Inspiration

My last post seems like years ago.  Since July, I had the final phase of surgery (which means that now I have nipples.)  The whole procedure was very easy, and my surgeons were able to kill two birds with one stone because my port was also removed during the same surgery.  Recovery was not bad at all; I just had to stay dry and not move around too much for a few weeks.  We actually went on vacation during that time, but it was a good excuse to sit and read while my hubby took the kids to the pool.  I was in heaven looking at the water from the balcony and racing through a stack of books!  I am delighted to write that there are no planned surgeries in my future or any invasive procedures of any kind!  Tattoos are scheduled for this month, and I hear that that's fairly easy with minimal discomfort.  That will be It!     

So, life has resumed and is returning back to normal (as in pre-BC.)  I have energy once again and feel terrific.   There are now days where I don't have to think about doctors, appointments, treatments, or how I am feeling (because it's always good!)  I no longer have to take meds for side effects like neuropathy and my hands/feet no longer tingle or hurt.  (That was a big one!)  I am now on a four month schedule with my oncologist and a six month schedule with my OBGYN (because the meds that can keep BC at bay can also cause ovarian cancer.  Oy vey!)  My last visit to both docs was a birthday trip in October where I received the best gift ever - blood work  and tests were all clear!     

People now often say things like, "You're such an inspiration" or something along those lines.  I think not.  My story is one of the easy ones.  One of the joyful tales of cancer.  Caught early.  Treated by medical professionals who know what they are doing.  Clear margins.  No remaining evidence.  Each and every day I think about all the stories that don't end this way.  I think about the gift that I've been given, I think about how random life is, I think about the fact that it can all be over in an instant and for whatever reason, I have a future when so many others don't.  So I leave you with a real tale of inspiration instead.

A friend passed on the book Life in a Jar by Jack Mayer.  (I love getting book recs - it tells you so much about the person!)  This book tells the story of Irena Sendler and how her story was made public by three high school students.  In a nutshell, Sendler rescued 2,500 children during the Holocaust but it was kept very quiet by the Polish government until the story was researched further by a few girls in Kansas.  An amazing story and an incredible woman!  In spite of the Hallmark clips, I hope she inspires you.

Click here to view the Irena Sendler video.  

"Who changes one person, changes the whole world."
                                                      -Jewish Talmud