Significant [ sig-nif-i-kuhnt] adjective

1. important; of consequence.
2. of or pertaining to observations that are unlikely to occur by chance and that therefore indicate a systematic cause.

"God often sends us into the hopeless place because it's in the hopeless place that we can see the hope of God. The interrupted life is the significant life." ~ Priscilla Shirer

It's a little strange to emerge from such a tumultuous year and have life seem to drift slowly back to normal...part of me feels like I should get to wear some sort of crown, badge or medal everyday, indicating to everyone I meet just how much I've gone through, and how I survived it. But it seems the "I'm Through With Cancer Store" is fresh out of tiaras.

Instead, I'm trying to live a significant life, have gratitude for God every day, and not take anything or anyone for granted. I'm walking now every day (much to my dogs' delight) working on getting healthy, feeling strong, and enjoying even the simple things such as finally being able to use the blow dryer on my 3/4 inch of hair today - now growing in straight and similarly colored to what I had before. :)

One year ago today, I found out I had cancer. That interruption caused the most significant and life changing events to occur for me, from losing my breasts to gaining a deeper faith in God...and, truth be told, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Live significantly...I intend to!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Aw yes, it's that time of year again. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Though for me, I feel like it's been a Breast Cancer Awareness Year.

As the one year anniversary of my diagnosis approaches, I am humbled as I recall the events that have occurred in my life over the last 12 months. Had someone told me what I'd go through in detail and how I would feel when it was all over (though it will never be over), I never could have imagined it let alone thought I could survive it.

I haven't written on this blog in awhile because, well, life has been happening. As I concentrated on healing from my last surgery, I ended up getting Lymphedema, for which I now get physical therapy. I pulled my back, for which I now need physical therapy. I made a college trip with my son. I have nursed and comforted that same son back to health as he currently battles a stubborn kidney stone. And I got my first haircut...yes, I said haircut. The woman cutting my hair (and by hair, I mean ONE hair) was kind enough to humor me by pretending to cut more than she was actually able, and even kinder to refuse my payment to her.

As I said, life has been happening.

And I have come to a wonderfully profound (for me) conclusion: no matter the up or the down, each thing life throws at me makes me feel alive!

So, in case you don't hear from me for another long while, you can take heart knowing I am alive, and living my life to the fullest.

XO

Lisa