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RD's Obsessions

breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer update

Reflection of 2016

women's outfits collage
Original Posts (left to right, top to bottom)
January || February || March 
 April || May || June
 July || August || September ||
 October || November || December

Wow, is it already the year end? It felt like 2016 just started and now it is about to end. 2016 is quite the year and a year that I will never forget. There were a lot of unexpected lows. Through it all there were silver linings though.

 

Reflection of 2016

Right at the beginning of 2016, my world immediately changed. I was constantly going to doctor appointments and tests to the point that my arm was bruised because of all the needles they poked through my skin. After all that, I was diagnosed with cancer (the full story is on this and this post).  There were so many decisions I had to make, things to consider, and sometimes the decision had to be based on the lesser of the two evils.

good vibes only mug

Even though having cancer is a scary thing, so much good came out of it.

I received a big amount of support from everyone I know, there was a lot of love and positivity, and it helped me focus on what is really important in life. It also gave Tre and I an opportunity to spend more time together. It’s not that we didn’t spend time together, but our work consumed a lot of our time. We both put in a lot of hours and were constantly stressed about work. However, Tre eased back on work to be there for me during chemo. Because of this, it gave us an opportunity to do things we wanted to do but never took the time to do it. It felt good that we could just go for a walk in our neighborhood just because. It made me realize and appreciate the simple things in life.

Reflection of 2016
Photo by Blossom Lane Photography

It also helped me realize what I am capable of doing. Looking back, I can’t believe I worked full time, blogged, and worked out during chemo. That’s right, all the photos you’ve seen in 2016 was during chemo. I’m really impressed that my wig held up this long! Blogging helped me a lot because it gave me a reason to go out. I always felt too sick and weak to leave the house. However, the minute I stepped out I did feel a little better. Blogging was the push I needed to get me out of the house.

Reflection of 2016

2016 wasn’t just about me.

There are people that I care and love who also encountered unexpected health issues. I was constantly in the hospital not just for myself, but for others too. It’s one thing that I had to go through something, but seeing other people sick hurts more. People I cared about passed away. Really good people, who didn’t deserve to get sick or go so soon.

Despite the setbacks from 2016, there were many positive things that happened too. So I thought I could list them (in no particular order).

  1.  Celebrated my sister-in-law and brother-in-law’s wedding.
  2.  I became an aunt! Welcomed my nephew into this world.
  3. Actually watched the Olympics during the day (it was on during my recovery from my surgery).
  4. My hair is growing back!
  5. Met some of the most incredible and inspirational people. Despite their own challenges, they saw a lot of positivity in life and continue to live life to the fullest.
  6. Getting involved in a nonprofit organization.
  7.  Katie Couric did an Instagram post about me.
  8. Became a mentor for young cancer fighters through Imerman Angels.
  9. My brother-in-law created t-shirts to support me and over 200 people bought them!
  10. My best friend and her cousin did the Avon 39 The walk to End Breast Cancer in my honor and raised over $30K.
  11. Done with chemo! Still going through treatments but it is no longer as harsh.
  12. Celebrated our one year wedding anniversary.
  13. I can go on and on because like I said the good outweighs the bad, but overall, I was surrounded by love.

 

final chemo session

I am feeling very optimistic about 2017. In a couple days I look forward to a whole new year filled with more love and happiness.

I wish you all a Happy New Year!!

xo RD

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December 30, 2016 | 57 Comments

Comments

  1. December 30, 2016 at 4:22 pm

    Your story is full of hope and inspiring. I can see the strength radiating out of you. If you didn't mention it, I would never have thought you had cancer in the first place. Keep up your strength, it inspires me and I am sure, others too.
    http://societyfix.blogspot.com.eg/

    Reply
    • December 31, 2016 at 9:32 pm

      Thank you so much!! 🙂 Have a happy new year!

      Reply
  2. December 30, 2016 at 6:09 pm

    beautiful story
    Happy New Year dear! kisses
    fashion blogger

    Reply
    • December 31, 2016 at 9:33 pm

      Thanks you!

      Reply
  3. December 30, 2016 at 9:08 pm

    wow … wish 2017 makes you more happy…. happy new year
    http://thestyleride.com/

    Reply
    • December 31, 2016 at 9:33 pm

      Thank you! Have a happy new year!

      Reply
  4. December 30, 2016 at 10:20 pm

    This is so cool
    Happy holidays..
    Happy new year.
    http://www.melodyjacob.com/

    Reply
    • December 31, 2016 at 9:33 pm

      Thanks!

      Reply
  5. December 31, 2016 at 3:04 am

    Wow, Rach! I think it's pretty incredible that despite all of the hard things you've had to deal with, that you're still able to see the positive. I'm sure more than most, you're excited for what 2017 has to bring.

    Happy New Year!!

    Jackie
    Something About That

    Reply
    • December 31, 2016 at 9:33 pm

      Thank you so much Jackie!! I hope you have a happy new year!

      Reply
  6. December 31, 2016 at 3:29 am

    You have had quote the year. So much was thrown your way and you handled it with such courage and grace. I missed Katie's Instagram the first time. Just checked it out. That is too cool. Excited for 2017 for you!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    Reply
    • December 31, 2016 at 9:34 pm

      Thanks Amy Ann! I wish you and your family an amazing 2017!

