Reality Rally

The bottom line is I’m cancer-free! Last week I had surgery and a lump was removed from my left breast. The surgeon also removed a lymph node. If the cancer had traveled from the lump to the lymph node that would be a bigger problem. Blessed for me, it did not. I will meet with the radiation oncologist next week regarding my radiation treatment.

I know that I am one lucky breast cancer survivor. I am grateful that medical technology has progressed to the point where a lump less than a centimeter can be detected, diagnosed and removed before it could cause more harm. I am grateful that I live close enough to be able to be treated at Emory University’s Winship Cancer Center where the care is top notch. I am grateful that my family and friends were quick to surround me with tons of love and support.

Okay, enough mushy talk! How can I use what happened to me to help others? If just one of you picks up the phone to schedule your mammogram, I’ve done some good. If you are overdue for your mammogram, call to schedule today. It was a small lump. If I hadn’t gone for my mammogram, it would have become a bigger lump. Are you listening to me? Call to schedule your mammogram today.

I’m not going to share the details of my experience. As you can imagine, it was not fun. I tried to take the time to appreciate every member of the Emory staff that was treating me. I joked and wisecracked all through the various ordeals. There was one thing in particular I would love to see changed. I’m going to try my best to get in touch with the correct people and get it done. Hopefully I can and it will help future patients.

It shouldn’t take a health issue to “see the light”, but unfortunately, it usually does. I know I should have been eating better, exercising more, thinking positively, loving more, volunteering, sharing, caring. I hope to NOT let the little things bother me. Does it really matter if there are weeds in the grass? So what if I haven’t hung any pictures on the walls. Will the world end if there is some dog fur in the corner? We will get to it…or not. Priorities!

I plan to continue working with Gillian and her team at Reality Rally as they continue to help Michelle’s Place. But, I also want to work closer to home so I plan to look into the volunteer opportunities at Emory’s Winship Cancer Center. There’s a 5k coming up in October and I’m hoping to put together a big team and raising lots of money. Look for details on my Facebook page if you are interested.

I will update you after meeting with the radiation oncologist. I plan on keeping my eyes and heart open and continue to do what I can to insure that this whole experience has a positive purpose. Thanks to every one of you who have reached out to me with your support, prayers and love! As always…stay tuned…Bloggergal