The Big 40

Episode XCII - Oh, I'm getting older too

Another Birthday... but this one officially says that I am over the hill...

Most people get all weird about turning 40. Like the good part of life has already happened and now it is time to grow up. Maybe feeling like they are losing their youthfulness. I have never really thought about aging like that. I have embraced each age... maybe even grateful that I am moving out of the decade I was in.

To be honest, I would not want to go back. Each age and stage has been good, but each has also given a fair share of challenges. I had no idea who I was in my teens. I was trying to figure out who I was in my 20s. I was finally figuring it out in my 30s until they ended up malignant (bad cancer joke).

Now I look forward to seeing what is over the hill. I am sure my 40s will surprise me. However, I am just grateful to be here. Not only happy to be alive, but enjoying my actually birthday on vacation with my family. It's October and we are at the beach.

Fall Break = Florida

It is fall break and a good time to get away. I am responsible and followed all my lymphedema precautions. I would attempt to avoid any additional swelling. However, I am going to enjoy life... even if it means I get a swollen, painful arm!!!

However, it is the perfect time to be in Florida. The weather is not too hot. It is not crowded. We did so many fun things. But I cannot lie, like with everything in life the trip had its high points and low points. Things do not always go as planned... stuff happens. I have young kids... they are going to misbehave at times. But overall, it was a good trip!!!

In my head...

There is nothing like a good beach vacation to forget about it all. The beautiful ocean view. The sand in your toes. The... I already have forgotten what I was talking about!

It is hard to believe that now would be the time I would begin to think about scheduling a mammogram. Honestly, if I had not found my tumor back in April 2013, at the rate my tumor was growing, I highly doubt that I would be here. Wow!

Like I said... I am grateful to be here!!!

Episode Reference: Landslide, Fleetwood Mac song

either/or

Dixie Chick song

About happihare

Amy Brock is a cancer fighter and survivor. Diagnosed with Infiltrating Breast Cancer at 38 she has gone through chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, hormone therapy, and other procedures since 2013. Post treatment she has been diagnosed with lymphedema, chemo-induced neuropathy and bone degeneration in her back, as well as other issues including dysphagia, bilateral hearing loss, and arthritis. From being completely healthy, to having a variety of issues, Amy began blogging about her experiences as a way to help others. Read more about finding humor in the craziness of cancer at her blog www.tatawarrior.com Amy is the mother of two children and has worked for various non-profit agencies. In addition, she is a fine artist creating works in multiple mediums which can be seen at www.amybrock.com