Life Goes On

Exactly 5 years ago today at about 3pm, I was told - at the age of 26 - that I had breast cancer. My world of newly dating "Nate the Great," working in advertising and living a carefree life was turned upside down. 

Looking back now, it feels like another life ago. My hair is fully grown in (working it's way to my goal point - symbolically, my chest, of course). I'm engaged to Nate, my best friend, my rock and soon to be hubby! And, I've started my very own nonprofit - Fighting Pretty - to help women out there just like me fight through cancer with strength in their veins, a smile on their face, and lipstick on their lips. 

My sister called me this morning and we cried together. On December 12, 2008, we never thought that in 5 years we could be so happy. In fact, we are the happiest we've ever been. My sister has 2 beautiful and healthy daughters, married to a wonderful man, and I am healthy and happy with my hubby to be and puppy, and so in love I'm about to burst. 

After this traumatic and life changing experience, I have come out on the other end knowing more about myself. I'm strong, I'm amazing and after cancer took my beauty away, I now feel more beautiful than ever. Because inside, I know that I fought like hell and came out the other end a better person. 

So for all of you ladies who have been recently diagnosed, think of me. Fight through your journey and know that I'm waiting for you at the other end to celebrate your strength, health and happiness. 

So Thankful!

It's January 14, 2013. Four years ago today, I was in the middle of the scariest surgery of my life: my double mastectomy. Now, I'm on the subway listening to "Hey Ho" by the Lumineers, thinking about Nate ("I belong with you, you belong with me, you're my sweetheart!") and can't wait to get go to work and then home to hang out with our new little puppy Archie! 

Thinking back on this year has made me realize how fast life is going. I always think of that quote "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." — Ferris Bueller

Well, I'm looking...and there's not a day that goes by that I don't appreciate it. Thinking back on the year, we've done so much, experienced so many amazing things:

I'm 30! Had the best birthday a girl could ask for! Surprised by all of my best friends!

We went to Puerto Rico to celebrate our friends Azz and Twigs marriage and it was a BLAST!

I got to see my best girlfriends so much with all of Katie and Luke's wedding events and was spoiled by their smiles all summer! And the wedding itself - soooo fun!

We moved to Brooklyn! We officially became adults living in a quiet neighborhood filled with amazing shops, restaurants and splurged on all new furniture! Plus, I bought my first very own vacuum (and I couldn't wait to use it! Don't tell anyone!)

We celebrated my niece Caroline's 1st birthday! She is getting so big and is such an amazing little girl. She really is the smartest. 

We faced 2 scares of cancer in our parents. But they are cured and are doing fantastic (kow)!

I got a promotion! After working at Bloomberg for almost 2 years, I was promoted and am loving my new colleagues and my new gig!

Nate took me to Portugal and Italy where we drank porto and ate preggo, then demolished fresh lemon pasta, several bottles of vino and fell in love all over again.

"Euro Mommy" surprised me in London with Dana! We got to see the Crown Jewels, Buckingham Palace (Dana really thinks she is a princess!), The Tower of London, the pubs, the cabbies, the fish and chips, and so much more. 

And finally, our newest addition: Archie! Our little Aussiedoodle who wags his behind and actually smiles when he sees us. 

I truly can't believe all that has happened in one year and am so thankful and blessed that it all has. 

The year 2012 was amazing but I can only hope that 2013 is going to bring so much more love, health and happiness.