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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.
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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). Â 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.
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.
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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.
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).
-  Celebrated my sister-in-law and brother-in-law’s wedding.
- Â I became an aunt! Welcomed my nephew into this world.
- Actually watched the Olympics during the day (it was on during my recovery from my surgery).
- My hair is growing back!
- 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.
- Getting involved in a nonprofit organization.
- Â Katie Couric did an Instagram post about me.
- Became a mentor for young cancer fighters through Imerman Angels.
- My brother-in-law created t-shirts to support me and over 200 people bought them!
- My best friend and her cousin did the Avon 39 The walk to End Breast Cancer in my honor and raised over $30K.
- Done with chemo! Still going through treatments but it is no longer as harsh.
- Celebrated our one year wedding anniversary.
- I can go on and on because like I said the good outweighs the bad, but overall, I was surrounded by love.
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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
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/
Thank you so much!! 🙂 Have a happy new year!
beautiful story
Happy New Year dear! kisses
fashion blogger
Thanks you!
wow … wish 2017 makes you more happy…. happy new year
http://thestyleride.com/
Thank you! Have a happy new year!
This is so cool
Happy holidays..
Happy new year.
http://www.melodyjacob.com/
Thanks!
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
Thank you so much Jackie!! I hope you have a happy new year!
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
Thanks Amy Ann! I wish you and your family an amazing 2017!
What a wonderful 2016! You are such an inspiration! Excited for 2017 for you! =)
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
Thank you so much Cielo!! I am so looking forward to the new year and I hope you have a happy new year!
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
Thank you so much Carmen! I am feeling so optimistic! Hope you have a happy new year!
Looks like am amazing 2016!! Heres to an even happier 2017!! <3 – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Hi Gingi, not sure if you read the post? But I am looking forward to a happy new year.
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
Aw thanks Julia! I am so looking forward to 2017. Thanks so much for following along!
So beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing! Happy New Year to you and yours!
xx
Lauren Elizabeth
Petite in Pearls
Thank you so much Lauren!
sounds like a great year!
TheVogueWord
TheVogueWord
Thanks Vanessa!
Nice 🙂
http://trapeziovermelho.blogspot.pt
Thanks Telma!
Lovely post. Happy new year!
http://zunera-serena.com/
love this post! i hope you have an amazing day and New Year!
mfashionfreak♥blog
Happy New Year Mihaela!
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
Thank you Mikela! Hope you have a happy new year too!
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
So glad to e-met you too! Thank you so much! Happy New Year!
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
Thank you so much Rina!! Happy New Year!
Happy new year!!!
love your 2016 looks!!
kiss
Chiara – http://www.shesinfashionblog.com
Thanks Chiara!
Amazing reflections! Happy new year!
Kiss
Luna
http://www.fashionsnobber.com
Thanks Luna!
I'm feeling the optimism with you! I think you'll have nothing but good vibes this year.
Thanks Cheryl!
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
Thank you so much V for your kind words! I'm so glad I met you too! Love ya!!
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