Expressions

A Message from the Editor – 5 Years Today

MNU-ABOUT
Hello, friends. Today is a big day for me and my loved ones. This my five year mark of being cancer free. For all cancer patients, making it to five years is a major milestone to a prolonged life without cancer. During the first five years, the chance of recurrence is the highest. Although I know that it could still come back, every day I live without out it, the risk of recurrence lowers.

That doesn’t mean I can fall behind on my preventative care, the checkups, the maintenance, the careful program of eating and exercising. It also doesn’t mean that I don’t have it in the back of my mind every day. But it does give me a little bit of relief, particularly since my tumors were tested and my predictive percentage of recurrence was very high.  I know I have done everything I can do protect myself, I continue to take meds every day, and I constantly incorporate the tactics and tools I have learned in my new lifestyle. 

Really, though, this day is a day for me to celebrate everyone who got me here. From my doctors who treated me, to my friends who cared for me, to my family that carried me, to my husband that loved me no matter how I looked or felt or acted, and to my mother who lost her battle but fought for me to have a different outcome. I celebrate each and every one of you spectacular, brilliant, magnificent angels who have given me the greatest of gifts, life. I also thank you, the MyNewUsual community, for inspiring me every day with your stories, your participation and your generous spirit.

With all my love and deepest gratitude,

Amy