January 13, 2016. I remember exactly how it all went down. What was supposed to be a “baseline” mammogram led to an ultrasound which led to a biopsy which led to being told I had breast cancer.

My family history of cancer is quite extensive. I used to talk about how I would probably end up with cancer, but I never actually thought I would end up with cancer.

I found that while treatment wasn’t easy, I was focused, I was determined, I was a warrior. I put everything I had into managing the side effects of chemo and making treatment decisions that were in my best interest. I was also very good at hiding just how difficult it all was. I just wanted to get through it so I could put it all behind me and things could go back to normal.

I wasn’t prepared for the fact that normal no longer existed. Those thoughts I had about everything going back to the way they were before cancer changed to thoughts of living the rest of my life in fear of it coming back.

I have had to battle my way back, taking every challenge head-on. I still struggle, but that’s okay. My stubbornness has turned into determination. Every day I learn that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. I don’t have to be perfect to be considered a survivor.

I think about cancer every single day. Sometimes it’s just a fleeting thought, and other times it consumes my whole day. I want things to get better, and I am sure in time they will. For now, I embrace the good days, fight through the bad days and remember that I am a warrior, and my strength will get me through anything life throws my way.