This past Saturday, December 5th 2009, I celebrated a momentous occasion. On Saturday I became a 1 YEAR BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR!!! Oh yes I did! It has been a full year since I was diagnosed and began my fight with one of the crappiest diseases. And I can proudly say that I, Jamie, KICK CANCER’S ASS!!!
So much has happened in the year since my diagnosis. I had a major surgery, lost my amazing and courageous eldest sister Tracy, went through 6 months of chemo, lost my job, lost my hair, lost a love and lost my sense of safety and immortality. It seems like there was a lot of loss doesn’t it? But in all that loss I have had so many wonderful additions and positive things happen for me as well. I have grown even closer with my family, if that’s possible. My mom, my dad, my sisters, my brother-in law, my niece and nephews. We have formed an even tighter and closer circle. We leaned on one another, support each other and really came together as a family during the worst year of our lives. I have gained some amazing and incredible new friends and secured bond with old ones. My friends picked me up when I really couldn’t stand, they helped me laugh through my tears and reminded me of just who I am because I seemed to have forgotten at times along the way. And I got a piece of myself back that I lost a while back. For so long I was beaten down and felt like someone who has failed in someway and felt like less of a person. NAd quite honestly, that is the farthest thing from the truth. How I ever let myself get there is beyond me and I promise that will NEVER, EVER happen again. I also learned a lot about myself. I am strong, passionate, determined and pretty damn fearless. I looked a beast in the eye and took it to task. Oh I had my moments but when I needed to I buckled down and went to war. I can proudly group myself with all the other amazing women who have battled or are battling breast cancer and who do it with grace, grit and determination. I think I would have made my sister proud.
So in order to celebrate my milestone I went to the only place you really can go to celebrate. I headed into NYC and went to good old McFadden’s on 42nd and 2nd. And I went with about 35 friends who were ready to celebrate and have a great time with me! My very good and dear friend BeyerS was able to set up a drink special for us as well as secure a VIP area for us. it was SO great! They even decorated the area with a beautiful, glittered pink ribbon. It was so a sweet touch. My friends came with hugs, kisses, kind words, big smiles and even flowers! (Thanks Amanda and George AND Lauren and Matt!!)
To say the night was incredible would be the understatement of the year. It was really just a GREAT time. There was dancing and singing and laughing and so much damn love in the room for me that I found myself tearing up from time to time. I’ve said it thousands of times and I won’t ever stop saying it but I truly did and continue to have the most amazing support system that anyone could ever ask for and have.
I must thank all of you! My family and friends. For helping me get through this past year. When the going got tough you guys helped, push, pull and drag me right through it. I could never have gotten through a quarter of the hell if I didn’t have you guys! I am so very blessed and lucky. Thank you!
So 1 year is down and I’m ready to continue staying healthy and strong. I’m ready to slowly get on with life. To begin the next chapter and to really just be happy and enjoy all that lays ahead of me!
On a side note, because people have been asking, I have my first set of scans scheduled for Jan 6th 2010. So get ready to send me positive, healthy vibes, karma, ju-ju and prayers!
Now check out some pictures from Saturday night!!!
Love, Love, Love!
Jamie's Journey 