Hiya Gorgeous!

I’m celebrating BIG today and saying “Cheers to 21 years!” 🥂

As you can see from my beloved laugh lines, I’m not turning 21 today. (And thank goodness. I don’t think the 52-year-old me could keep up with that wild child anymore. 😉) Nor is it my wedding anniversary with Brian, though that’s coming up soon!

Instead, today marks my cancerversary — the incredible milestone of 21 years living and thriving with Stage IV cancer. 

So many great articles exist about what a cancerversary is, how to celebrate it (and why you should). So today, I’d like to focus on some of my most fundamental health tips whether you have a diagnosis like mine or hope never to get one. I’ll share those below. But first, a little update on my own journey…

Come With Me to the Dana Farber Institute for My Latest Cancer Screening

Here are a few learnings from these past two decades to help you tend to your glorious self:

1.  BREATHE.

Even after all these years of cancer scans, I was still super anxious about this appointment. What if the cancer had become aggressive while I was looking the other way, living life, writing, creating, surviving other storms?

Medical anxiety is a real thing. If you’re well, you worry about getting sick. If you have a diagnosis, you worry about it getting worse. In remission, you worry about a recurrence. Future-tripping is natural — but often unhelpful. 

Thankfully, I have a toolkit to help me navigate times like these and breathwork is at its core. I headed to the nearest bathroom, took a few deep breaths, placed a hand on my heart and whispered a quick reminder that I love myself. That I’d be present with myself, no matter the news. Whatever may be making you anxious today, I encourage you to do the same.

2. GET THE TEST.

It may not feel like it, but medical tests are good things. Clarity always creates empowerment. And thankfully, in this instance, it also created a lot of joy! After a full day of tests, my oncologist delivered some good news: My tumors are still stable. In fact, I may have an opportunity to become a part of a study that looks at my healthy cells to see if they may be doing anything to help keep my disease at bay. 

I can’t tell you how happy I am to share the good news with you all, especially those of you who have followed my cancer journey since the beginning. Thank you so much for your continued love and support. I cherish it and you.

Now it’s your turn. Let this be your official reminder to make your well-being a priority, my friend. Book those doctor visits and any other appointments you’ve been putting off. I know they can be really scary, but get them behind you. It’s a new year and you have big dreams to reach. And in case cancer crosses your path (or that of someone you love), check out my 11 Life-Changing Tips for Cancer Patients or the update I shared last year on my 20th cancerversary. Sending you so much love!

3. BE GOOD TO YOURSELF.

I wouldn’t say that cancer itself is a gift — but it has brought a lot of gifts into my life. One such gift is that it inspired me to take care of myself (and get serious about it). So if you want to celebrate with me today, do something kind for your beautiful body. Take a ten minute walk. Eat a nourishing meal (maybe this scrumptious, creamy pasta!). Add a supplement to your daily wellness routine. And by all means, grab your own celebratory bagel, if you’d like! 😉

Now it’s your turn. What’s one way you’ll take care of yourself today? Let’s share our insights in the comments.

All my love,