Life in the Extreme
What if we experienced each moment to the fullest, unafraid to live and unafraid to die?
Being beautiful on the inside usually alludes to the spirit within.
As we age, we strive to make peace with ourselves and the world — to cultivate a sense of empathy, find our spiritual paths. And yes, to feel good in our own skin, despite the wrinkles and the pranks played by gravity.
I feel pretty good about the human I’ve become over the years though it’s important to remember we are all “works in progress” until the end.
But inside — really deep inside — my bones and muscles and organs and…well, they’ve taken quite a beating.
I’ll begin with the the bad news.
I’ve had breast cancer five times in the last twenty-eight years — including Stage IV metastatic disease in my right lung.
Now the good news.
Not only have I survived, but I’ve lived a pretty great life and continue to do so.
I was first diagnosed when I was in my late 30s. Genetic testing was not yet available but the prevalence of the disease in my family led me to believe I could eventually be among those afflicted.
