On January 26th it was one year from my last radiation treatment. I remember that day well! I remember the relief of walking out of that hospital, and how broken I was physically and emotionally. My skin was burnt to a crisp and I was beyond done.
I'm in a much better place these days. I have my life back. I have taken charge of my career again. I am enjoying the freedom of being "normal" and doing what I want to do - travelling, enjoying time with friends and family, pushing myself physically in my exercising, and feeling generally well.
Of course life after cancer isn't a straight line! Last thursday I found out I have shingles. Apparently this is more common for people who have gone through cancer treatment, due to the compromised immune system. So today I am not quite myself. I feel tired and nauseous and have some pain. It reminds me of being in treatment to a certain degree and the frustration with not being well enough to do what I want when I want. But it is shingles -- not cancer. I hope to feel better later this week, and on the weekend we are doing a belated family birthday celebration with Jeff's parents, for myself and my sister in law, another January baby. I hope I am in good shape by then!
I am not taking healthy days for granted anymore. If anything, this is my lesson from being diagnosed with cancer. I think what I struggle with is not pushing myself too hard, or trying to do too much. I want to live life hard and it has caught up with me. I spent the last week acting for my director, and it was a doozy. I think my body was worn out from the long hours and stress, and it is telling me so. Just a reminder to not overdo it - I need to be more careful going forward, as my health is #1!!
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