This will be my final blog for 2016,,,,
I am closing this year with some bitter sweetness and joy. 2016 is a year that I would love to forget, it came in with a bang of a Breast Cancer diagnosis and followed by surgery, 4 months of chemotherapy and 5 weeks of radiation. A year that has taught me just how strong one can become when faced with adversity, how we have to make life altering decisions within a moments notice and how the word CANCER changes your life forever. In the blink of an eye your life is shattered to pieces and slowly you try to put it back together one at a time.
In this past year I was forced by the laws of nature to make decisions which will affect me for the rest of my life, these decisions also affected the ones that I love. Together we took one step in front of the other and hoped and prayed that each decision that was made would guide us to a better place.
2016 has taught me to be resilient and that nothing is impossible and that all is possible. It has taught me the true meaning of life, family and friendships near and far. Life is short, we do not know what tomorrow holds for us but we know that in the moment of need and fear those who truly care are by your side in any way, shape or form they can be.
At 40 years old I should've been at the peek of my adulthood, embracing life, my husband, my daughter and my family and friends, instead I was fighting for my life. I fought this battle from day one with one outcome in my mind, and that was that I would beat Breast Cancer. It is a road that I do not wish to ever have to embark on again, it is a road that nobody should ever have to travel.
The opportunity for me to share my breast cancer journey with all of you was not out of pity, it was a way for me to show you all that at any age and at anytime your world can come crumbling down. Also, for all of us to be more vigilant and attentive to our bodies. We are all so wrapped up in our everyday lives that we don't take the time to stop, take a deep breath and say its my turn now. That 2 minutes a month to self examine is all it takes for early detection, it is terrifying to think what if I feel something, if you have a doubt, have it checked, and always make time for YOU. I hope that by sharing my journey I was able to help just 1 person.
Breast Cancer has changed my life and my family's forever, it has instilled a fear of recurrence, a fear of the unknown, a fear of what does the future hold, a fear of never feeling whole again or beautiful or sexy or just to feel like a woman. Yes I am cancer free and that is amazing, I beat cancer, but in some aspects cancer has beat me, it has left me with fibromyalgia, chemo brain and menopause, this is something I am going to have to work hard at changing or accepting. Acceptance is never easy and life after cancer is very hard, maybe even harder than fighting it. The battle was rough and very difficult but its all over and life goes on, the aftermath lasts a lifetime and that is not easy to deal with, I am confident that time heals all wounds, even big ones.
To all of my followers, thank you for all your prayers, kind messages, smiles, love and most of all for just being there. Whether you were by my side during treatment, a Facebook message, text, phone call or even just a thought in your mind, you have all factored into my battle and healing. I have read and cherished ever part of you being there with me during this difficult time, for this I am eternally grateful.
To my husband, my rock, where do I begin.....words are not enough to thank you for never leaving my side. You watched me at my lowest point of my life and never gave up on me or us, I know that it was a very difficult journey for you as well, you stepped up and took control of Olivia and taking care of her with the help of my mom, you made sure to never miss a doctor's appointment, surgery, 15 chemo treatments over 4 months and 5 weeks of radiation. Thank you and I will love you more, always...
I wish you all a fantastic end to 2016 and a wonderful beginning to 2017, filled with health, joy and prosperity.
My life after cancer will continue, and I will continue to update you on my healing and follow-ups.
Remember 2 minutes can save your life..
Happy New Year to all, I am happy to say goodbye to 2016
Love
Franca
