08/26/2023
A chapter officially CLOSED! I’ve never been more excited to share great news. On Thursday I graduated! I was officially declared CURED by my oncologist. Finally this cancer journey is in the rear view mirror.
It’s been a little over 10 years since my stage IV colon cancer diagnosis. There has been so much pain, anguish, anxiety…surgeries, radiation, chemo…more surgeries, scans, more chemo and lots and lots of worry. Worry for the future, worry for my family, worry for my survival. I always wanted to believe I’d pull through, but there were definitely some dark and difficult days. There were setbacks and relapses, but finally last week it was confirmed via my latest scan that there is absolutely no evidence of disease! I have been freed to move on with life. To look forward to the future with certainty and confidence. It’s truly best feeling in the world!
I will forever be changed by my diagnosis and cancer journey, but will always carry with me just how sweet life is and that every single day is precious. I savor every moment and I know in my heart I’ve never stopped believing I could be the unicorn. I am officially part of the 8% survival rate. Of course I have physical and emotional scars that will forever be a reminder, but I made it. I’m alive! I’ll take all the pain and scars for this gift of life.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years and have rooted for me to conquer cancer. It has meant the world to me. I’ve also made so many inspirational friends and warriors along the way. They have been there for the tears, freak-outs and milestones. Some were not as fortunate as me, and I grieve for their families. I will always remember how lucky I am to greet every day, thinking of them and honoring their memory by living life to the fullest.
Continued in comments….
