Milestones: A Year That Changed Everything

As I sit here, just seven days away from the anniversary of the day my entire world shifted, I cannot help but reflect on the power of milestones. They remind us of where we have been, how far we’ve come, and why we must celebrate every single step forward.

This time last year, my life was completely upended. Since then, I have undergone a craniotomy, completed rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, and learned more about cancer than I ever thought possible—or wanted to.

Before my diagnosis, I lived in blissful ignorance about cancer. To me, cancer was a bald person hooked up to an IV or someone wearing a scarf. I did not know the many faces of this disease. I did not understand how it could ripple through families and tear apart the fabric of normalcy.

But now, I know better. I know cancer’s face because I see it in the mirror every day.

"Do you feel different?" someone asked me recently.

"Yes," I said, pausing to collect my thoughts. "But not just because of the treatments. Cancer changes everything—how you see the world, how you value time, and even how you see yourself."

This milestone is more than just a date on a calendar. It is a marker of resilience, growth, and the ways I have tried to adapt. I started blogging about my journey, not just to share my story, but to connect with others who might feel alone in theirs. I even opened a store, creating products that I hope bring a little joy and laughter to those fighting this disease.

Through all of this, I have learned to find my own sense of normal—or at least something that feels like it. And that is what I am celebrating.

Milestones are not just about the big things like surviving a year with cancer or finishing a treatment cycle. They are about waking up in the morning, savoring a laugh with loved ones, or just finding the strength to keep going.

So, as I approach this anniversary, I am reminded of how important it is to honor every milestone, big or small. Because amid uncertainty and struggle, they are the moments that remind us we are still here—and that is worth celebrating.

To anyone reading this who is facing their own challenges: celebrate your milestones. Every single one of them. You have earned it.

Please make sure to check out my store, I have an entire section dedicated to celebrating Milestones. Milestone Cancer Awareness