Give Thanks Every Day

Gratitude

I am grateful for my hair. A year ago, I had stubble, about ⅛ inch long. I was happy for that. I finished chemotherapy in July 2014 and I had no hair at all! I began noticing that something was amiss around Thanksgiving 2013. I barely ate anything at that Thanksgiving.

I wound up in the emergency room right after Christmas where the ER doctor told me I had cancer. Not exactly the way I planned to spend my holidays.

Good News and Bad News

I was in for a big learning spurt over the next year.

Bad

I was diagnosed with cancer
I found out I have the BRCA-2 genetic mutation
I lost my hair, eyelashes and eyebrows
I have some residual chemo-induced neuropathy in my hands and feet

Good

I had a treatable form of cancer
I belong to a genetic group that responds well to treatment
I was otherwise very healthy
I didn’t have many side effects during treatment
I had great resources to help me heal
I am a survivor
I pay attention to my health

I am more forgiving of myself and others
I don’t waste time with negative people

Thanksgiving 2015

My hair is back
My energy is up
My neuropathy is reversing
I am feeling good
I have solid friendships
I feel confident about making my dreams come true
I am starting a daily practice of recognizing what I am grateful for

I wish you a wonderful day of thanks and gratitude.