Origami Cranes, Pink Ladies, and Diagnosiversaries

Two days ago was my first diagnosiversary...one year since I received the biopsy results that said "you have breast cancer".  (Here's the post I wrote about that life-altering phone call.)  Some days, it all feels like a long time ago and other days, it feels like it just happened.  I crammed a lot of stuff into 2017!!

Yesterday, I was asked to come back into my PS office to re-take my "after" photos. They have a new backdrop wall and wanted some extra shots to use on their website.  Yep....that's me..."before & after" model.  Granny asked if I was posing for Playboy next?!?!  Ha!  

Last night, I went back to my PS main office for a Pink Ladies event.  There was quite a turnout for this one and it was good to get out and meet some new pink sisters.  I sat next to a woman who is coming up on 5 years cancer-free and three others who are less than 6 months into their journeys....we all have stories to share.
  
The guest speakers last night were from the local group Overcomers: Daughters of the King of Kings.  It is a neat organization that focuses on breast cancer SURVIVORS.  This is a much needed ministry and I was excited to hear about it.  Overcomers realized (like many of us) that the journey is NOT over after surgery and reconstruction and treatment is done.  While I am very blessed to be cancer-free, my life is not the same as it once was and how I feel, think, act is forever changed.    
All of the small group leaders are fellow breast cancer survivors. They host a 9-week workshop every Fall and Spring that I am really hoping to take part in soon.  (Go to their website to register for the one starting 02/21/18 if you are interested and available.)

Great tips no matter where or who you are!

After we heard from the Overcomers group, a sweet Pink Sister shared with us her participation in an organization called Cranes for Cancer.  According to Japanese legend, anyone who receives 1,000 origami cranes will have good luck. If you read the story on the website, you'll see why they have chosen to mail a box of 1,000 origami cranes to people battling cancer.  There are also photos of some lovely art installations done with these cranes.

After giving us a little history, she taught us all how to make the cranes last night...it was challenging. I cannot imaging making 1,000 of them myself....it's harder than it looks to make just 1!  But, it was fun to learn and to laugh with those around me as we attempted the folds.

My first attempt at an origami crane!

If any of you are local and are interested, PRMA Pink Ladies have events every 2-3 months. Each one is different and they always have one of the nurses available for any one who has reconstruction questions while they are there. Check out the PRMA Facebook page (@PRMAplasticsurgery) for more details.

So, while this week of anniversaries has brought up a lot of emotions, most of all it has reminded me of what a blessed story I now have to share and how much God has taught me throughout this tough year.

Have a terrific weekend!