6 months after my breast cancer diagnosis

6 months ago, on Friday March 13, 2015 I got the most shocking diagnosis of my life. Sitting in the doctor’s office with my parents and my husband and hearing those words “It’s breast cancer” was devastating. Those 2 weeks that followed my diagnosis were a whirlwind of tests and appointments.

I have now completed 2 major parts of my treatments; chemotherapy and surgery. I still face radiation and 10 years on tamoxifen.

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As I reflect on the last 6 months, I can’t help but think that the dates that things happened on were a sign. You see, I got diagnosed on Friday the 13th. Friday the 13th is considered by most to be unlucky and I guess for me it was. I started chemotherapy on April 1st otherwise known as April Fools Day. When I published my post to let everyone know what I was going through, I wished that I was joking (although it’s not a funny joke) but I wasn’t. Now 6 months post diagnosis it is the start of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. The New Year is an opportunity for new beginnings and a new start. I believe that all of these dates are signs and especially today. That 6 months to the worst day of my life, there is a new beginning. A chance for goodness and health to shine its way into my life. That I can resume being the mother to my kids and that my family can start being whole again without me missing out. The last 6 months I have fought this battle for my kids and husband not just for me. They are my life and my everything and I can’t wait for all the fabulous, positive memories we will create together in the coming year.

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This week as I sat in my oncologist and surgeons appointments at different times , I received fabulous news  that the pathology report from my surgery was the best possible outcome. A positive way to end the year and a positive way to start a new one.

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I don’t necessarily think of myself as a very spiritual person and don’t often pray but I can’t help but believe that all of the prayers that everyone has said for me and my family has worked. I have had many people put notes in the Wall in Jerusalem and had lights lit in churches as far as Australia for me. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers

I know that I have said this many times but the outpouring of love and support from family, friends and acquaintances has been so overwhelming and more than I could have ever expected. I am so lucky to be surrounded by so many amazing people who care about the well-being of me and my family. You all know who you are. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your help throughout this journey is so appreciated.

From my heart to yours, I wish all of you who are celebrating today a very happy and healthy New Year. L’Shana Tova Umetukah. May your best days of last year be your worst days in the year ahead. I wish for all of us a year of HEALTH, happiness and success in everything we do.

Comments

  1. Tracey says:

    Shana Tova to you and your family! May your courage, optimism and bravery continue to fuel your journey. We hope the year ahead is filled with good health, peace and joy. Lots of love xo

  2. loren416 says:

    Beautiful Renee, may you and your family enjoy sweetness in the new year.

  3. Shana Tova to you and your beautiful family! May this year be full of only health & joy! Can’t wait to see you soon & celebrate new beginings. Xoxo

  4. mom2michael says:

    Those dates are pretty amazing. I am so glad to hear the great news about the pathology report!!!
    And also- you look amazing! Who needs hair 🙂

    Shana Tova!
    xoxo

  5. Darlene S. says:

    Wow… I believe too these dates have a deeper meaning, timing is everything I’ve always been told.

    I’m so thrilled to read about the pathology report!! YAY!!!!!!

    Wishing your family the very best this year has to offer <3 Shana Tova !!!!

  6. shanalou18 says:

    Such a beautiful post! Yes, it is a sign that you’re meeting this milestone on Rosh HaShana. I just saw your Rosh HaShana Scope. loved it! It was raw, warm, and real. 🙂 Sending you lots of prayers and love. Shana Tova!
    Cheers,
    Shana from Technotini.com
    PS–I’m also a Breast Cancer survivor. If you want to read any of my posts, I have them under TechnotiniPink section: http://www.technotini.com/category/technotini-pink/

  7. Shawn says:

    Happy new year to you and the family Renee… perseverance is an amazing thing to observe. Congrats again on your latest prognosis…This is outstanding news!

  8. autumnhm says:

    Congratulations on the good news!! Good luck to you for the rest of your treatment 🙂 I am almost three years in remission from a rare cervical cancer and I can totally relate to your posts 🙂

  9. Caroline says:

    I came across your story… You have a beautiful family and I cannot imagine how much you are looking forward to a normal routine again with them. You are in my prayers. May you get stronger with each day.

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