Today was one of those days.  A good day.  There was time to be reflective and grateful.  Time to be thoughtful and appreciative.  Time to be optimistic. When you've had the dreaded "cancer" diagnosis, you don't expect to ever feel normal again.  After a full year of surgeries (three), chemo treatments (six), herceptin treatments (twenty or so), weekly doctor appointments, countless blood tests, pokes and prods, I am starting to feel not quite normal, but better. 

I feel better because I know I did the right things.  I was aggressive in my treatment options choosing a double mastectomy and chemotherapy.  I was optimistic about likelihood of killing those darn cancer cells.  I was lucky.  I hope my lucky streak continues.  I will take additional precautions to ensure that risks of reoccurrence are minimized.  I will continue to appreciate each and every day, kiss my family, and tell them how much I love them.  I will continue to pray for me and others with cancer diagnoses.  

And I am thankful everyday.  Thankful for caring nurses and smart doctors.  Thankful for modern medicine.  Thankful for other cancer survivors that shared their stories and coached me through difficult choices.  Thankful for kind words and prayers from family and friends.  Grateful that I was able to stay active and keep up with exercise and family activities throughout my treatment.  

It's been a big year.  A crazy year.  I am ready to get back to normal.