Today marks six years since I received the news that I had cancer. Six years (and likely quite a few more before I was diagnosed) that I have been living with stage IV metastatic breast cancer. For those of you who know a lot about my diagnosis, you realize what a huge deal this is. Unfortunately, you don't hear of many women living beyond a few years with this diagnosis, even less living more than five years, and here I am at six! And doing quite well, if I do say so myself. ;)
I remember when I first started to wrap my brain around my stage IV diagnosis, I researched all I could about it and searched high and low for stories of women living six or seven years with this. I scoured the internet, went to all sorts of support groups, attended conferences all over the country, spent hours in online chat rooms and discussion boards. I was desperate....desperately seeking a story that could give me hope. A story that would help me feel like I wasn't living in total denial when I dreamed of living more than two or three years with this disease. I will never forget how it felt to finally hear a story of someone not just living, but truly enojoying a good quality of life, six years in with MBC. It was like I could finally exhale just a little bit and it gave me hope that if that person could get there, so could I. Early on, I set a goal that I just desperately wanted to make it to my 40th birthday. How insane is that to now have the perspective at 29 years old to pray, "Please God, let me at least live until I am 40." I still repeat that same prayer and I am so grateful that on Tuesday I was able to celebrate another birthday and another great year on this Earth. I have five more to go to get to that big 4-0, but I now believe I will be sticking around for quite a few more after that. You all know that it hasn't been an easy year for me with this disease. In fact, one of the most difficult yet as I dealt with another recurrence, more bone pain, another bout of high dose radiation, a fourth surgery, and the start of a new and intense treatment that has left my counts in the gutter. There have been many emotionally difficult times, where I have truly questioned God and cried out in frustration that this is the road my life has to travel. But as I have said before, the good days far outweigh the bad. The laughter FAR outweighs the tears. And at the end of the day, living with this deadly disease has given me a perspective on life that you just cannot have otherwise...unless you truly have to cope with the thought of your death in an extremely real way. I am grateful each and every day for the life God has provided for me. I am grateful for the countless other ways that I am extremely healthy aside from this cancer. I am grateful that I am able to endure all of these treatments as well as I do. I am grateful that on most days I am very easily able to count all of my blessings. I am grateful for amazing friends that help me see those blessings when the days are more difficult. I am grateful for the medical team at Karmanos Cancer Institute that treat me like family rather than just another patient. I am grateful for a family who loves me fiercly and would do anything for me. I am grateful for an absolutely incredible mother who I cannot imagine life without. And of course, I am grateful for Mike. My insanely patient, loving and supportive husband. I completely mean it when I say I truly don't think I could live this life without him - he listens without trying to "fix" me when I need to vent about my feelings, he lets me cry and break down when I need to, and he makes me laugh harder than anyone else I know. He will forever be the greatest blessing of my life. Thank you to all of you reading this for loving and supporting me these last six years. Thank you for your prayers, well wishes, good vibes, healing thoughts....whatever the case may be. Whether you know it or not, you have each helped hold me up and supported me along this journey, and for that I am forever grateful. xoxo, Meghan
16 Comments
Sally Hout
3/23/2017 06:11:09 am
I am so happy that your birthday was wonderful. I am speechless and in awe at your bravery and the way you put it into words. Your love of your family is inspiring. I think of you every day, your beauty, your strength, and your perseverance. You are definitely a force to be reckoned with! Love, Sally
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David clara
4/4/2018 07:07:18 pm
WHAT A GREAT MIRACLE THAT I HAVE EVER SEE IN MY LIFE. My names are David
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Mary C
3/23/2017 07:14:44 am
How fortunate is it that today, some woman will be searching for hope and will come across your blog and your story of inspiration. You are inspiring not only those that know and love you, but some scared, sad and desperate women who has never heard your name and your story will be what she needs to face another day. May God continue to bless you Meghan and continue to keep you in the palms of his hands. Love you xo
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Lynnette Layman
3/23/2017 07:17:25 am
Congratulations Meghan 6 years and Thriving. Keep On Kicking Girl.Thank you for all you do bring awareness of MBC. Now time to Celebrate. Pat and I went to The Cheesecake Factory Novi Yum Yum. Wait was long but worth it. Sending Big Hugs to you Meghan😁
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Rebecca Fenlon
3/23/2017 07:47:56 am
You are simply amazing Meghan I so so blessed to know you, keep fighting you will :)
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Kara
3/23/2017 08:54:17 am
Way to go!! Six years and counting. And you've only continued to get more amazing. Go girl! 💗
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Chelki
3/23/2017 09:50:34 am
Love you Meg! Such an inspiration to all of us! <3
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Lauren and Joe
3/23/2017 10:59:46 am
You are such an inspiration. Much love to you & Mike!
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Gina Vanderhoff
3/23/2017 03:59:12 pm
Thank you for sharing your most personal thoughts with us. You are truly a warrior in the fight for your life! We all love and pray for you amidst the coming days and years ahead.~ Miracles do happen and may one happen to you, dear one. XOXO
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Sarah J
3/23/2017 08:27:59 pm
We love you to the moon and back. Cheers to another year filled with love and laughter! (And maybe a few 60 second hugs) 💕💕💕
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Jenny Hoekstra
3/23/2017 09:10:56 pm
Love you today and always! 💗
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Becca Jose
3/23/2017 10:23:33 pm
You are inspiring so many looking for the hope you were once looking for and you are a blessing to all those lucky enough to know you! Sending you lots of love!
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Judy
3/23/2017 10:39:19 pm
Wow! I am in awe of what God has done in and through you to touch the heart and lives of so many! I praise God for you and your faith!
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Kathy Fraser
3/29/2017 07:51:02 pm
Meghan -- You have amazing strength and determination and had so many struggles. 6 years is an awesome celebration!!!! I myself am heading towards 9 years since my Colon Cancer and to reflect on these "bonus" years has times of sadness that we have had to endure this, yet finding the joy of living life to the fullest while we have it. May you be blessed with as much time as possible -- your inspiration keeps all of us going!
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The Dunlops
5/5/2017 11:14:34 am
Our belated, but very best birthday wishes, and may your next year be one of your happiest and healthiest :)
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Elizabeth
4/25/2018 06:05:32 pm
I am just starting this journey... February 2018 they thought I was Stage 2B, but April 5th I was diagnosed Stage 4 with bone mets. Your blog is inspiring. I see there are no current updates. I hope you are well.
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