Hello lovely people on this journey with me. I just passed my two year anniversary of my breast cancer diagnosis yesterday. Truly, it seems like 200 years ago! I have changed in so many ways both physically (right breast mastectomy without reconstruction) and emotionally (happier and more gratitude for the little things in my life) I will tell anyone that although I never would wish a cancer diagnosis on anyone, it honest to God has not been the worst thing that has ever happened to me. Chemo sucked! Losing my hair sucked! Being in menopause at 42 sucked! (still sucks) Not feeling very sexy sometimes sucks! (wait that was true even when they were both attached...) BUT! I'm here, hogging the one computer in the house between 4 people, to give a shout out to all the folks that were there for me when I was scared and to the new ones who need some hope. Life goes on. And in some cases better than before.
Love to all! 
You sum up your experience perfectly. I, too, saw cancer change my life profoundly - for the better. Short note here as I was at our home away from home today, DHMC, for shoulder surgery. Typing one-handed. But had to chime in - SO happy for you! PJH
Hey there PJ!
Though shoulder surgery is no walk in the park, I'm betting that you're happier to be hanging out in Day surgery (or wherever you are) than the infusion suite! A speedy recovery to you and thanks for STILL being here!
Your name keeps popping up in various places in my breast cancer world... I've attended two Forest Moon retreats and I believe you wrote a piece on a retreat that you had attended awhile back. Also ran into the gal that wrote and put together (?) "Bosom Buddies" . Ironically, she uses the same picture of a flower on her business cards that I use here on this website. And I'm continuing to get the wonderful King Arthur catalog sent here at home. I'd like to be able to buy one of EVERYTHING! :0) Heal well and Thanks for your support!
Laurie
DHMC, as usual, did very well by me. Hope to go back to work a bit tomorrow, though this bulky dressing/sling makes it a bit hard to get decent! Leah Carey, the woman you met who started Bosom Buddies, is actually the one who hooked me up to this site; she's a dear friend. Again, SO glad to read about your perspective on all of this, 2 years out - I'd wish that all women could feel the same. Thanks for staying connected here, Laurie - XXX PJ