Missy (January)

I was sitting at my desk at work when a message came through that I had an update in my medical chart. I opened it and started reading my results. So much of it I didn’t understand, but one thing was clear - I had cancer. I ran to the bathroom and cried. In that moment, I was consumed with fear. Fear of what was to come, fear of what my treatment would be, fear of what my outcome would be, but mostly, fear of dying too young.

In the weeks that followed, it was my husband who pulled me through my toughest days. When I was bald, exhausted, and feeling awful, he would hold me tight and tell me how beautiful and strong I was. He assured me that everything was going to be okay. He was my strength and my rock. He continually encouraged me to face each day with a positive attitude.

I remember one of my worst days so clearly. I was lying on the couch, not feeling well at all. My head was completely bald and uncovered. There was a knock on the door, and my husband said, “I think you should get that.” I hesitated, but I got up and opened the door. Standing there was Amber Melby, a six-year cancer survivor, holding a Hope Handbag and wearing the biggest, brightest smile. She gave me a long, understanding hug. That moment gave me all the hope and courage I needed to keep pushing through.

Throughout the journey, I discovered things about myself that I never expected. Before I had cancer, I would look at someone who did and think, “I could never get through that.” But I did. I now realize I am a lot stronger than I ever gave myself credit for. I beat cancer, and I did it with more courage and strength than I ever knew I had.

To stay grounded, I leaned into a simple reminder. I have a sign in my house that reads, “Enjoy the little things in life, because one day you’ll realize they were the big things.” That message has become a mindset. I take time to enjoy sunsets, walks on the beach, and every hug from my kids and husband. I don’t take those things for granted anymore.

This journey has absolutely changed my perspective. Life is short. I make a point to tell the people I love that I love them. I take the vacations. I spend time with the people who matter most. And I try not to take any of it for granted.

Now, life is good. Life will never go back to exactly what it was before cancer, but I’m learning to accept the changes. I’m finding a new normal and appreciating what cancer has taught me, along with the good it has brought into my life. I am four years cancer-free and looking forward to many more years to come.

For me, surviving means more than just getting through a difficult time. I actually prefer the term “thriving,” because it means flourishing, growing, and being healthy. Those are the things I hope to continue doing.

Something I wish more people understood is that one of the most difficult parts of a cancer journey comes after treatment. When treatment ends, people often assume you just go back to normal life. But that’s not how it works. The first few months after treatment felt really empty. I didn’t feel like myself, and I never expected that part to be so hard.

If I could tell someone just diagnosed one thing, it would be this - take it one day at a time. Don’t look too far ahead. Just focus on getting through each week. Find a good support group and lean on them. Ask all the questions. Talking to people who have been there and done that is so helpful.