Kylie and Hoda and Me

While watching the Today show this morning I was reminded that correspondent Hoda Kotb is a breast cancer veteran. Her diagnosis and treatment were just weeks ahead of my own and differed greatly. She speaks about cancer making her fearless and credits the experiences with her recent success on the Today Show.
There's less information about Kylie Minogue's breast cancer, but what I've read says that hers was caught early. She was back on tour after about a year of dealing with her diagnosis. She was also in her mid-thirties.
I needed to see these stories. Not for anything in particular today. But Hoda's article says it just right, that she doesn't want to be "the girl with cancer" but that it is a part of her. That sentiment rings true for me. I cannot view my world without the cancer episode playing a part. It's everywhere because I have to go for check ups, for tests, I see the scars, I feel my funny arm, and if something is too hard I go to 'I deserve better. I had to deal with cancer last year'.
I fear using it as a crutch, a chip on my shoulder. I also fear not honoring where I've been and it's just another of the delicate balances in life.

And up by request, a photo of my hair. It's curly-ish and thick, and still gray... for now.