Wishing You a Happy New Year

Hi, Friends! It's been a while since I've posted, but as you know, I've had a lot going on. Anyhoo, thought I'd give you a health update. I finished radiation the day before Thanksgiving. No more cancer treatments! I have some follow-up doctor appointments here and there, and more reconstructive surgery in the spring, but it's so nice to take a long break from the medical vortex in which I've been caught up this past year.  (And, as you can tell in the photo above with my beautiful children, my hair is growing in nicely - I actually had a trim a few days ago!)

And speaking of this past year, it's been a doozy. But, I'm thankful to be starting 2014 cancer-free. And while I was so blessed to find myself in this boat, unfortunately there were others I knew who did not win the battle. My uncle, who was also my godfather, succumbed to cancer in the fall. It's been a tough time for my dad, aunt and cousins. Please keep them in your prayers. I also lost a co-worker and friend who had become a confidant during my cancer journey. She was a breast cancer survivor, but her cancer returned  and she lost her brave fight in November. Cancer is a terrible, terrible disease. I pray that one day it will be wiped off the face of the earth forever. 

That being said, though, I discovered the "gift" of cancer this year. I've met the most inspiring people and been the recipient of AMAZING acts of kindness. Family and friends brought me meals, landscaped my yard and cut my grass, cleaned my house, held a fundraiser for me and much, much more. On Christmas Eve, two women I didn't know showed up at my door armed with presents.  A coworker submitted my name to her church group who wanted to give gifts to a mom who had a tough year. I was beyond humbled as I read the beautiful notes from other moms I did not know, but who urged me to keep up the good fight and have a blessed Christmas. 

So, friends, I look forward to my new lease on life as I head into 2014. I will embrace this year with gusto and live life to the fullest. I hope you plan to do the same. 

Much love to all of you and happy new year, my friends!

Jen

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