Over 22-years ago, I received a form letter among my birthday cards which began a soul-wrenching journey...one that had me careening down an improbable path and brought me a magnificent gift of transformation.

I’m lucky and grateful to have received this “gift.” And I do mean Gift…more on that later.

I was fortunate enough to be diagnosed with breast cancer in it's very early stage. The cancer was so small my surgeon described it as, “looking for a grain of sand in the Sahara.” I had outpatient surgery and except for the scar, physically I was back to “normal” within a week.

Emotionally, I was in that fog of what just happened here? Was that really me on a gurney being wheeled through the underground parking garage, dodging Toyotas and Hondas, like a scene out of the Keystone Cops? It all felt surreal.

Obviously, I was eager to push down the fear and what-if’s as quickly as possible. So, that’s what I did.  Life resumed it’s original programming…getting my daughter ready to go off to college, supporting all the senior year activities and keeping the home fires burning for my husband.

Somewhere deep inside me, a flame had gone out.

That spark that makes you feel invincible, and death is a long, long way in your future. 

Have you ever felt like that? 

One day you are going along mapping out an absolutely delightful future, and the next minute…BAM…smack into a brick wall. 

The first breast cancer diagnosis was as if the GPS came on warning me I was about to run into an obstacle and should really pay attention to the dashboard signals. 

I didn’t pay attention. I just drew a really big sigh of relief at my ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnosis.

DCIS is the most common type of non-invasive breast cancer, called non-invasive because it hasn’t spread beyond the milk ducts. It meant I had outpatient surgery and regular follow-up, and was able to avoid radiation, chemo, losing my hair, harsh medication, hospitalization, on-going nausea, or any of the other trauma many breast cancer patients have endured. 

Three years later, my second diagnosis got my attention. It was back in the same breast. Covering myself in that illusion of “normal” was completely shattered. I had another outpatient procedure with the same brilliant surgical team and am receiving excellent follow-up care.  

However, last year in early 2023, my routine mammogram resulted in a phone call from the radiologist telling me there was an abnormality. I was grateful not to receive another form letter for the my third breast cancer notification. This time I did end up having radiation therapy as part of my recovery.

Writing about my situation has always been my own powerful healing prescription through navigating everything connected with my breast cancer journey.

That is why I view breast cancer as my gift. 

I see it as a gift because it brought me clarity about what is important in my life.

• It gave me permission to go after my dreams without apologies.

• I am a writer became a declarative sentence and not a question.

• I do not feel selfish when I’m engaged in self-care.

• I am working hard at building a speaking, mentoring and workshop business.

• I am working equally hard at balancing having a personal and professional life.

Above all, I am aware every day that this moment is all we have. Right now! You can choose to be here and embrace what is in front of you. Regrets about yesterday will not change the past. Projecting your anxiety about plans for the future will not hurry the hands of time.

Going after my dreams meant that I polished journal entries and published them in The Secret Artist – Give Yourself Permission to Let Your Creativity Shine,” my memoir about my first two breast cancer experiences. Using my knack for helping fellow writers get their ideas out of their heads and onto the page, I’ve stepped into the publisher role as the compiler of Written In Her Own Words – Wise Woman Wisdom co-author series where I guide women to share the wisdom of their transformational stories. And, I’m especially excited about the Wise Woman Wisdom retreats I host twice a year providing sacred space for women in need of TLC to recharge and reenergize and be pampered on the beautiful California coastside.

That’s how breast cancer is the gift that keeps on giving for me. I’ve learned to seize the day and reach for my dreams.

Savor today! 

So, tell me…have you received any “gifts” that transformed your life? Grab a spot on my calendar and let’s chat.