National Cancer Survivor’s Day

969831_10152896249730721_1454306091_nThe sun peeked into the window as I crawled out of bed — I always try to catch the gift of a sunrise. I wandered into the bathroom and rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. My shirt was off and I caught the sight of the slightly discolored, yet fading scar on my back.  I stopped for a moment and traced it with my finger. Then I looked at my calendar on my phone.

Today’s National Cancer Survivor’s Day.

I paused and then rubbed my scar once again.

Twelve years. One hundred forty six months since I received the call. Over 4,300 days since I heard the three words no one wants to hear: “You have cancer.”

I heard two more stories today about people who had melanoma come back and kill them.  My mind is with them right now. And with the gift I’ve been given: A second chance at life.

I know my cancer could come back and quickly kill me.  The very real possibility I could have a recurrence is the lens that focuses my thoughts today.

The National Cancer Survivor’s Day should have “Carpe Diem” as a slogan

Seize the day.

I rubbed my scar again.

Seize the day.

 

 

 

 

 

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