The battle against breast cancer: RSF’s Lili Myers’ story continues

By Lili Myers

It is that time of the year when we celebrate family, friends, and should take time to reflect on all that has transpired in the year behind us. This morning, I felt so fortunate and happy to be able to be playing tennis with my husband, getting a good workout and laughing out loud, laughing so much that at times we had to stop in the middle of a point. As we laughed and took breaks, I smiled as we discussed the various dinners and parties we have been attending, and all the friends we have had a chance to see and share happy moments with.
I smiled when we discussed that my fourth birthday is coming up and that I won’t have to do all the diagnostic testing that has added anxiety to the past three years.
We discussed the 3-Day Breast Cancer walk and my incessant desire to take photos trying to capture every second of every day, no matter where we are. I smile when I think of all the breast cancer survivors, and all other survivors, I have met in the past year, and particularly the ones I met on the 3-Day walk as they are an inspiration. I smile when I think of the number of people who have commented to me that by sharing my experiences of the past few years, I have helped them deal with difficulties in their own lives. I smile when I think of the number of people who have given me their support through the years, some of whom I probably would not recognize should we pass on the street, yet they are in my heart at all times.
I have both of my children at home for the holidays, which in turn means many parties with young people. I love seeing them all hanging out at our home. The energy, the laughter, the youth, as well as the immortality they all carry in their eyes. It reminds me of how we used to be, looking ahead, never looking back.
This past year has been filled with good news, with happy news, with friends having babies, with children growing strong, with much happiness, as well as with friends’ injuries, illness, death, and much sadness. I wonder if this year was more intense than past years or is it that as we become older, we are more sensitive to what happens around us?
After I take time to think over all that has happened in the last 12 months, only one feeling comes to mind: I feel I have so much to be thankful for. How about you?
RSF resident Lili Myers will continue to write a series of columns on her experiences involving her fight against breast cancer.