This is one birthday I am happy to celebrate! Given the last six months I am happy to be another year older and look forward to a lot more years. That may sound a little “dramatic” but when you are given a cancer diagnosis trust me the fear of dying is very much at the forefront of your thoughts. I am one of the lucky ones. My cancer had not spread and by surgically removing my breasts, I “removed” the cancer from my body.

I still have months and months ahead before my reconstruction is finished and there are and will be other things I will need to deal with for a long time to come but I can and will deal with them. I have learned through this journey that I am stronger than I thought both physically and mentally. I am more determined than I have ever been to get through this journey the best I can with a positive attitude and laser focus on what I want the end product to be. I also want to make sure that my journey some how helps others. I want to be a source of information and inspiration for any and all who might be facing the same frightening diagnosis and act as a source of knowledge for the families who have to support and console their mother’s, wives, aunts and daughters. I want women to be advocates for their health. Go for mammograms, ask for an ultrasound if you have any doubts and push your doctors to be thorough. You know your body. You know when things “aren’t right”. Don’t accept a no if you really want a yes. Encourage each other to take care of ourselves. We only have one body, one life and one chance to make a difference. Let’s not waste our time here. Let’s live to the fullest. Let’s help and support each other. Let’s celebrate every birthday, anniversary, sunrise and sunset. Let’s celebrate the fact that we are alive. I know I will be. This birthday marks a year that will only get better for me with each day. This year marks my commitment to take more time for myself. To appreciate everything I have….and thanks to my mastectomy, what I “don’t have”…cancer. This birthday isn’t about candles or cake or presents. This birthday is about living and celebrating that I am cancer free! I can’t think of a better gift or reason to have a party. This year I will be singing Happy Birthday to me…loudly and proudly.

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