Today is Triple Negative Breast Cancer Day, the beginning of an entire month dedicated to this disease. Before being diagnosed, I had never even heard of it. Now, it has taken over my life.

The last three months have been a whirlwind of doctors’ appointments, lab work, scans, tests and treatment. Most days I don’t even recognize myself in the mirror. I’m not even halfway through the first six months of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. I still have surgery, radiation, six months of immunotherapy (and the possibility of more chemotherapy) to look forward to after I’m done with my current therapies.

But life goes on.

I’m trying not to focus on all the things I can’t do. Work, move, sleep, think. Instead, I’m trying to lean into the things I can do. Breathe, be patient, accept what I cannot change, choose to be happy.

Spending time with my grandkids means so much to me. They don’t understand anything about cancer. They don’t notice or care that I don’t have hair. A bad blood test means nothing to them. They want snacks and hugs and play time. I’m learning to let go of worry and expectations and live in the moment. When I’m tired, I rest. When I’m hungry, I eat. I’m enjoying every moment I can, as much as I can.

Because life goes on.