The second anniversary of my cancer diagnosis is quickly approaching. Of course it has me thinking. A lot. Not all the thoughts are happy thoughts, but that just comes with the territory.
But some of those thoughts are happy thoughts. Warm, fuzzy, happy thoughts. Like the girls I met because I have cancer.
These are women I would have been proud to count among my friends even before diagnosis, but I can’t imagine a scenario in which I would have met any of them outside of cancer.
This weekend a group of us traveled to New Orleans to a conference for young women with breast cancer. We learned about treatment protocols, late effects of treatment, nutrition, dealing with the impact of cancer treatment in the bedroom, and myriad other topics, and we got to spend time with other women whose lives have been similarly impacted.
Good times, good music, good food, good company…
I think the people with whom we surround ourselves have a huge influence on our happiness. Sure, we all have those people around whom we have to tiptoe and walk on eggshells, but we can dilute their influence with so many more amazing people, people who lift us up and love us for who we really are. I’m so blessed to have such amazing friends – that they understand what I’m going through with cancer because they’ve been there too just makes it that much better.
I’m a very lucky woman.
Of course I still worry about how many years I have left, but even more important than the number of trips you make around the sun is your traveling companions along the way.
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I’m glad that you are surrounded by friends during this difficult time. It’s a blessing to be sure! Sending hugs and good thoughts!
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Very touching! And sending you lots of positive thoughts.
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Love the photos! That is one destination I would love to hit at some point in time! I’m glad you got to connect with others.
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What an amazing group of ladies indeed!!!
Vavavoom!
Love love love the pictures!
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This post is filled with happy. I am so glad to hear that something good came out of something bad. Hugs! Happy WW.I hope you’ll join us at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop linky party tomorrow.
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So wonderful and what a blessing to be surrounded by such a great group of people!!
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Having amazing people in your corner is always important – looks like you all had a wonderful time! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. ((HUGZ!!))
Warrior Cat Entrepreneur
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It’s so wonderful to have good friends. Looks like y’all had a great time in N.O.
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Hello…newcomer here via Angie (sevenclowncircus) and WW…
Wow, I’m so glad you are finding the positive in it all. My mom had breast cancer at 34 & is still a survivor – this year makes 27 years. She, too, made a lot of great friends and took some awesome trips along the way!
Kudos to you!
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Reading your post really touched my heart. I am so glad you all were together and had such a wonderful experience in NOLA. The pictures are beautiful….the smiles infectious. I can imagine just how much fun you all had together. Take care and live each day to its fullest. That is what I try to do. Sometimes it is harder than others, but I still try. genie
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