“One day, right after my mastectomy, I went for a walk in Central Park, and there was this mob of people blocking the road. I thought, ‘Oh, great, now I’m stuck!’ but then I realized that it was a breast cancer walk.”  Hoda Kotb

Seven years ago today I finished treatment for breast cancer. It seems like a moment and an eternity ago. Walking away from the treatment rooms was scary, vulnerable and so very full of uncertainty. Today the memories are still present, and can be quite vivid, but my life has gone on. I not only saw my son graduate from high school but got to celebrate his 21^st birthday. My husband and I got to see Paris together. I have walked 60 miles for breast cancer and swum 1 mile (4 times) for women with cancer. I not only joined “the walk” but jumped into the water.

I am deeply grateful that I have continued with NED (no evidence of disease) and am no longer as vigilant or nervous when I cough or notice a rash that truly is an allergic reaction. My breast MRI is next week, I am not thinking about it all that much and I don’t  really think anything will be discovered. Time and distance does make a difference. I hope that this can encourage those of you who are still struggling and suffering with the pain and fear of dealing with breast cancer.  For those of us who are fortunate to leave this behind … it does get better.

I don’t know what is ahead, I cannot plan it all out (although I certainly would enjoy that level of control!) and, like most of us, some days are great and others … well, not so much. That’s just how it goes. I won’t pretend that I live in a constant state of grace and gratitude. I get annoyed at ignorance and freak out when I look at the grocery receipt. I get sick of eating right and want to drink more wine. But today I am reminded of how precious it is to have the chance to experience another day, to be able to get up from my chair and walk across the room, to look into the faces of those I love. I don’t take being alive for granted …

Not matter what happens, I still am blessed to be here today and to live my life fully.  It’s not a given … it’s a privilege.