“Cherish the moments, all of them. You have seen and felt much in life so far. But still, the best is yet to come.” ~Melody Beattie
January 1st, no matter what happened in the rear view mirror, always feels like magic to me. A new beginning where the slate is wiped clean, and I get to start over. Sure my bills, cancer, and difficult people follow me in, but there is something about the New Year that makes me feel a little more invincible.
I am an eternal optimist. I always will be. So here’s my optimistic view of 2024. I believe the best is yet to come. I believe that my diagnosis, so far, has been my absolute best teacher. The past 6 months have been “BRUtiful” to use Glennon Doyle’s word.
I have met people I never would have met. Learned lessons that I could not have learned any other way. I have become a Master of living in the moment. Because I believe with no hesitation that it’s all we ever have. The past 6 months have made me a better wife, Mom, friend, and teacher. So if that’s what happens when life gets tough, then yes, I believe the best is yet to come.
An Update
There is not much to update but here’s a summary. I am in my 6th month of targeted chemotherapy. Minimal side effects like slight nausea, and weight loss, probably due to cutting out sugar! My shoulder pain has completely diminished, which Doc says is a very good sign. Moving in the direction of better, not worse.
I fired my first oncologist, a heroic move for me, being the people pleaser that I am. I now have a doctor who is empathetic, positive, and sees me as a human, not a number on a spreadsheet.
The plan is to keep me on these meds indefinitely, as long as my body will tolerate them, and they are keeping the cancer on pause. When (not if apparently) the cancer gets smart and finds a way around these meds, we’ll go to another drug and on and on. Hopefully many years of on and on.
My new oncologist says his job is to keep me alive and thriving until the next breakthrough in cancer comes out. So yeah…the best is yet to come!
Val Tillack
My hero and my teacher. You live life like everyone of us should and could if we lived each precious moment to the best of our ability. I’ve always been a firm believer in the big A (attitude) and that’s what you’re teaching all of us . I love you sooo much. Mamasita
Denise Druce
I learned from the best about the Big A! Love you Mama.
alison barrington
It’s like this now… BRUTiful and only for now. You’re an eternal optimist, and also a realist. Yes, and… It’s a beautiful balance.
Thanks for keeping it real, while highlighting those silver linings.
Keep shining.. I (and many others!) are becoming brighter and brighter because of you and the many lessons you teach to those who are open and listen. 🙏-Alison
Elisa
Thank you for the update. I honor you for all you have moved through this year. The best is yet to come. 🫶🏽
Shelly Cordova
An Inspiration for all!!🤍🙌🏼
Margie L Guest
I love you so much! Nothing stops you! You’ve always been like this! Looking for the good and making everyone you meet, better!!