Good Riddance 2016!

A lot of people have been dubbing 2016 as the worst year ever on social media. Everyone has their reasons- from the deaths of so many wonderful celebrities to the election, Brexit, Allepo, and unfortunately, personal tragedies as well.  2016 was a pretty dang crappy year for me, beginning with diagnosis on Dec 23, 2015.  It was scary in the beginning, emotionally and physically draining through chemo and then the emotional roller coaster after my bilateral mastectomy.

I've learned so much about breast cancer and the different types.  Did you know that many people, including young women, are still dying from this disease?  I am in a group on facebook for young women with breast cancer (under 50).  We have lost so many women this year.  Women who were just beginning their lives as mothers, wives, sisters & daughters.  I am one of the lucky ones.  I went through the hell of treatment but I've come out the other side alive, mostly physically and emotionally intact.  I thank God every day that I am still here and I pray that no more beautiful lives are lost to this disease.

But I also learned a lot about myself in 2016- I am so much stronger than I ever imagined I could be.  I have learned to try to always interpret ill-spoken comments as well-meaning and not meant to be hurtful.  I offer others grace and am working on doing the same for myself.  I have learned what is truly important.  I learned how amazing my group of friends are and how willing they were to lend a hand.

When we wake up in 2 days on Jan 1, 2017, it won't be all flowers and rainbows and song. Cancer will not forever be gone from my life- I will be always looking over my shoulder and cancer will always be the first thought with every new ache and pain. We will all still need to fight the good fight and band together to help one another.  I still have faith in humanity, which this disease has shown me just how wonderful and caring people really are.

I thank everyone who has supported me and my family this past year- a prayer, a kind word, a shoulder to cry on and meals when I didn't feel so hot.  You all made it possible for me to get through cancer treatment.

2017 brings new challenges for the Longoria crew- Ray's retirement from the Marine Corps, a new job, a move to TX and a new way of life away from the military for all of us.  I wish you all a very happy and healthy 2017.  Don't forget to do those self-exams!

 From my crazy family to yours, Happy New Year!!