"Did you get sick from chemo?" people often ask. I lost all my hair, was 60 pounds lighter than I am now, and could hardly walk. Yes, I was sick. During my treatments, I was not convinced I had much longer to live and decided to face my last days with 1) dignity, and 2) use every ounce of energy to FIGHT.
After I was declared No Evidence of Disease in June of 2011, I WAS EXHAUSTED, I was SCARED it was temporary, and I HAD PTSD for YEARS. Once the physical recovery starts, an entire mental recovery begins. Fighting cancer stays with you forever.
I am now 6 1/2 years out of the last treatment and surgery. I am back to being "normal."
YET, everyday is still a FIGHT to make sure cancer does not return.
Everyday I think about how can I help others and continue to FIGHT!
That is why I organize a fun walk/run for AIM @ Melanoma. MY sweet cousin was also diagnosed with melanoma! There are SO MANY people affected by melanoma.
TOO MANY people who think it is JUST SKIN CANCER!
I continue to FIGHT and will not ever stop sharing my story of recovery, fighting, and HOPE.
https://walk.aimatmelanoma.org/lagunaniguel2018/
