5 Years Cancer-Free
October is a big month for me every year, but especially this year as it marks five years since I received the life-altering news of my breast cancer diagnosis. Five years—a milestone that seemed distant and daunting back then, but today, it stands as a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of embracing that wild Detour life threw my way.
I clearly remember that day, where I was, and what I was doing: it was a cold snowy afternoon, and I was parking my car in Bozeman's only parking garage when the call came in. The nurse was in as much disbelief as I was, given how healthy and vibrant I was otherwise. I sat in my car for a long while and considered my next steps in a complete state of shock. When I left the garage, night had fallen and I felt overcome by the darkness. My then-husband was traveling overseas for work, so I called my kids, sister, mom, and dad. Oddly, I didn't cry Instead, I decided to fight.
I first shared my diagnosis with all of you in my blog post, I Have Breast Cancer. Opening up and sharing that part of my journey was a raw and vulnerable moment. But I knew that honesty was a vital component of my healing process and that perhaps my words could be a guidepost for others navigating their own health challenges.
In those early days, the road ahead felt terrifyingly uncertain. Learning as much as I could about my diagnosis and my treatment options felt like drinking from a firehose. And I felt far removed from quality care in Bozeman, and unclear about what my best options were. But as I've always preached, embracing life’s Detours can shift perspectives, strengthen reserves, and build resilience. And that's precisely what I set out to do with breast cancer. Through persistence, advocacy, and a commitment to my well-being, I charted my course toward healing, which I detailed in another personal post here.
Healing for me was not just physical—it's been mental, emotional, and spiritual. I learned the most important lesson in all of this, which is to advocate fiercely for your health. I sought multiple medical opinions and prioritized my mental health with therapy. Nature became my sanctuary, and Montana's hiking trails offered solace and grounding. I made the profoundly difficult decision to leave my 32-year relationship with my husband - nothing like a cancer diagnosis and a global pandemic to put things in perspective. The importance of community and the joy of laughter became my anchors, and of course, my dogs never fail to show me love.
As I celebrate five years cancer-free, my heart swells with appreciation for the journey— it really does. I am deeply honored to have connected with so many incredible individuals through Dare to Detour and beyond, each of you contributing to a tapestry of resilience and community.
Finally, I would like to extend an invitation. Let’s continue to shift the mindset from one of fear to empowerment, especially in the face of cancer. I encourage you to live offensively—to prioritize your health, cherish your connections, and pursue joy with abandon. And if you feel moved to contribute to a worthy cause, consider supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, The largest private funder of metastatic breast cancer research in the world.
