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One year, cancer-free. It was hard to believe it, even as I typed those words on Dec. 13, 2018. I never knew I could feel so overjoyed to be rid of something I never thought I¡¯d have in the first place.

But one year ago on that day, after finishing treatment for sarcoma, I was declared cancer-free by my doctors at MD Anderson. And every day since then has brought a little more healing, both physically and emotionally. At the same time, my heartstrings are continually being pulled, because now, ±õ¡¯³¾ the one on the sidelines, encouraging and praying for those facing the same battle I once did.

Shifting my perspective after a sarcoma diagnosis

I think celebrating milestones is important when you¡¯ve been diagnosed with cancer. It was hard for me to do at first, because I found myself looking back and noticing how different things are today from the future I¡¯d previously envisioned. I had to grieve the loss of that dream.

But once I took a step back and changed my perspective, I could see how far I¡¯d come and appreciate my life in a new way, as well as the many blessings that came with it. Suddenly, I felt triumphant and victorious. And that realization gave me more motivation than ever to celebrate.

Adopting an attitude of gratitude

To commemorate my one-year anniversary of being cancer-free, my husband took me to my favorite place on Earth: Walt Disney World. Even though ±õ¡¯³¾ 29, being able to laugh and play like a kid again was magical beyond words.

In a way, I do feel like a kid again: full of life, gratitude, appreciation and excitement about everything. And, since ±õ¡¯³¾ officially a ¡°one-year-old¡± in my new life of being cancer-free, it seemed especially fitting to be there.

Embracing a ¡®different¡¯ life after sarcoma

Life looks different now than I once thought it would, but that¡¯s OK. I couldn¡¯t do as much as I¡¯d planned to on this trip. I needed a lot more sit-down breaks and had to go back to our hotel frequently to rest. But ±õ¡¯³¾ still grateful to be alive and proud that I didn¡¯t give up, and ±õ¡¯³¾ cherishing the moments that I do have.

The key word for me here is ¡°life.¡± My passions, direction and heart have all changed so much since my sarcoma diagnosis. And I don¡¯t want to waste any more time, or take a single day (or the people in it) for granted.

So, whether it¡¯s the day you lost your hair, the day of your last treatment or the day you finally became cancer-free, I hope you can see your cancer milestones with fresh eyes, too. Because they are momentous occasions that show just how far you¡¯ve come. And the ¡°wins¡± in your life ¡ª no matter how small they may seem ¡ª are all worth celebrating.

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