Wednesday, May 26, 2010

When you knock on death's door, ring the doorbell and run. He HATES that!

Yesterday was my FIVE year anniversary out from breast cancer! FIVE YEARS!! I can't believe it. I've said it over and over in my mind and it still sounds crazy! I still knock on wood everytime I say it. The medical world says "I'm cured" at the five year mark. I don't dare say such a thing. That would be like tempting the Cancer Gods. Don't want to go there (again).

The top five things I have learned from this journey:

1. Relationships really ARE what it is all about!
2. God really does hear and answer prayers!
3. Each day really is a gift!
4. I love and appreciate my husband and children more than I thought possible.
5. What doesn't kill you really does make you stronger!

I can't even begin to thank those people in my life who have helped me along the way. Friends, neighbors, family, church members, doctors, nurses, co-workers, and kind strangers. My life has forever changed. I will never be the same.

I have learned volumes about myself and those around me. I have learned I am married to the man of my dreams who has stuck by me through better and worse, richer and poorer, and through sickness and through health. I have learned what is important in a marriage. Commitment, a sense of humor, unconditional love, and a man who will hold your barf bowl and say you are still the woman of his dreams even when you are bald. Who could ask for a truer man?

I have learned my children grow way too fast to spend too much time sleeping! Enjoying the small things in life are more precious that anything money can buy. Being home with them instead of chasing my own dreams has panned out to be the best decision of my life.

I have learned I have made life long friends who will stick by through the thick and the thin. I am surrounded by amazing people with hearts of gold and great senses of humor.

I have learned empathy for those who suffer physically and emotionally and the importnace of serving them, especially when prompted to do so. I have learned over and over again that I am blessed with good parents and a loving family.

And finally, I have gained a greater understanding of the atonement, it's purpose, and why I need it. I have learned more deeply there is a loving Father in Heaven and his son Jesus Christ who loves me and wants me to be happy.

This post closes this chapter of my life...My Journey through Breast Cancer. Thank you for your faith, prayers and encouragement through what was at times the darkest days of my life.

Signing off...

37 comments:

Tricia said...

Congratulations! You did it! You are truly AMAZING! Love ya tons!

April Annie said...

Signing off......Love ya! Great job!

Unknown said...
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Jenny said...

Wow! I just found your website and read through every single entry of yours and cried my eyes out! You are such an amazing woman! I wish you nothing but the absolute best that life has to offer. :)

I found a large mass last week and have my apt in the morning and am TERRIFIED! I am praying that it's nothing but have this terrifying feeling that it's not going to be good news. Reading your blog has lifted my spirits. Bring it on! lol Best of luck....I am SO happy fo you!!!

Marlene MacPherson said...

Wow that is truly amazing. I love your blog. I am a stage three breast Cancer survivor and a mother and out of treatment have launched a new cooking show Marlene's Meal Makeovers. I would really appreciate any feedback you may have. My website is www.marlenesmealmakeovers.com and my blog is marlenemacpherson.blogspot.com. Best health to you!

Mie84 said...
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Unknown said...
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@FABMOMCLT said...

Congratulations on your fifth year free of breast cancer. It is my hope that you live on to see many more years BREAST CANCER FREE!

Unknown said...

Just found your blog and I found myself crying while I smiled as I read it. Thank you for putting into words what my heart has felt many times. I too am a breast cancer patient. I too am so very gratful for so very much! Like you the atonement becomes so much more than a hope or an intellectual concept. I am reminded every blessed day that I have a Heavenly Father and he not only loves me, but knows me by name.

Thank you again for sharing your words. I was checking on my dauther-n-laws blog and looking at the grandkids when I noticed a sign that said "next blog" so I clicked on it and it was yours. I would have to say it's another gift in my day. Like a squirell finding a nut or a bird who has found a french fry.

Thank You, and God Bless

Debbie Bailey

joven said...
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Dragonflyangel said...

Hi Dana,
I was searching for information on breast cancer and young women and I came across your blog. Funny thing, my name is Dana too. Even more interesting is I am 32 years old and just diagnoised with Breast Cancer in July 2010. I had a bilateral mastectomy two weeks ago and start chemo in two weeks. Thank you for sharing your story and giving others hope. I feel better knowing there is someone else out there like me who had to go through this and WON!! Best of luck!!
Dana

dein said...

i hope you a better days ahead...:-) breast cancer awareness program should be done more often...

http://superbsite.info

dein said...

looking forward for your new post...:-)

can't wait for the October breast awareness campaign..


http://superbsite.info

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bahar19852010 said...

thanks for sharing...

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subchanzee said...

Wonderful story,congrats !
many women ignore about breast cancer caused.

breast reduction surgery said...

There may be ups and dons in life and injuries and illnesses but when you have your man standing by you and supporting you then life can not go wrong.

Bruce said...

This is such a amazing post
All about breast cancer

Skin Cancer Warning Signs said...
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Breast cancer said...
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Shahrukh said...


INFORMATION ABOUT BREAST CANCER.

breast cancer clinic said...

Good writing. It is not an easy task to survive cancer for 5 years. It is easy to say or think about but difficult to live with it.
You are definitely a very inspiring person.
Keep posting.

my breast cancer tips said...
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Cameron VSJ said...

Hi,

I have a quick question about your blog. Could you email me when you get a chance?

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Breast Enlargement said...

That is some news. Great going. Best of luck for further endeavours

Unknown said...

Thanks for the information... I really love your blog posts... specially those on IPT (Insulin Potentiation Therapy) For Cancer

maggie.danhakl@healthline.com said...

Hello Dana,

I hope all is well. Healthline just published these inspiring quotes about breast cancer from celebrities who battled the disease. Our audience really enjoyed them and gave us great feedback on how powerful and inspirational they are. You can see them here: http://www.healthline.com/health/breast-cancer/quotes

I thought they would be of interest to your followers as well, and I wanted to see if you would include it as a resource on your page: http://fightingbreastcancer.blogspot.com/

Please let me know if this would be possible. I’m happy to answer any other questions as well.

Thanks so much!
Maggie Danhakl • Assistant Marketing Manager
p: 415-281-3124 f: 415-281-3199

Healthline • The Power of Intelligent Health
660 Third Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
www.healthline.com | @Healthline | @HealthlineCorp

About Us: corp.healthline.com

MoLangley said...

Still inspiring people! Just wanted to see what you're up to these days. Lots, as usual, I see.

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About Me

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Idaho Falls, Idaho, United States
I am a 36 year old woman, married to a great guy, and together we have three beautiful daughters. I am a three and a half year breast cancer survivor. This past year I have become active in the cause of helping those who are batteling cancer!