Patch Blog: Celebrating a Different Type of Anniversary

When most people think of anniversaries, usually the first thing that comes to mind is a wedding anniversary—a happy occasion.  In my case, I have a good and a not-so-good anniversary to think about.  On March 7, 2009, the day before my ninth wedding anniversary, I heard those fateful words no one ever wants to hear, “You have cancer.”  As you can guess, instead of celebrating the happy occasion of my anniversary, I was upset and thought to myself, “Will I live to see another anniversary?” I told my husband, “When you married me nine years ago, you certainly weren’t thinking that you’d be faced with the issue of ‘in sickness and in health’ so soon.” Luckily for me, he took his vows to heart and stood by me throughout that tumultuous year. 

It’s been three years since I heard those ominous words.  I have a ‘new normal’ for my life.  Instead of just an annual visit to my primary care doctor, I also see an oncologist three times a year, and have a mammogram twice a year.  I hold my breath awaiting my results, and breathe a sigh of relief when I hear ‘everything looks normal.’ 

People wonder why I have become so involved with the American Cancer Society.  In a nutshell, to fight back against a horrible disease, and to try to protect the future for myself and my kids.  I want a world with ‘more birthdays’ and no cancer. 

My kids had to grow up rather quickly in 2009.  Unlike most kids their age, they know when they see someone who is bald and looks sick, it usually means they have cancer and are undergoing treatment.  I recall taking my wig off for the kids after I had my head shaved (as my hair started to fall out from the chemo).  My oldest son, Evan, said to me with confidence in his voice – “You look the same Mommy” and gave me a huge hug.  My little one, Kai, followed suit. I knew then that if they could be brave, I would be too. 

I vividly remember the day I made the decision to get involved.  I was laying on a cold, sterile, table, topless, and alone behind thick steel doors.  A huge, loud machine moved around my body zapping and burning me with radiation.  As tears filled my eyes, I made a vow to myself, “No more.  I don’t EVER want my boys to have to deal with cancer.  I don’t ever want them to hear the words ‘you have cancer’ and fear that they have just been given a death sentence.” 

So I’m fighting back the only way I can.  The American Cancer Society has many resources to help survivors and caregivers navigate the often confusing, and complicated, course of cancer.  This is why I volunteer through the Reach to Recovery Program, Relay for Life, and now CPS-3. 

The Cancer Prevention Study 3 (CPS-3) is a long-term study to try and uncover the causes of cancer.  If someone you know wants to help fight back against cancer – come join me at this year’s Relay for Life of Arcadia at Santa Anita Park on June 23rd from 12:30-4:30.  Put it in your calendar.  CPS-3 is a groundbreaking study, which will change the future of cancer.  (You’ll hear more about it in a future blog.)  

To my wonderful husband, Scott, I say, “Happy Anniversary!  Thank you for being the best husband and friend a girl could have.  You stuck by me when I needed you most.  I love you.” As for the ‘other’ anniversary, I say – “I survived another year!” 

In fact, April 7th shouldn’t be seen as a ‘bad’ day, but rather, a day of celebration  - a day when my life was transformed.  It made me realize what was important in my life – what I had taken for granted.  In fact, it’s quite fitting that my date of diagnosis was the day before my wedding anniversary. It just reinforces life and the love I have for my family and friends.  Happy Anniversary, Happy Spring Break, and Happy Easter everyone!   

(Check out the YouTube video that was made last year to promote Camino Grove's Mini-Relay to raise money for the American Cancer Society.  Made by 4th grade teacher, Scott Lopez, it recounts my cancer journey.)