As 2012 draws to a close, I would like to share with you some pictures, which show the highs and lows of the past year for me.
2012 got off to a great start with a FREE trip to Florida (compliments of my sister, Lynette and hubbie Jeff). Soaking up the sun for a couple of weeks, while recouping from my chemo, was definitely one of the perks of having cancer!
On January 28th, I celebrated my 45th birthday, just four day after undergoing a mastectomy.
In February it was off to St. John’s for me for five weeks of Radiation Treatments. It was nice to spend time with Shawn, but I really missed my kiddies!
I finished the last of my cancer treatments on March 30th, almost exactly one year from the time I was diagnosed. I was home just in time to start my seeds with Ben!
In April, Shawn and I traveled to Nova Scotia for my very first Breast Cancer Retreat. It was a very “healing experience” for me.
In May, I went to my second retreat, but this time was a little different: I was guest speaker to an audience of more than 200 women! (Definitely a perk) I also met some great friends along the way.
Shawn and I enjoyed lots of outdoor activities during the summer. This photo was taken in June in Shoal Harbor.
In July, I experienced a “little setback”, a lingering infection which put me in the hospital three times on I.V antibiotics. (Definitely NOT a perk!)
In August it was off to PEI with Shawn and the Williams family for some much needed R and R.
In September I went back to work as a School Counselor, after a 17 month break away from my work. It was so great to connect with the kids again.
For Halloween, 2012, I dressed as a Blue Butterfly; a symbol which held a lot of meaning for me during my cancer journey.
Me, Donovan and Kaitlyn in Times Square
November found me in New York. I had promised my kids when I was diagnosed that when I was well enough we would take a trip to the Big Apple….but if you were following my blog, you will know that it turned out to be the “Big Rotten Apple” for me.
In early December, I said good-bye to my beloved Patches, my constant companion through cancer.
But the year ended on a great note, surrounded by the ones I love.
Happy New Year! May you be blessed with good health, good friends and a supportive family in 2013. (Those are the REAL perks!)
What a courageous and heart-full year! You are beautiful!
God Bless You! xo
That was so beautiful.I heard you speak at the retreat in Gander.Your talk completely moved every single person that night.You are truly an inspiration for all of us.Love reading your blogs.Always tastefully done.
Can’t wait to see where 2013 takes you!
A great synopsis of the past year. Looking for to getting together to celebrate another great upcoming year this month.
Thank you for sharing. Best to you and yours in the New Year!
Thank you for posting this look back at 2012 with all it’s ups and downs. You are in inspiration to any and everyone, whether or not they are dealing with cancer 🙂 God Bless you and your family ! Wishing you a wonderful 2013 !
This is just fabulous Flo –how do you do it all??
Wishing you every good thing – with love Kathy
Kathy-Sig Kathy-Sig2
Love your photo journal! What a year you had in 2012. I know that 2013 has truly wonderful things in store for you. Thank you for sharing your journey, and your heart, with us!!
Happy 2013! What a lovely photo journal (your smile shines out). I’m looking forward to reading more perks and adventures in the new year. ~Catherine