HELLO FRIENDS!

Happy World Cancer Day to those who recognize it.

I say “recognize” but am unsure if “celebrate” is the best term?!

Maybe I am wrong because, as I mentioned in my last blog post “A Milestone Year,” milestones are important and should be celebrated. Even the ones that come with some pain. Like this one.

World Cancer Day is a day I mark in my calendar but do I wish I didn’t have to recognize it? I am not sure.

Strange answer I know but hear me out.

January 2015 when I was told I had cancer, I was worried about how much time I would have to take off work as I was about to start a huge project.

I wish I were joking.

December 30, 20219 when I was told my cancer returned more aggressively, I was worried that all I had done for the last 4 years was work.

Do you see the pattern?

Cancer has given me a rare opportunity that not a lot of people get, facing my mortality and having my life and priorities become crystal clear.

So if you ask me, do I wish I never had cancer, my answer would always be yes. But if you ask me if I think cancer has changed my life for the better, my answer will also be yes.

Two things can be true.

Cancer has changed my life significantly, good and bad.

Living with cancer has had an impact on me. Financially. Emotionally. Physically.

When people comment that I look “good” I am truly touched.

Looking and feeling healthy is a big goal for me, and something I work VERY hard on.

That said, when you live with cancer, your outside doesn’t always reflect what is going on inside. My amputation, due to my cancer, was internal so you don’t physically see it on me or know what it is like to live with the side effects of my surgery and/or treatments. My mental health struggles aren’t always obvious, although I try to be as vocal as I can about them as I think it is important to share to help normalize mental health struggles. Post Traumatic Stress is something I deal with on the regular. Financially cancer has taken a toll on me. I have limitations that I will live with for the rest of my life due to my cancer. These are just some of the realities of living with cancer.

On the flip side, the Post Traumatic GROWTH, of my cancer journey is also significant. My focus is to live life fully, hence my title as Life Enthusiast. That includes the realization that “living fully” doesn’t necessarily require “living BIG.”

Most of my joy comes from the small things in life; lunch with my Mom or my friends, cuddling with my Chip while reading a good book and sipping tea, texting with my brother about movies, going for walks, living my purpose by being a health care advocate for my community, sharing my story, and creating workshops. I don’t need a lot in my life to make me happy.

My vibe has gone from workaholic to slow living and I am so grateful for this pivot. This significant shift in perspective and priorities is thanks to cancer.

These are also some realities of living with cancer.

Living with cancer (emphasis on living) is hard, no question, but it has also forced me to live more authentically and appreciatively because I know how fleeting life can be. 

This is cancer.

I am not alone. I am one story amongst millions of others who live with or are impacted by this disease. Together we are a strong community that works to make a difference. This is why it is important to recognize this day.

We have done so much. We have so much more to do.

Here are some resources if you want to learn more:

World Cancer Day

Canadian Cancer Society

Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka

Wellspring