In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb...

As we entered March, I was a woman who was trying to move past cancer, and find a new normal. And as much as I wanted to silence it, the loud roar of cancer still echoed in my ear...my heart...my soul.

I had a series of follow-up appointments. Breast cancer surgeon...check. Plastic surgeon...check. Oncologist...check. The good news is that there is no news! All of my appointments went well, and I don't have to return for six months. Really? Well that is music to my ears! And time really does heal. Finally, my mind is free to close this chapter and really start living my cancer-free life.

As I dive in to work, train for the Avon walk, volunteer at school, play with my family, and hang out with my friends, life is amazingly normal. I think about the "Big C" less and less, so much so that my Bosom Buddy was talking about last summer and I even asked her, "what was last summer?" We got a good laugh when my response was, "Oh, I forgot about the whole cancer thing last summer!"Now that is progress.

I made promises to my family and friends to keep my life free from drama and limit the stress, to the best of my ability, and that makes all the difference in the world. While the daily grind is exhausting, it's also invigorating. At the end of the day I feel accomplished and at peace...and thankful. And what didn't get done today will get done tomorrow...or the next day...or the next.

My hair is growing more and more each day. It is almost as long as my husband's! I laugh each time I borrow his gel and his post-shower coiffing technique. I long for the day to hold a big round brush in my hand, and vow not to complain that it takes me 30 minutes to blow dry my hair! But in the mean time, I will give thanks that my hair is growing in thick and fast. And my eyelashes are about halfway in, so soon enough that will another wonderful welcomed piece of me back. But I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I miss my long hair every single day.

The Avon 2-Day walk for Breast Cancer is a little over a month away. My intimate, awesome team of seven ladies has raised almost $17,000 for this important cause. Even with these tough economic times that face us, our friends and family have been so generous in their donations. I pray that the economy makes a turn for the better soon, since so many people we know and love have been affected. On days where I don't feel like working out, I think about this walk, and all of the people who have supported me, my team mates and the cause, and lace up my shoes. The timing couldn't be more perfect, really. It will no doubt be a weekend to remember with the best friends a girl could ask for.

As we near the end of March, my thoughts are filled with hunting for Easter eggs, blooming spring flowers, playing outside and rocking on the front porch with my husband. While I'm sure there will be days that will be less than perfect, I am doing better than ever. And as I lay my head on my pillow at night, may the only vision that runs through my head be the little lambs that hush me in to a peaceful slumber.

As we used to say to my Nana each time winter ended (boy, I sure do miss her)...

Happy Spring! Happy Everything!
xoxo