Health
Until recently, I never gave much thought to how truly blessed I’d been with good health.  I hadn’t even missed a day of work in 10 years.  Then, when I turned the big 4-0, I got my first mammogram, as I figured I better practice what I preach as a doctor, and you guessed it, it came back with suspicious changes.  I couldn’t believe I had cancer!  Going through surgery, chemo, and the uncertainty of the future is a long hard journey.  I am now three years out from my diagnosis and am happy to say all is going well.  I am however very mindful of how quickly that can change.  Maybe the biggest lesson this has taught me is to not pass up opportunities that are offered to me today with the thought that I have time to do it in the future.  As I was reminded, we don’t know what is in store for tomorrow.

Family
I am grateful to have a close family. That being said, the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do was pick up the phone and tell my parents that I had been diagnosed with cancer.  I was sure I was going to give one of them a heart attack.  My parents were wonderful during my surgery, recovery and chemo.  They moved into my house and cared for me.  My mom cooked and cleaned as well as tended to me physically.  Boy is that humbling, having to have your mom help you shower, change bandages, and dress.  She told me I better be cured so I could return the favor someday!  My dad was pretty freaked out.  He went to daily mass for me, did all the grocery shopping and commandeered the TV clicker.  What would we do without family?

Friendship
I’ve always had great friends in my life.  Where would we be without our girlfriends?  I’m so lucky to have had these shoulders to lean on, cry on, and to count on over the years.  When I was in the battle with breast cancer treatment, I was overwhelmed with the kindness of people.  I think so often we get overloaded with all that is wrong in the world and we forget about all that is right.  People sent me cards and flowers and treats.  They made me a quilt, and prayer shawls, and most importantly, they put me on their prayer lists and circles.  What a gift!  My soul was touched in a way I’m sure I’ll never be able to fully express.

Work
I guess in this economy, most people are happy just to have a job.  Fortunately, I get to do work that I love everyday.  Working as an Ob-Gyn, I get to see women of all ages and walks of life.  I’ve delivered their babies; performed their surgeries, and have seen to their overall health.   I was so surprised and touched by the way my patients took care of me when I was sick.  Talk about role reversal!  Everyday, I get asked how I’m doing.  What a pleasure it is to have that reciprocal relationship with so many wonderful ladies.

Sisterhood
We had a small chapter at Zeta Iota, but we were very close.  I heard from, or saw, almost all of my sisters when I was sick.  I am also thankful to have a vibrant alumnae chapter in which to belong.  These sisters have lent a helping hand in many, many ways.  They picked me up for events, they made me a Phi Mu blanket (still my favorite), sent me cards of encouragement, and on and on.  I know that I matter to them.  What unites this diverse group of women from near and far?  Our bond in Phi Mu.  And for that, I am truly grateful!