Thankful

Thanksgiving has brought me to write this post and reflect on what life has brought me this year. Although cancer has brought difficult moments and experiences, it has also given me different experiences that I would never have had and I have learned from them. Cancer has changed my life. I have decided to allow for it to change my life in positive ways. I wanted to share with everyone what I am thankful for this year. My husband - Joe is my rock. Joe loves me through everything. He supports me through thick and thin. He is the most amazing significant other one could ask for. I've even allowed for him to join my Rock Star status this year! He is a spectacular person who I am extremely glad I met 17 (almost 18 years) ago. I love you, Joseph! My family - I try very hard each and every day to make sure they know that I am ok and I am pursuing the life that I had planned prior to cancer making an appearance. I am thrilled to have such a great support system which makes me happy and laugh almost everyday. My friends - New and old - I have had the opportunity to become closer to many of my friends due to cancer and I am happy about this. I have had the opportunity to meet several amazing people this year who have helped me enjoy life through what could have been a horrible time in my life. I've heard someone tell me that you don't get to pick your family, but you pick your second family in your friends. I love that there were many opportunities in my life that allowed me to meet these people and I am grateful for these relationships. Early detection - without a doctor who found my lump early and knew my medical history well and technology that could detect the cancer I may not have had the long life ahead of me that I now have the opportunity to have. I beg everyone to use me as a motivator to check your self and see your doctors regularly to be screened. It literally saved my life and I want you to be around for a long time as well. My medical staff, most importantly my oncology nurse, Lisa - Lisa made the difficult time through chemo more bearable. She makes me laugh every time I see her which is every Tuesday. She gives me strategies to make sure that I feel better every week. She is the reason that this weekly treatment plan is not making me crazy. My body - I know this one is weird, it rebelled against me this year. BUT it was in the best shape I think it was ever in before I went into surgery which allowed me to get through surgery and chemotherapy much better than most people would go through it. It is working really hard to try to get back to the running, biking, swimming, Kelly that I want it to be. I push it hard and it responds. I LOVE this about my body. I thank it everyday for helping me to accomplish my athletic goals everyday! My strength - I am stronger than I ever thought I was. My mind has learned that I am capable of so much. I love that I am a strong, independent, questioning woman. I have learned so much about myself this year and I am proud of what I have accomplished. I hope that I have many more years to reflect on all of the things that I am thankful for. I am so happy in my life and I love that I have the opportunity to LIVE it and enjoy every day with those I love.