As the months and years pass after a cancer diagnosis there are certain milestones that will stand out, and it's so exciting to celebrate being cancer free. Your diagnosis date, the end of chemotherapy, or maybe your surgery date, for each person the date you choose to celebrate may vary. One thing remains constant though, the need for celebration. You have faced and overcome adversity both in terms of your cancer treatment and survivorship itself. So how can you celebrate? As I mark 6 years since my cancer diagnosis (which is the day I choose to recognize) I wanted to share 6 fun ways to celebrate being cancer free.
6 Years: Why I Celebrate Being Cancer Free
Last year, when I hit the 5 year mark it was huge. Now today I get the honor of saying I am a 6 year survivor. 6 years ago, I was told I had breast cancer at 27 years old. Today I celebrate another year cancer-free after a clean MRI last week. While cancer will always be a part of my story and a risk factor in my life, every year is a milestone to commemorate. So let's jump into some ideas from my experience of how to celebrate being cancer free.
6 Ways to Celebrate Being Cancer Free
1. Special Photoshoot
For me photos are a meaningful way to look back and see my growth both physically (with my hair), and emotional. I can track my healing and celebrate being cancer free through the images. who doesn't love getting glammed up and taking beautiful photos. I have taken photoshoots almost every year since my cancer diagnosis and I love reflecting on those images. Take a look back in time with me: year 1, year 2, year 3, year 4 year 5.
2. Plan For the Future
When you're diagnosed with cancer, it can be hard to think of the future. I was scared to imagine a future in case something else stopped me or my health was threatened again. With each year, I find it meaningful to celebrate being cancer free by committing to future plans, goals and dreams as well as reflecting on all that I have overcome and traversed. You deserve to be abe to dream of the future. Plan that trip, set that goal and commit to yourself.
3. Celebrate Being Cancer Free With a Physical Outing
As the years pass since my cancer diagnosis, my gratitude has grown for my body my health and the ability to move. I look back to the days of chemotherapy, the years of exhaustion and the healing from surgeries grateful for every muscle allowing me to exert myself. Take time to celebrate being cancer free with some type of physical activity. It could be a hike, biking or even just a slow walk in a pretty place anything to ground you in gratitude for your body.
4. Celebrate With Loved Ones
It can be hard to let people into your full cancer journey because it's in all honesty fucking terrifying and there are so many ups and downs it's hard to communicate the full extend to anyone who hasn't been through it. While your friends may not understand the full extend of your healing and what the milestones mean to you, they love you and want to celebrate you being alive. Think about letting your family and friends join you for a cancer free milestone celebration.
5. Pamper Yourself
I suggest making self-care a part of your everyday routines, but around the time of your cancer anniversary why not take your pampering to the next level. Schedule a spa day, get a massage or take yourself to a special dinner. You deserve all the love and pampering on this special milestone. Take time to pamper that body and celebrate being cancer free.
6. Give Back to the Cancer Community
Each year that I celebrate being cancer free, my passion for giving back deepens. Volunteering or finding ways to give back to the cancer community can be a great way to celebrate your health and advocate for others. Cancer nonprofits are always looking for volunteers and sharing your story will continue to inspire others that come after you on this cancer journey.
Photoshoot Details
Photographer @jqbrattonphoto
Creative Director @jessica.delovely
Stylist @hautebrowngirl
Dress @blue_hibiscus
Skirt custom by Amanda Perna | House of Perna
Shoes & Bodysuit @fifisconsignment
Headpiece @bloomsandthorsnfloral
Makeup @peachcowgirlbeauty
Location: NC Arboretum
I hope these ideas got you excited to celebrate your own cancer milestones. After a cancer diagnosis fear can be paralyzing but I have found that every moment it worth celebrating. Tomorrow is not guaranteed so seize today and celebrate being cancer free, full of life and able to move your body and thrive! I am cheering you one!!
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Breast cancer survivor, lover of style, beauty and all things pink! Inspiring you to thrive through adversity.
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