February 5th marked 3-yrs since my cancer diagnosis. Below is the Facebook post I made that night. As I stated, I needed people to know what was going on, but I didn’t want to talk about it in public settings. For example, when I went to work, I wanted to focus on work and not have people asking questions. Mainly because I knew I would probably breakdown! Over time that has shifted, and I am grateful to talk about my journey because it allows me to share the message of prevention, hope, recovery, and now THRIVING!  

 “This is a post I never thought I would have to write. I’m not quite ready to talk about it yet but it’s important to me for my friends to know what is going on. I found out today that I have breast cancer. Meet with an oncologist on Thursday. Need more tests before I will know prognosis and treatment, but I am encouraged by what we know so far. I’m certainly in shock, but I’m a fighter and I have no choice but to beat this!! I’m most worried about my girls so I ask for everyone to support them and keep them in your prayers! I will try to keep everyone updated through Facebook because I’m a little too emotional to talk about it yet. I love you all and thank you to everyone who has already reached out to support me!!”

Normally, I take time on my diagnosis anniversary to think about my journey, how far I’ve come, etc. This year is different. A couple weeks ago I lost an amazing Pink’d sister to this terrible disease. So, this year it’s not about me....it’s about those who didn’t get to the “3-yrs out” point. In their memory, I’m doing my best to make every day count!

I think we have all had downtimes during COVID and with the snow and cold temps I have really been struggling! This morning I really didn’t want to get out of my nice warm, cozy bed to get ready for work. I laid there with a “poor me” attitude for a few minutes and then realized…I “get” to get up for work. How your perspective changes when you think in the terms of “I get to” vs. “I have to”….I get to get out of bed, I get to run across town to pick up my daughter, I get to clean my kitchen. So often we focus on the “I have to’s”. Take a moment to change that narrative and think “I get to” in honor of all those who are no longer able to have those simple moments in life.

Love you, Nicole! Fly high my friend <3