Today I received the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. I’ve never been so excited to get a needle in my whole life. I know that sounds a bit dramatic but given the state of the world….well need I say more?!

It was this week 3 years ago that I was diagnosed with breast cancer. That was the day that my whole world turned upside down and I started upon a journey that continues to this day. Six weeks after being diagnosed I underwent a bilateral mastectomy. I have since had seven followup surgeries and a myriad of other procedures to deal with chronic pain. Even writing the words that “I suffer from continuous pain” is difficult. When you tell people that, they look at you like you have three heads.

“What do you mean you’re always in pain? That can’t be true?”

Unfortunately it IS TRUE. The nerve damage from all the surgeries combined with the trauma both physically and mentally have rendered me a physical mess…not to mention the bouts of anxiety, panic attacks and uncontrollable weeping that can overwhelm me at the drop of a hat. Every day I battle with my physical disabilities and use every ounce of positive energy I can muster to deal with the mental anguish. It’s exhausting. But it’s my reality.

Covid-19 has added a whole other layer to my anxiety. The fear of contracting the disease has weighed on me and many others heavily. With having so many underlying health issues, Covid is very scary. When vaccines finally started to become available I registered on every site that I could find; but as I started to fill in the forms, a red bubble always popped up to say I didn’t qualify yet as I was too young! Ugh. Too young?!?! Have you seen my medical history?!

Finally last week when vaccines were opened up to include people over 40 I was able to book the appointment. I’ve been counting the days like a kid waiting for Christmas…just six more sleeps, five, four, three, two, one….and today was the day!!!

In and out in 25 minutes including the 15 minute wait time after receiving the vaccine. I walked out of that pharmacy with a new spring in my step and smile that stretched from ear to ear. Of course no one could see that behind my mask, but trust me , it was there! I already have my second dose booked although its not til mid August but at least I have one. Hopefully more vaccine doses will come available as Canada receives more shipments and then I could possibly get it sooner. For anyone who is eligible and who hasn’t yet booked an appointment, PLEASE DO!!!! Until at least 75% of our population is vaccinated, we will be constantly in various stages/degrees of lockdown.

You owe it to yourself and everyone around you to get the vaccine. It’s fast, easy and FREE! Without it, everyone’s “free”dom will be curtailed. Covid is scary. Covid is dangerous. Covid kills. I’ve already dealt with cancer and all its ramifications…I don’t need to add Covid too. Nobody does. SO…get the vaccine. Protect yourself, your friends and your family. I did and I haven’t felt this good in ages!

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