February 4: Not Quite Just Another Day
02/04/2016
While there are many "anniversaries" to mark a cancer journey (diagnosis, treatment, NED*, etc.), I have chosen to mark the end of chemo as the anniversary I celebrate.
That's today.
February 4.
Seven years.
In some ways, it seems like it was a long, long time ago.
And in others, I think . . . only 7???
Whatever. It was a lifetime ago.
I really don't think about cancer or chemo or "survival" or any of it every day anymore. I used to. (Although I can conjure it all up in the blink of an eye. Trust me on that.) Seven years ago, I couldn't have imagined a day when I DIDN'T think about it. Worry about it. Freak a little.
So now, I guess it's "normalized" for me. I suppose I've fully returned to my life-in-progress. And that's a good thing. My cancer experience . . . seems to be kind of a little "blip" on the radar screen of my life.
Except. That's not quite it.
Because I didn't actually return to my life-in-progress. That life . . . ended. It wasn't just an interruption. I emerged . . . a whole new person.
And this new person (that would be me) understands life just a bit differently. This new person, 7 years on, understands that life is finite. That every day really does count. And that we shouldn't waste a moment.
So celebrate with me today. Smile at everyone you meet. Tell your friends and your family how much they mean to you. Color outside the lines. Have dessert. Take a risk and try something you've been dreaming of. And, by golly, let people take pictures of you, even if they're goofy.
Because life is good.
(But it is finite.) (So don't wait.)
XO
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*NED is "cancer-speak" for No Evidence of Disease.
Great photo of you! Yes, let people photograph you. We often do shy away from the camera. And Happy Anniversary with NED. That's something to celebrate.
Posted by: Manise | 02/04/2016 at 08:21 AM
I'm so glad that you're here to look back on those seven years, and to look forward to know that things are indeed finite. I always enjoy reading your blog, your insights, and your humor, and even though I've never met you in person, there have been several times that I've thought "I want to be like Kym when I grow up". So now that I've told you how much I appreciate you and the person you are now, I'm going to go smile at everyone at Walmart. Just for you! :-)
Posted by: Bonny | 02/04/2016 at 08:28 AM
Bonny said it and I echo everything she says. Thank you for being in my life as inspiration and friend.
Posted by: margene | 02/04/2016 at 08:37 AM
I love this post!
Posted by: Kathy | 02/04/2016 at 10:09 AM
Your perspective and insight is an inspiration.
Posted by: Jo | 02/04/2016 at 10:40 AM
This could quite possibly be the best post ever. Also, you kinda made me cry. I'm so grateful for you and your friendship and all the GOOD and amazing things you have brought into my life. YOU have changed ME and I love you for it.
Posted by: Carole | 02/04/2016 at 10:51 AM
Happy Anniversary, Kym!! Thanks for being YOU!
Posted by: Vicki | 02/04/2016 at 11:08 AM
Happy Anniversary - the bit about letting people photograph you is very moving, love seeing pictures of people no longer here but happy, wish I had more of them...
Posted by: sharon | 02/04/2016 at 11:52 AM
Happy Anniversary, and as they've said YOU bring so much to my world too. My interests in things are different because of the way that you've looked at things. Here's to you and a wonderful life ahead! (Together!)
Posted by: Patty | 02/04/2016 at 12:25 PM
Happy anniversary! I'm so glad I found your blog. It always makes me smile, or makes me see things in a new way. You are an inspiration.
After my doctor pronounced me NED, she advised me to "live life large." That has become my mantra.
Posted by: Shirley | 02/04/2016 at 01:52 PM
So glad you are "here" on this earth - so glad you are "you"!! Happy Anniversary!!
Linda in VA
Posted by: Linda | 02/04/2016 at 03:01 PM
Yes, everything you said! The years free you to be you! xoxo
Posted by: Joan | 02/04/2016 at 07:18 PM
Congratulations and thank you for those inspiring and so true words.
Posted by: Michelle | 02/04/2016 at 07:27 PM
Happy anniversary and many more! We have never met, but what I know about you from your blog shows a wonderful, strong woman who enjoys life, family and friends. Thank you for sharing this and thanks for the reminder to stop and enjoy this fleeting life.
Posted by: April | 02/04/2016 at 10:59 PM
Congratulations. Thank you for the reminder to take and let others take pictures. We want the memories they will bring in the days and years to come.
Posted by: Melissa | 02/05/2016 at 01:30 AM
Love this. Hope your today is wonderful.
Posted by: claudia | 02/05/2016 at 10:02 AM
I meant to reply yesterday I love this post! Life is precious. Take pictures. Feel lucky to be having another birthday. Live! Exactly.
Posted by: Pam | 02/05/2016 at 10:35 AM
Happiest of anniversaries!
xo
Posted by: Cheryl S. | 02/05/2016 at 12:32 PM
I am so glad you are here with us and blogging 5x/week. Happy anniversary and many, many more!
Posted by: kmkat | 02/05/2016 at 01:43 PM