Freedom.

Imagine that you have been diagnosed with cancer. You go through treatment and you make it out with a clean slate. Take that imagination and multiply it by three. Three times. By the time you are 38-years-old you have been diagnosed with some form of cancer twice in your lifetime (2 primaries and 1 recurrence) and have been treated for cancer three times. But does it matter? Two or three? Does it matter?

Here’s the truth: You take this information, you take this experience, you take what has made you stronger and you process it. It is absorbed. It is acknowledged. You appreciate it for what it is, are thankful to be alive, and are gracious for the friends and family that have supported you along the way. Had it not been for the “inconvenience”, there’s amazing people you may not have met and friends you may not have made along your journey…

(Dec 2010. With Macy in Justin in Rome, Italy. A cool, awesome Seattle couple whom I met at the Rome hostel. They were extremely gracious with showing me the metro system as we checked out the Tivoli Fountain and The Spanish Steps along the way. They were too cool to leave soon!

You aim to make lemonade out of lemons with this experience and absolutely hope to do the right thing by learning as much as you can. You try to become a better person because of it; ignoring all prospects becoming victimized or wounded. You remain who you are, but are a “better” you because have a new pair of shades on along with a new pair of walking shoes. You have more to offer the world and you have more to take in.

Dec 2010. Bryce Canyon National Park in UT. The gift of a splendid sunset with magnificent views of Bryce Canyon:

For those who have dealt with this hand, you may already know that cancer does not own you. It does not, nor has ever, defined WHO YOU ARE. You refuse to be victimized by it. Rather, you choose to Survive it. You become a Navigator. You take charge. You overcome it.

And most importantly – you recognize an opportunity to seize the freedom of what a non-cancer life brings: The freedom to not be tied down to the doldrums of therapy, treatments and a weakened body. You recognize the freedom of being surrounded by loved one’s – to be able to share a cup of tea with your sister, or share a laugh with your mother. You recognize that there is a whole world out there to be explored.

And I don’t mean figuratively. I mean literally.

Rome, Italy enjoying a glass of wine along one of the many quaint outdoor restaurants. (Dec 2010)

My unexpected lay-off from Level 3 Communications in December 2010 bought me some time to explore further.

Krystal, Jen and I (the friends I accompanied from Denver) mesmerized by one of the greatest works in Roman architecture and THE house of the Gladiator fights – The Colosseum:

Within walking distance from the Colosseum was The Forum – the center of Roman public life for centuries. This was the site of elections, venue for public speeches, criminal trials, and gladiatorial matches:

The food was insanely delicious. All diets aside. It was completely baffling to know that the “Italian food” we have in America doesn’t come close to the real thing. I’ve been spoofed! Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of “Eat, Pray, Love” was right to spend 4 months in Rome just to enjoy the food. Hello!

Stuffed ravioli with fresh peas and smoked bacon:

Pasta with truffles:

They weren’t kidding about their Gellato:

Here we are enjoying Gellato and espresso – a solid staple of Italy:

Hello cutie!

Here we are at The Vatican on Christmas Eve – home of all Pope’s:

Ahh, Rome:

After four days we then caught a train to Florence. It is the home of Michelangelo’s David, the gothic The Duomo (started in year 1296 and completed 200 years later), and of the Uffizi – one of the oldest and most famous art museums in the world.

In front of the Duomo:

Florence from the Overlook:

A nice drive to Montepulciano, Tuscany doesn’t hurt…

Back in the States in January 2011…

Hiking in Sedona, AZ in the Wilson Canyon

Rich and I exploring the Grand Canyon:

Checking out the art in Santa Fe…

Cliche warning: You only live ONCE. Would you allow life to pass you by if you knew the opportunity was there to extract more of out of what was already available to you? The World is your oyster. It’s there and it’s not that hard to reach. You just have to believe that anything is possible and with the right planning and strategizing, it can be pulled off without a hitch. Go for it! The night is young!

Bon Voyage!

- Elana