3 Years & Counting!...

What a beautiful Easter Sunday it was today!
I think it might finally be safe to say that spring has officially arrived.  Thank goodness for that.  When the sun is shining and I can feel the warmth on my face, it immediately boosts my spirits.  

As I sat in church this morning and celebrated this holy day, I also couldn't help but reflect on how grateful I was to even be there.  Three years ago, I laid in bed for days - including Easter Sunday because of how awful I felt after my very first round of chemotherapy.  Sometimes it seems like yesterday - and other times it seems like another lifetime.  

Last month I celebrated my 32nd birthday and two days later, I celebrated my 3rd cancerversary.  It's always a very emotional time for me - full of reflection, gratitude and heartache.  I can't believe all I have endured - physically & emotionally - and although it's rare for me to ever give myself a pat on the back, I will say that I am so proud of myself for all I have been able to get through.  Some days are harder than others - but I have managed to get through each and every one of them.  Here is what I shared on facebook on March 23rd.   

"Three years ago today, my world was changed forever after receiving news of what felt like a death sentence. These past few years haven't been easy but I can truly say that I have experienced more joy and happiness than I ever thought would be possible again. I've learned to never give up hope and to make a difference with my life. "Life is too short" sounds like a cliche until circumstances force you to realize how true it really is. So make it count!

Thank you to my incredible family & friends for being there for me every step of the way. And to my amazing husband, Mike...thank you for never leaving my side- through the good and the bad. I couldn't do this without you and I thank God for you every day.

Thank you so much for all of the birthday love! I am truly grateful to be celebrating another year and growing older...a privilege denied to many."  

The day before my birthday, I also had an appointment with Dr. F.  We discussed a lot of different things, primarily related to a few different side effects I have been experiencing from my treatments.  Nothing major - but of course it ended up in scheduling something like 10 appointments in the next 12 weeks.  Ugh!  I have had some drama since with a hematologist regarding my platelet count, but I'll fill you all in on that another time.  

We also ended up scheduling my next round of scans, which will be Monday, June 2.  I will then get my results on Thursday, June 12.  So, start firing up those prayers.  :)  

I have lots of other updates including great improvements I am helping make at the Detroit Race for the Cure this year to recognize women with metastatic breast cancer and young women facing breast cancer, information about this year's Ride for the Cure, as well as information I am hoping to share after attending the Living Beyond Breast Cancer's Annual Conference for Women Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer which will take place next weekend in Philadelphia.   

I will definitely try to update more soon.  For now, thank you so much for your constant love, support and prayers.  I am truly grateful and blessed to never walk this road alone.  

xoxo, Meghan