By: Angela Freeman
This year I’ll celebrate my three-year “Cancerversary” of a Stage 2 Triple Negative Breast Cancer diagnosis. It took eight months of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation to battle my disease. As a survivor, I can say that the healing process is arduous. Physical and mental challenges continue long after the stages of cancer end, but for me, life has become more meaningful. After assessing cancer’s collateral beauty, I have found so much to enjoy and appreciate.
Some days my bones feel twice my age and chemo-brain leaves me struggling to find the right words. But I’ve done more living since my cancer treatment ended in February than I have in many years. I’ve landed on the ocean from a seaplane, I’ve snorkeled, kayaked, seen the rolling waves of both coasts, saw the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC, savored the change of seasons in the Midwest, and spectated at my kids’ soccer, volleyball, and music performances. I am so thankful for these moments in motherhood and for my life as a whole.
Life experiences are more meaningful when you’ve been given a second chance. Things I thought were important before cancer seem insignificant after cancer. I am still new at survivorship and learning how to navigate, but my life is beautiful and totally worth living.
I’ve discovered some things I’d like to share that have helped me live a richer, more hope-filled life as a cancer survivor.
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