8 years

 8 years.  A lot has happened in 8 years. But this is 8 years from my cancer and treatment. It has been a long road to recovery but I am here. I have passed a lot of milestones that the cancer world sets and I can say I am a survivor. 5 year milestone- which I was told that most cancer returns within 5 years of treatment. Every year is a milestone to be cancer free.

Next phase for me is weaning down my tamoxifen medication. I am so excited about this. I am so ready to come off this medication.  Maybe my hair will grow back (and stop thinning), and hopefully I will be able to lose weight easier. Not looking forward to my leg hair to start growing, but I will be ok with that!

This medication is just a reminder of what I have been through and so glad to start putting it behind me. Let me say, I never want to forget about my experience, because I learned a lot about myself and how strong I am. You see, during trials like this, you learn to have more confidence (you lose all your hair and have to go out in the public bald), work through feeling sick (chemo makes you sick and have nausea all the time), manage pain and stress (having a port is not fun, they have to access it everytime and it doesn't feel good!)

With every trial we face, we learn something new about ourselves. It may be how to learn to be stronger or to reflect on how we reacted and how to learn to do it different the next time.

One of my Mission team mates is facing a battle of her own. She has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Her battle is different than what I had, but the battle is still with cancer and the battle of the mind. But she is strong. I ask for you to pray for her healing and strength through this battle. Stay positive my friend, you can get through this.

"I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

Love to all,