It's been 4 years already since the first heard the words "Follicular Lymphoma". On December 23rd, 2014, I was finally given my diagnosis. It had been hard during the limbo stage, not knowing what was going on, what I didn't realize was how hard it would be in the year to come, accepting that I live with cancer.
For the most part, over the last 4 years I have felt ok. But my lymphoma seemed to find its way into my life when I lest expected it, like when I had to have my tonsil removed, and more recently when it kicked my butt this spring.
Through all of it, the 12 CT scans, the surgeries, the blood tests and treatment, it was sometimes hard to focus on life instead of being sick.
I made a pact with myself to try and focus on what was really important. Starting by being more present, enjoying my time with my family, allowing myself to relax and play, and doing things I may have been too shy to do before, like jump around a trampoline park with my kids :)
When I was very sick, simple things like doing the groceries and bringing Tucker for a walk turned into huge mountains that were very hard to climb. I am that much more grateful now to be able to be able to do all those things, and then some.
After seeing my oncologist last week, and receiving good news, I am ready to march into 2019. If I bring anything with me it will be the realization that life, and health are fragile, and the importance of enjoying every moment.
So take the time to be mindful, be present and enjoy the moment, before the moment is gone :)
