On Oct. 13th. I will do the 5K Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk.  I did it last year although I hadn't planned on it.  I showed up to take photos of my Daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter who were doing the walk.  They convinced me that although I was only a month out of chemo, I could probably do it if I took it slowly.  I did the walk and was really overwhelmed at the turnout of about 3,500 people.  I can hardly wait till Sat. to see all these wonderful people again.  I have even managed on my own to collect quite a bit of donations.

Each day I seem to meet someone who has gone through Breast Cancer.  I am truly in shock to know that there are so many!!  Each one has their own story to tell and as most of us have found out, it helps to have someone to tell!It seems to take the evil out of the disease.  It also helps to have a shoulder that understands not only what you have been through, but what you are still going through. 

In the year that has past since my diagnosis and treatment, I have gone through many phases.  After chemo I felt that my life would get back to normal.  Little did I know that Normal takes on a new definition.  Normal for me is that some days I do almost forget what I have been through, however Normal also means that some days I hurt like hell in my joints and muscles.  Normal again means that I have to try medications to block the hormones and prevent return of cancer and these meds can intensify aches and pains and when I don't want to take them anymore I then have to live with the uncertainty of whether that was the right decision.  I have days when I cry easily but then most days I am just glad to be alive and able to get through all the activities of the day even if I have to take something for the aches and pains.  I must live each day to the best of my abilities and thank God that I did get the mammogram that I almost didn't go for and that my cancer was found and treated in an early stage.  I got through so far with wonderful doctors, wonderful family and many wonderful friends, some who I have never even met face to face.  God will also get me through the days ahead. 

HERE'S TO ALL THE BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS AS WELL AS ALL THOSE GOING THROUGH IT ON THIS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DAY.  I WILL WALK FOR ALL OF YOU.

ESTHER