Today marks three years since I first heard the words: "you have cancer." Everything in my life changed in an instant. My life became divided into two parts. Before cancer and after cancer. Even after I was given the all clear, and a new bill of health my life never went back to what it was before. This doesn't mean my life wasn't good, but rather I realized how quickly and how easily things can change.
I can still vividly remember sitting in my car after taking a day course pertaining to nursing. I had had a biopsy, and didn't think anything would be wrong especially after all the reassurance I received from my family doctor that this lump had a 99% chance of being benign. As I sat in my car, my phone rang and my doctor told me I had cancer. I honestly have no clue how I managed to drive home as I was a big blubberfest all the way home. The most difficult part to finding out you have cancer is by far telling the people you love. Absolutely everything in your world stops. You become numb to everything, and wonder what the hell was my purpose in this world?
The second time I heard I had cancer this past February basically deflated any hopes I had at beating this disease. This time I was knowledgable about what it meant, even though I wish I didn't know what it really meant. I honestly wondered, if all the plans I had for my future are no longer possible then what the heck am I gonna do?? I don't think I'm a bad person, however I am in no ways perfect either. After all this I have figured out what I am beyond passionate about, and it's metastatic breast cancer awareness and advocacy. More needs to be done to bring awareness to metastatic breast cancer and to push for more funding for research. I am not going to simply have this disease without shedding light on it, and I plan on changing the course of the future as it pertains to this disease, especially in young women. I may be one person, but I won't stop until I accomplish what I want.
Three years ago today my world shattered, but today was a new day. A better day. A day where I've finally realized what I want to do, and figured out what MY purpose is.
“It doesn't matter what you did or where you were...it matters where you are and what you're doing. Get out there! Sing the song in your heart and NEVER let anyone shut you up!!”
― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free
Judit, is there a charity that focuses on raising funds for metastatic cancer? I would love to be part of your awareness/advocacy campaign, say the word and I'm there.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you asked Beth. There's two organizations I stand behind. One is METAvivor which dedicates specifically for people with metastatic breast cancer and funds research. The second charity is Stand Up To Cancer. All proceeds go towards accelerating cancer research initiatives.
DeleteSo proud of you!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Elaine;)
DeleteHi Judit,
ReplyDeleteNever under-estimate what one person can do. I have a feeling you are going to make a real difference. Thank you! And Elaine, METAvivor is one organization that is all about supporting mets research.
Thank you Nancy I really do appreciate it, and I will do all that I can to make a real difference:) As well, you completely read my mind with METAvivor! Thank you for doing what you do to help support metastatic breast cancer.
DeleteThank you for taking this on and I wish you good luck. I think progress is being made since 2003 when I was diagnosed with Stage IV breast Cancer. But more most definately needs to be done.
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing that you are more than ten years out since diagnosis! People such as yourself are an inspiration. I hope you are living well, and enjoying every minute;)
DeleteI have also been living with stage 4 HER2+ BC for 3 years. I don't know if this qualifies as a "purpose of life" but I now spend a lot of my time playing with little pieces and doing mosaic :) The colors and glints make me happy despite the constant presence of the Big C. Who knows? Maybe Metavivor or Stand up 2 Cancer might be able to use the artwork someday to helps generate some funds and it would actually have a purpose. http://shardsofreflection.com
ReplyDeleteHi Patty, I love hearing from others living well with stage IV BC. Your mosaics are absolutely beautiful! What an amazing talent, and without a doubt a beautiful purpose indeed:)
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