God has blessed not only myself but my children and family with the greatest gift of all, my health and being cancer free.

With my one year survivor status around the corner,  I reflect on this last year. In some ways it feels like decades ago as I move forward and celebrate life. In other ways the lessons,phyical scars, personal achievements, and all I have gained feel very current as its an on going process.
The reality is the stage 4 remarkable survivors I have the privilege to know and are still fighting (many years) and are doing well with stable disease. The stage 4's that have lost their lives and the families that are living without them are brave and strong. I am in complete bliss as God has blessed not only myself but my children and family with the greatest gift of all, my health and being cancer free.

I started this journey with the intent of jumping in full throttle and dedicating volunteer time to breast cancer organizations. In spite of my great intentions I have not been so steadfast in doing so. No excuses as my life and Mommy hours with five kids has been very demanding. Instead of feeling disappointed and frustrated I pray and ask God to continue to guide me as to his will and the path I'm destined to be on, and his help in my making goals he wants me to achieve. I try to help in many other avenues and reach out to people to give support and help. As I say to my children "Do not say you cant" You mean you wont". There is no such thing as you cant. If you want it badly enough you will!

Many survivors have informed me that you change dramatically after you survive cancer. I feel it effects us all very differently. As we all have such a broad perspective and a unique abilities, wills, drive, and talents. What I see across the board are survivors and families paying it forward and making a positive difference, profoundly impacting and changing not only theirs but others lives in the process.

I have endured chemo treatments, two major surgery's, the loss of both of my breasts,countless scans, continuous blood tests and check ups. I say here me ROAR! I have prevailed against stage 3 breast cancer and by far have only endured very minimal of what my fellow cancer patients and survivors have or continue to do so.Nothing on my journey has even remotely affected me in a negative way. I could care less about my breasts, hair or any of the frivolous, irerlative things that where merely small sacrifices  to arrive Cancer free. My entire path has turned me into me steel and enhanced my relationship with God, my husband and family. I would not change a single step. My path to arrive here completely cancer free has been such a short time frame with minimal treatments as it is nothing short of a pure miracle and Gods pure blessings. My immune system is back in full functionality. My blood test and exams continue to be excellent. All that is required is a pet scan this year only, blood test every three months for the next two years, and a yearly chest X-ray. LIFE IS GREAT!

I am still human and make mistakes, pray about them and talk to God to lead and guide me to improve and try to lead by example.
What I have changed is to live everyday and moment with integrity, a smile, a heart full of happiness, enjoy more, not make excuses, not be detoured, play harder, and to never take a moment with my children or family for granted.

I think of the people and children who lose their lives daily in accidents and never see it coming. With cancer I was able to be given time and to fight with all I have. Life is truly short but what an amazingly fun adventure.

I am so blessed with all the amazing people to know and love in my life! My new friends and life long friends along the way~  I wake up daily full of gratefulness. I love and embrace all with a heart full of love and true happiness.

I pray you all continue to be blessed, loved and feel happiness every day~

I will update after my PET scan next month