Breast Cancer 1 Year Anniversary (Boobiversary)

August 12, 2015

Breast Cancer 1 Year Anniversary (Boobiversary)

August 12, 2015

Breast Cancer 1 Year Anniversary (Boobiversary)

 

Today is my one year anniversary, or as I’m calling it – My Boobiversary.  It was a year ago today that my surgeon, who was sure he was removing a benign lump called to say, “I’m sorry, but it IS cancer.”

One year since I heard those scary words. Breast Cancer.

One year.

  • I had another surgery to remove more tissue to make sure there was a clear margin
  • I got a terrible infection
  • 33 Radiation treatments
  • Another infection
  • Assorted viruses and infections to follow until my immune system was able to keep up again
  • Fatigue like I’ve never known

It is impossible to list all of the changes I’ve undergone in this year but here are a few.

  • I have less F**KS to give for minor things… and MOST of them are minor things
  • I treasure my life and my body more than I ever have before
  • I appreciate, respect and love my husband more than I ever thought possible
  • My kids are more than my kids – they are my friends, my caregivers, my crutches
  • I’m more calm and relaxed – except when I’m wildly happy
  • I judge less and love more
  • I’m determined to live my life the way I want to – I could care less about what other people think
  • I’m more apt to just be my loud bawdy self and not hold back – if folks don’t like it, well, that’s none of my business
  • I feel FREE
  • I’ve gotten rid of huge heaps of guilt, shame, self consciousness, and many other useless feelings

 

In some ways the year went by fast and in others it crawled. I will never be one of those people who say they are glad they got cancer because it changed their lives so greatly but I AM glad my life is different.

My heart is so full of gratitude some days that it is hard to speak.

Not IMPOSSIBLE to speak. I have yet to find a time when I CAN’T speak. 

I’m amazed by clouds, people, puppies, grass, tomatoes and all sorts of things I didn’t give a second thought to before.

I’m thankful for so many things. Including my friends here on this blog.

So thankful for the messages of love and support that got me through.

So thankful for those of you who have traveled this path who told me I would be OK.

So thankful.

A HUGE hug of gratitude for all of you who have supported me and help me through. You have no idea what your kindness and love had done for me.

1 Year. A survivor.
Let’s go for many more!

Vicki O'Dell

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  • Sherry J. August 18, 2015 at 9:50 pm

    You are an inspiration to any of us who are facing life’s challenges with a strong heart and their chin up…I especially love your list of changes. I’ve experienced many similar gratitudes within the past few years, and I couldn’t be more happy about them. You are one of the most creative, up-beat (and FUNNY!) ladies I’ve been blessed to come across in the blog world. Coming from a beautiful soul who’s dealt with her fair share of unbelievable life situations….I salute you! Your strength and drive help me know that I’m perfectly ok, right where I am. Hang in there, and keep being your amazing self! Again, I love the blog! Take care. 😉

    • Vicki O'Dell August 24, 2015 at 11:42 am

      Awww Sherry. You are such a sweetheart.Thank you for your comments. You’ve made my day.
      It ain’t easy but the alternative – being miserable – just doesn’t work for me. Ya know? ♥

  • LuvtoKraft August 13, 2015 at 12:54 am

    Hurrah! Hurrah!! Hurrah!!! And may you have many, many more revolutions around the sun, happy, healthy with very, very few F***S to give occasions. The best is yet to come!!!
    ????????????????????????
    ~Kris~

    • Vicki O'Dell August 13, 2015 at 9:59 am

      Thanks Kris! I truly feel like my life has just taken off in a very good direction! ♥♥♥

  • vivnboys August 12, 2015 at 8:39 pm

    You’re a total treasure and I love your outlook! Reminds me of that book, “1,000 Gifts” by Ann Voskamp. xoxoxo

    • Vicki O'Dell August 13, 2015 at 10:00 am

      Oh, Vivienne! Thank you. I’ve not read the book but I have heard about it several times. I’ll have to get a copy.
      Love you to bits! 🙂

  • susiekline August 12, 2015 at 8:05 pm

    Happy day! And many more days to come with you being you!

    • Vicki O'Dell August 13, 2015 at 10:02 am

      Thank you Susie. ♥

  • Charmaine August 12, 2015 at 7:01 pm

    Congratulations on your joy-filled milestone! So happy to hear your good news.

    • Vicki O'Dell August 12, 2015 at 7:23 pm

      Thank you Charmaine.
      Not half as happy as I am. Haha! 🙂

  • Sherry August 12, 2015 at 6:36 pm

    God bless you and may you continue with your amazing spirit .

    • Vicki O'Dell August 13, 2015 at 10:03 am

      Thank you Sherry! ♥

  • Meryl Ann Butler August 12, 2015 at 6:35 pm

    Lovely, thanks for sharing! xoxo

    • Vicki O'Dell August 13, 2015 at 10:04 am

      Thank you Meryl. 🙂

  • Linda Schwieger August 12, 2015 at 10:43 am

    And Happy NEW LIFE anniversary to you!!! It’s truly an amazing blessing to be able to have the support of family & friends when going through personal traumas. I know for my own trauma it was those loving, caring people who carried me through many days & even minute to minute….and once I reached the other side I was able to breathe in happiness & smile again. Congratulations to you Vicki for finding all of the blessings & getting through the 1st year!!! Continued well wishes for good health!

    • Vicki O'Dell August 12, 2015 at 2:04 pm

      Thank you Linda. It is truly amazing to be on this side of all of that. Whew! 🙂

  • Pamela Jenewein August 12, 2015 at 9:04 am

    Woo-Hooo! And the party is where?? Happy Anniversary!

    • Vicki O'Dell August 12, 2015 at 2:04 pm

      Haha! I party every day now Pamela!! 🙂

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