Counting my Blessings tonight

Wow, so tonight I was on facebook and saw a link that led me to stories of cancer survivors that have had the same diagnosis I received in January of 1994. It seems so long ago; and yet others are still receiving the same news every year: you have osteosarcoma (cancer of the bone). This is devastating news for all young people getting this cancer, usually between the ages of 12 and 25. Each person posts a story, yet all have a similar theme of being young and getting bone cancer in your leg, or sometimes pelvis or arm. It is powerful to read their stories, especially being me, who can relate so hauntingly to their details, descriptions, and struggles.
Tonight when I read some of the stories, I felt the Spirit of the Lord testify so powerfully to me of my great, great blessings!! I don't know why I have what I have, given what I know, nor protected the way I've been, but I AM GRATEFUL!! I know its bad practice to compare yourself to others, but reading the stories of other cancer survivors makes me realize just how far I have come and how many things I have been kept from having to deal with, that many others with my diagnosis are dealing with. Maybe I will share just a few.
#1- I have very little pain and discomfort wearing a prosthetic leg and the compensation of an overworked left leg/ knee in the process.
#2- I don't have a "real human," knee on the right, but the knee I do have is stinkin' awesome, and has a good range of motion too.
#3- When I got cancer, I knew within a couple months and only had pain for a few months before it was acted upon and I received chemotherapy. The whole process was one year, and I had no cancer come back at all.
#4- I had an amputation which saved me the trouble, pain, and avoiding loss of "life," time that accompanies multiple surgeries, very difficult rehabilitation, and more pain, with the promise of a lifetime of continued surgeries. I was able to get back into the swing of life steadily and with continued progress.
#5- I am able to hold down an active and fulfilling job that allows my needs to be met, while helping other people with their needs. I have had, and now work at, a great job where I am needed and appreciated!

Now, my life is far from perfect. The effects of cancer are indelibly imprinted on my body, mind, and person forever! I still have appointments with a prosthetist regularly for broken parts, alignment changes, and even a whole new prosthesis at least every few years; and yet all of this is external rather than internal for which I am grateful. The challenges of life are still present for me, and my challenges will continue to be unique to a cancer survivor, but I am feeling BLESSED!!