One year

Mar 19

 

‘Twas on this day last year that I walked into my OB/GYN to get a lump in my breast checked, and, six hours later, found out I had hairy-scary-bad breast cancer.  I started chemo eleven days later; things happened fast this time last year.

Today I celebrate my 197th day of NED.  Oh.  My.  Word.  It is so sweet to be cancer-free.

Tonight I find myself at a loss for words, which is so ironic as it is these typed words that have allowed me to Do This Cancer Thing all year long.

Tonight I pray prayers of deep thanksgiving.  Grateful for NED, grateful for all of the love that filled me up and continues to runneth over.  Beauty from ashes, people.  Beauty from ashes.

Thank you for your kind thoughts, your gifts, your prayers, your laughter and your tears.  Thank you strangers, thank you old friends, thank you new friends, thank you family.  Thank you for linking arms with me and walking out this life.

Life. Is. Beautiful.

16 comments

  1. Patty /

    I am in awe of you AND your mom. Amazing…

  2. peggy /

    NED…197 days of it…music to my ears! We just returned to the USA from being out of the country for 10 weeks. I tried to follow your blog whenever I could connect to the internet but seldom could reply. Thankfully I can today! This is wonderful news. I pray you continue being NED for at least the next 25,550 days!!! ♥

  3. Kim Rourke /

    Thank you, Jen, for the pearls of wisdom that you shared with all of us. Who would have ever imagined that something so wicked as cancer could do so much good? May God continue to bless you and your beautiful family.

  4. Bonnie J /

    To the Lord be the glory Jen…. For His immeasurable love and grace toward you and us, His children! ! We are blessed to celebrate with you today and everyday forward 🙂

  5. Marlayne Skeens /

    Happy Dance for Jen !!!!!!! WOW WHAT BLESSINGS TO ALL 🙂

  6. Renee Strickland /

    YOU are beautiful, my friend. We fall out of touch with people we once knew and reconnect with them for one reason or another. I wish it hadn’t been this reason, but I’m still glad nonetheless. You are an amazing pillar of strength. You have made me appreciate so many things in many life that I’ve taken for granted. Thank you four sharing your trials and triumphs. We serve an amazing God and I’m in awe everyday of his grace, mercy and love. I love you dearly, even though I haven’t seen you in years, and I praise God for you and your wonderful recovery. 🙂 <3

  7. Marsha Vonderwish /

    God is not done with you yet Jen- HE has perfect plans for you!
    Rejoycing in your good news!!!
    🙂

  8. Genora /

    God Is Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Good!!!!!!

  9. Rita O'Brien /

    Well done Jen. You really have GOT this!!

  10. Banita Bailey /

    Jen, so happy for you. Thanks for sharing your journey.

  11. Marion /

    Jen, I can not imagine the types of emotions you must have felt today. You have had quite a year, experiencing more struggles and joys than many do in a lifetime. You could write a book/give lectures on how to fight cancer with grace! Thank you for sharing your journey – you have helped more people than you will ever know in more ways than you will ever know. So glad that NED is your friend and will pray that he stays around for life! God bless you and your precious family!!!

  12. Jean F /

    Jen,

    I recently celebrated a milestone birthday – during the week, I found these verses and found myself meditating on them frequently. When I read your blog, they came back to me:

    “And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. People who do this rarely look with sorrow on the past, for God has given them reasons for joy.” – Ecc. 5:19-20

    You have exemplified the savoring of the good health that has been restored and the many reasons for joy. It is my prayer that you will be blessed with the good health to enjoy life for MANY milestone birthdays of your own.

    Thank you for sharing your journey. You have charted an amazing course.

  13. Brwynn /

    WOW!! 197 days!! Thank-you for sharing your journey full of hope, courage and faith!

  14. Kim Bunn /

    YEAH!

  15. Eva Brown /

    I praise God for this 1 year mark! It is beyond amazing.

  16. I can’t believe that it’s been a YEAR since I started reading your blog, but I am THRILLED that one year later you are doing so well. Always wishing you the best, this year and every year to come! –Jennifer