For me, getting through breast cancer is all about attitude and staying positive. When I go for treatment, I fell like a character in an action game. This is a war, and I’m out to win. I visualize slaying all the cancerous cells in my body and replacing them with healthy ones. I compare my recovery to flowers going to sleep for the winter and coming back in the spring with an even better show than the year before.

I try to see the humor in everything. Some days I go to work with my wig. When it gets hot, I take it off and sit at my desk with my baldhead. Other days I wear a hat. It lightens the seriousness of my situation and helps me cope. My employer and co-workers have been wonderful. I can come in when I feel good and leave when I’m not up to snuff. Being able to immerse myself in my job has kept my mind off the fact I’m sick. Knowing my position is secure has taken a lot of unnecessary stress off of me.

I have been a constant fundraiser for my son’s schools and was always the one doing for others. Having breast cancer has shown me how generous people can be. Since my diagnosis I have received 163 cards with handwritten notes wishing me well. My family, friends and neighbors have made me a priority. People deliver meals, drive me to appointments and to the office. One of my sisters has even taken over the daunting task of sending a weekly medical email update to the 120 members of our immediate family. I like to talk but cannot imagining repeating the same story to that many people every week.

My Hope in Bloom garden is pulling me to the light at the end of the tunnel. I am counting the days until I can sit on my porch with that now forbidden glass of wine, admire my garden, and raise a toast to everyone who has helped me through this journey. Thank you all for being there for me.