A Year Ago

My parents had encouraged us to be proactive regarding monitoring our risk of ovarian cancer; We weren't concerned with breast cancer, it didn't run in our family.  Dad, a physician, always said we should have our families early and take care of business (which meant consider a hysterectomy once we didn't need our uterus anymore).  Mom had wanted us to get an expensive genetic test done for years.  She knew all too well the wrecking ball cancer brought upon a family.  She was just 8 when cancer took her mother.  My sister and I, feeling young, healthy and invincible, thought they were crazy.  But, to get them off our backs, Jill decided to take the BRCA genetic test.  I figured since we were twins, I'd just save myself the trouble and go with her results (yes, I know how genetics works, but at the time it seemed like sound logic).

It was year ago, I got a call from my sister.  Her voice was shaky.  She stuttered.  "Um, Julie.  We... we... we have that gene."  I took a deep breath and tried to make sense of it all.  We were healthy (so I thought) and this didn't change that.  We didn't have to do anything.  But, we definitely had some decisions to consider.

Waiting for my results was the longest month of my life.  Yes, I knew we were twins, so I knew my chance of having the BRCA gene was at least 50%.  I loved being a twin, and I would have been slightly heartbroken to find out we were 'less' twin-y if we weren't identical.  I also prayed that I wouldn't have the BRCA gene.  It was a lose, lose situation.  Either way, I'd be heartbroken.

Well, we all know how the story goes...  Thank God my sister took that test.  Without the knowledge of being BRCA+, I would have not found my aggressive cancer near as early as I did.  She saved me (and in a way, she saved my family).

Looking back on this past year, it's undoubtedly been one of the hardest years of my life (admittedly, not the hardest - that award goes to 2007).  I know this will sound crazy, but the past 12 months have been one of the best years of my life.  Yes, you read that right: The year I had cancer was one of the best years of my life.

My family and I fought for my life.  Physically, I endured tests, scans, multiple surgeries, many sleepless nights, hundreds of needle sticks, shots and chemo.  My body was pushed to it's breaking point.  Emotionally, my family faced uncertainty and worry.  We were in constant prayer.

But, we (and when I say we, that includes anyone who has been reading my blog) held strong and we fought together.  That is what matters.  That is what made it one of the best years of my life.  Knowing I wasn't fighting alone.  My family supported me.  My husband was always there for me.  My community prayed and encouraged me.  Our faith grew and carried us through.  Those feelings of support trump all of the yucky stuff.

Thanks to YOU for making the past 12 months one of the best years of my life.