      Reply
  7. December 31, 2016 at 6:35 am

    What a wonderful 2016! You are such an inspiration! Excited for 2017 for you! =)

    – Cielo
    Mermaid in Heels

    Reply
    • December 31, 2016 at 9:36 pm

      Thank you so much Cielo!! I am so looking forward to the new year and I hope you have a happy new year!

      Reply
  8. December 31, 2016 at 10:53 am

    Wow, that's just so impressive! You have my whole respect for what you have done and I wish you all the very best for the new year! I am sure everything will turn out well <3
    xx, Carmen – http://www.carmitive.com

    Reply
    • December 31, 2016 at 9:36 pm

      Thank you so much Carmen! I am feeling so optimistic! Hope you have a happy new year!

      Reply
  9. December 31, 2016 at 4:41 pm

    Looks like am amazing 2016!! Heres to an even happier 2017!! <3 – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com

    Reply
    • December 31, 2016 at 9:37 pm

      Hi Gingi, not sure if you read the post? But I am looking forward to a happy new year.

      Reply
  10. December 31, 2016 at 5:34 pm

    You are such an inspiration to me and my heart is so full of happiness reading your story. Thank you for sharing your life and journey with us here on your blog! Sending you love and well wishes for a great 2017.
    Julia・Little Miss Haute Couture

    Reply
    • December 31, 2016 at 9:38 pm

      Aw thanks Julia! I am so looking forward to 2017. Thanks so much for following along!

      Reply
  11. January 1, 2017 at 3:29 pm

    So beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing! Happy New Year to you and yours!

    xx
    Lauren Elizabeth
    Petite in Pearls

    Reply
    • January 3, 2017 at 12:01 pm

      Thank you so much Lauren!

      Reply
  12. January 1, 2017 at 7:46 pm

    sounds like a great year!

    TheVogueWord
    TheVogueWord

    Reply
    • January 3, 2017 at 12:01 pm

      Thanks Vanessa!

      Reply
  13. January 1, 2017 at 7:48 pm

    Nice 🙂

    http://trapeziovermelho.blogspot.pt

    Reply
    • January 3, 2017 at 12:02 pm

      Thanks Telma!

      Reply
  14. January 1, 2017 at 8:21 pm

    Lovely post. Happy new year!
    http://zunera-serena.com/

    Reply
  15. January 1, 2017 at 9:51 pm

    love this post! i hope you have an amazing day and New Year!

    mfashionfreak♥blog

    Reply
    • January 3, 2017 at 12:18 pm

      Happy New Year Mihaela!

      Reply
  16. January 1, 2017 at 10:00 pm

    Lovely post dear. I am glad that, despite having cancer (still so sorry about that!), you have had joy this year and time with your loved ones. I hope 2017 is a wonderful year for you!

    xo, mikéla / simplydavelyn.com

    Reply
    • January 3, 2017 at 12:18 pm

      Thank you Mikela! Hope you have a happy new year too!

      Reply
  17. January 1, 2017 at 11:31 pm

    Hello darling..I am so glad to have e-met you and I love reading your blog. You are such a strong girl & you scream energy & positive vibes. Here’s wishing you a glorious year 2017 <3

    xoxo Eva | http://www.evakindles.com

    Reply
    • January 3, 2017 at 12:18 pm

      So glad to e-met you too! Thank you so much! Happy New Year!

      Reply
  18. January 2, 2017 at 5:07 am

    Babe, I totally love how positive you are about this past year despite everything you had to go through. I love it when people can view things in a positive way rather than focus on all the bad that happens. You have a beautiful heart and it shows. Excited for what 2017 has in store for you!

    xoxo Rina Samantha
    http://www.andshedressed.com

    Reply
    • January 3, 2017 at 12:19 pm

      Thank you so much Rina!! Happy New Year!

      Reply
  19. January 2, 2017 at 10:10 am

    Happy new year!!!
    love your 2016 looks!!
    kiss

    Chiara – http://www.shesinfashionblog.com

    Reply
    • January 3, 2017 at 12:22 pm

      Thanks Chiara!

      Reply
  20. January 2, 2017 at 4:02 pm

    Amazing reflections! Happy new year!
    Kiss
    Luna
    http://www.fashionsnobber.com

    Reply
    • January 3, 2017 at 12:23 pm

      Thanks Luna!

      Reply
  21. January 2, 2017 at 6:24 pm

    I'm feeling the optimism with you! I think you'll have nothing but good vibes this year.

    Reply
    • January 3, 2017 at 12:23 pm

      Thanks Cheryl!

      Reply
  22. January 2, 2017 at 8:37 pm

    Rach, YOU are such an inspiration! Your cancer journey has touched many hearts, including mine! You're a fighter that gave hope to so many! So blessed I got to meet you in real life! Love you, babe!

    Happy New Year, babe!
    xoxo, Vanessa
    http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com

    Reply
    • January 3, 2017 at 12:23 pm

      Thank you so much V for your kind words! I'm so glad I met you too! Love ya!!

      Reply
  23. January 2, 2017 at 11:37 pm

    Wow, you're such a strong lady; inspiring! I do pray you have a better year filled with God's blessings and strength for every day.

    Happy New Year, darling!

    Funmi xx
    http://www.funmialabi.co.uk

    Reply