December 3rd signifies different things to different people. For Julianne Moore and Amanda Seyfried, it commemorates the day they were brought into this world. Through a quick Wikipedia search I learned that the very first heart transplant was performed on a human on December 3, 1967 and that the very first text message was sent by an Engineer on December 3, 1992. December 3 signifies many things, and I'm sure before 2012, it would have marked just another ordinary day for me. But December 3, 2012 will now forever have a place in my history as the day I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was the first time I heard the words "you have cancer" directed at me... into my existence, into my reality.
2 years ago I remember waking up thinking it was a normal work day, tired from the weekend and irritated that I had to trek down to Torrance for an appointment to hear the results of a biopsy I was 99% sure would be normal. I remember dragging Jon with me, promising him it would be quick and that I was sorry he had to go with me (as they make you bring someone with you to hear the results, "just in case"). Little did I know that it was the calm before the storm, that it was the day my life would turn inside out. To this day I still wonder if they insisted I bring someone with me because they already knew. I have a copy of my pathology report from an ultrasound conducted before the biopsy, a good two weeks before the diagnosis. On it it reads "ASSESSMENT: Highly suggestive of malignancy". Thanks docs... perhaps you didn't want to ruin my Thanksgiving. And for those wondering... NO they didn't give me the pathology report before my diagnosis. It was something I received only after personally requesting it, and well after I was undergoing treatment.
No matter what, I am so incredibly thankful they found it when they did. Before it got too large, before it spread to my lymph nodes. And I am so grateful that I am here with you today, cancer-free and with a whole new perspective on life, priorities and on never taking for granted the amazing things we are blessed with.
So I raise a little virtual glass honoring this 2 year anniversary of fighting for my life, learning who I am, taking care of my mind/body/spirit, and becoming a stronger person through it all.
#IWillBeFierce and #IAmUnbroken
