What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months? Asks the Daily Writing prompt.

An interesting timeframe to pick for this question. In just less than 6 months, a follow-up doctor’s appointment, and if I ring a bell again more tests and maybe more problems.

These tests are for an opponent that I have kicked its ass twice already. It was nasty and I have many scars from the battles and cancer messed me up pretty good. So the challenge is living like a normal person thinking everything will be OK and relaxing and enjoying the day as everyone else.

Or start to fret and try to cram in as much of life as I can into every day. I fight every morning to just relax and let life come or go balls to the wall to get all the stuff I want to accomplish and as much fun fit into every day.

While cancer is a physical battle it’s a mental one also. Once it visits you, your mind is changed. Your eyes start to look over your shoulder. You hear footsteps. Little whispers of caution. Some days it’s like this building drumbeat. You’re on edge. And while there are days you’re successful at pushing it completely aside, there are few, even when you are free of it.

There are constant reminders of the many people also facing the same battles, some of them family or close friends. And then if someone isn’t successful in their fight, it somehow seems to chip away at your armor.

There are medicines on your dresser. Lab appointment reminders. Medical insurance is a critical factor. Constant reminders.

As I look up just over my laptop screen is a pile of wristbands that I keep as souvenirs of past surgeries. They remind me to get out and enjoy the day and that I can survive. I have a ton of stuff from work about certifications or classes but I only keep one Diploma on the wall, from the University of Maryland Medical Center from the department of radiology.

You live from doctor tests to the next test. Hoping for the best news and a smile from the doc saying you’re good to go, fist bump and I’ll see you in 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. It’s those few where they say let’s run some more tests that give you pause.

I’m one of the lucky ones so far. So I’m very thankful. My Mom would remind me often when I was young that many are worse off.

So let me get busy living and doing what I think is important. I hope everyone has a great day also.

I can’t wait for the first warm sunny day to put the top down and point my Miata to the east and not stop till I get to the beach in OC.