with someone that brought up my cancer battle every conversation we had ( nearly every day); letting go was incredibly hard, but an amazing healing experience for our small family. I am now letting go of this blog too and moving forwards, so this will be my last post. Assume I went off happily into the sunset to have my wild, joyous adventures, whichever shape they take!
Live without regrets. Do the best you can, and be kind to yourself. Remember your own strength, your own courage, your own hope. Onwards. <3
