CELEBRATE YOU!

As a three-time breast cancer survivor I have so much to celebrate. Each day is unique, a new beginning.  Each day cannot be duplicated. Each day is cherished as a gift.

To ease the frustration level during my recovery period, I decided to celebrate "minor" milestones. I adapted this attitude with my first diagnosis, and it is that positive attitude that has helped me embrace the various stages of my recovery. 

In 2000 I was overwhelmed with the number of medical appointments prior to, and immediately following, my surgery. I am a very confident, focused individual, but even I had moments when I would experience an emotional melt-down. I thought of ways to counteract the feelings of anxiety and frustration associated with each medical appointment. I decided to reward myself with something special from the hospital gift shop. I remember the first "you go girl" award I bought: a long pair of pink, yellow, blue, green rhinestone dangling earrings. The focus was on my ears, not on the breast area. Eventually, rather than dread an upcoming appointment, I looked forward to my shopping spree. Within six months I had quite a collection of unique earrings. Some I never wore, but I display them on a wall as a symbol of my survival.

Since it is necessary to drink lots of fluids, especially during radiation therapy, I decided to celebrate daily with a "cocktail hour."  I purchased very unique, one-of-a-kind goblets and glasses. At 5:00 p.m. I would pour myself some refreshing water with a lemon wedge. Drinking in a fancy glass made that water taste even better.

In 2004 I underwent intense radiation therapy. My skin had severely burned. I could barely tolerate the feel of fabric, even soft silk, against my raw skin (my right underarm area had been "eaten away" by the radiation). Putting on shoes was a struggle. Putting on shoes became very painful. Reaching over would pull on the burnt area. I decided it would be best to wear flip-flops and sandals. On rainy days I welcomed the coolness of the raindrops against my exposed toes. Again, the focus was away from the breast area. Wednesday, or "hump day", became my Hooray Day!  During the middle of the week I would buy me at least one pair of sandals. Friends would also contribute to my unique flip-flop collection. After four months I had acquired more than three dozen casual sandals. I kept four of my favorite, and donated the rest to a homeless shelter. The idea of helping others in need made my cancer seem less tragic.

In 2012 I started celebrating monthly anniversaries. Each 15h day of the month I send me  floral arrangements corresponding to the months I am disease-free.  January I sent me a smiling face arrangement. February I sent me a dozen roses and a plant. This month I splurged with two dozen red roses, two dozen tulips and a yellow rose plant. Each floral gift includes a message that reads: "I love you now and forever." I am anxious for December because I know I'll be celebrating the 12 Months Cancer Free versus the 12 Days of Christmas.

Loving one's self and treating one's self with kindness and love is important. Make each day count! Celebrate your milestones! Life life to the fullest! Pamper yourself! Love yourself. CELEBRATE YOU!