Twenty years ago today, I had my last chemotherapy session for a highly aggressive form of Triple Negative Breast Cancer, and they told me I was cancer free!
Because it was so aggressive and rare, there was no standard treatment plan. They said that had I waited to go to the Dr., I would have been dead in 6 months.
We decided on an aggressive surgical plan, and my oncologist gave me the chemo cocktail he hoped would help, and we waited.
I lived with the threat that it could come back at any time in the brain, liver, bones, or lungs.
There were always markers I needed to hit.
First, it was five years, then it was ten, and at ten years, they moved it again, saying this cancer is still rare, people are still dying, they still have no idea how I got it, and although they’re learning about it, now I needed to get to 20 years to really be free.
Along the way, there have been more tumors and multiple surgeries, all with a cancer scare, all coming back clear.
Anytime I tell a doctor I’ve beat this type of cancer, they look at me like I’m a ghost. When they gave me Covid vaccines, the nurses cried. They couldn’t believe I was still alive.
My blessed life is not lost on me. I am forever grateful for every struggle, every pain, and every gift of another day.
I still can’t believe I have this beautiful family. I’ve had so many wild and crazy experiences, extreme lows, and unbelievable highs, but here I am!
I made it to 20 freaking years, baby!!
So today, this is my gift to you.
Share your joy every day!
Focus on the light in your life, not the darkness.
There will be struggles, but right behind them are blessings.
Don’t quit 5 minutes before the miracle happens.
If you’re scared, cry it out.
If you need someone to talk to, reach out.
If you’re lost, write it out.
If panic sets in, wait it out. It will pass.
You will feel like shit in the process, but I guarantee you it will pass, and then reach out.
Find somebody to talk to.
Find somebody who will listen.
Find somebody you trust.
You don’t have to do this life alone.
We have no idea how long we’re here, but we can be a light in someone’s darkness, create a beautiful life for ourselves, stretch ourselves beyond our wildest capabilities, become who we never thought we could be, and experience life in ways we never thought possible.
At the end of the day, life is what we make it.
Our experiences make us who we are.
Our courage and strength help us survive it.
Life is hard.
But we are stronger.
Thank you, Divine Spirit, for giving me this time with my family.
I am asking for at least 35 more!
I promise I will make good use of the time and the lessons!
Blessings,
Amberley Charlotte
Amberley Charlotte Writes 