Cancer has given me a profound sense of gratitude and made me much more aware of all the good that surrounds me in both the everyday and in the extraordinary. It has also made me realize I don’t have the time nor the desire for bullsh*t, which has been a good thing!

Some words of advice to those newly diagnosed: you can’t figure it all out on Day 1. Take the medical decisions one day at a time. Don’t think you can map it all out at once because you won’t have all the answers in the beginning. Have a plan for maintaining your mental and emotional well-being. Lean on your support system - they want to help! Ask doctors you know and like for referrals when putting together your team.

My favorite inspirational quote is Psalm 121 posted by the doors at my treatment hospital: “The Lord will guard your going and your coming, now and for evermore."

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