3 Years; A Million Emotions

Well hello there!  I haven't posted in nearly a year, but you know that no news is typically good news and that's the case here!  As of April of this year, I'm officially halfway to being cured of Hodgkin's Lymphoma!!!  5 years is considered cured for this type of cancer, so that puts me at 2.5 years in the clear!  I figured it was time to give an update as today is the 3 year anniversary of the day I was diagnosed, so here goes :)

It was on this day three years ago my doctor uttered the scariest words I've ever heard... "You have cancer."  Two years ago I wrote this post about what that day was like and what I'd learned over the prior year (check it out if you haven't already).

Just recently I was trying to explain to someone how this day makes me feel, but I found it difficult to put into words or pinpoint any one exact emotion.  I very distinctly remember how terrified I felt three years ago, but I also remember the tremendous outpouring of love and support.  I feel relieved that I'm in remission but still scared at the possibility of a recurrence.  This day brings out so many emotions.

But one of the strongest emotions I fee today is proud.  I'm by no means tooting my own horn here, but I can't help but to feel proud of what I've been through and what I've accomplished since finishing treatment.

Cancer will definitely make you examine your life in a whole new way.  Someone once asked me why I like to run and my answer was "because I can."  Three years ago I couldn't, but now I can.  Three years ago I sat in the infusion room with 20+ other patients receiving chemo, all of which would have given anything to be able to run, or walk, or even just get out of bed every day.  So because I can run, I do.  I run for myself, I run for those who are in treatment, and I run for those who lost their well-fought battle.  With that being said... here's what I've been up to for the last few years :)

In the fall of 2014 I ran my first 10k.  I like this picture comparison of me "plugged in" getting chemo one year and running a race the next:

In the spring of 2015 I completed my first triathlon:

In the fall of 2015 I ran my first half marathon.  I was literally moved to tears when I crossed the finish line:

I completed my second triathlon in the spring of this year (2016):

My goal for 2016 is to run/bike 2,016 miles.  I'm happy to say that I'm officially on pace... As of today I've completed 1163 miles.

I've run tons of 5k races as well and have another 10k coming up this weekend, which is such a fun way to continue my training.  I especially like the races with beer at the finish line... the one this weekend is wine :)

Halfway to being cured has felt pretty good and I can't wait to get these other 2.5 years out of the way too!

Love, 

Melissa