Five Years Strong
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. This September, and today in particular, brings special significance for my family. Today marks the five year anniversary since our mom’s diagnosis.
On September 16, 2007, our mom was diagnosed with stage 3(c) ovarian cancer. When she was first diagnosed, we had absolutely no preconceived notions about ovarian cancer. In fact, we hadn’t even heard of it. After a few days, we slowly started doing research about ovarian cancer and were not encouraged by what we read. The odds of our mom living five years were statistically against her. However, the most encouraging aspect from that day, and certainly every day since, was our beautiful mother’s grace, positive attitude, pure conviction, determination, and sheer will to beat the odds.
For the last five years, not only has her amazing attitude and approach to each day inspired us, we truly believe it is the main reason she is not only alive, but alive and well! Case in point, after her major treatment last month, she flew to Baltimore to see Nicole, Billy and the kids, the very next day. She spent two days in Baltimore, then met Dani, Billie, and I in New York City for four days where we had non-stop fun. She then returned to Baltimore and helped Nicole and their family make the exciting to move to Northern VA! After two weeks of constant travel and excitement, she finally made it back to Phoenix and went straight back to chemo. It’s amazing how many times I have heard people say that our mom is more active on chemo than most people in general. It’s true.
While I could go on and on, the fact of the matter is, our mom is our hero. While today is monumental simply because we understand the scary nature of ovarian cancer and how many women with similar diagnoses do not make it to see their five year anniversary, we have no doubt that there will be many more anniversaries to come.
Mom, we love you and are grateful for you every day. While you have never denied your diagnosis, you have never allowed cancer to define you. You have always been, and will always be, above the disease – no matter where the journey has taken you or where it may go. Our bets will always be on you.