Cancer Survivors Network

Dear Neighbor writing from warren ohio. In reply to your subject I need to say that cancer is life. Life is cancer. How do you escape it? I was diagnosed in May of 2002 with appendix/colon cancer. Just completing my 24 weeks of 5FU chemo. I have lost my job, sold my car and felling great. Believe me when I tell you, I am still laughing and living each day. I refuse to worry about dying and how much time I have left. I feel that cancer has effected me in only one way I can put my finger on. I worked for a doctor for 5 years, long hours, underpaid, not appreciated, always gave more of myself than I should have. I suffered from daily migranes and chronic fatigue from the demands of my boss. Often thought about quiting but worried about the next paycheck and how would we get along with only one income. After my surgery it was so easy for me to forget about work. I felt that I waisted many years doing a job that I was not happy with, no emotional rewards, that left me drained and empty. It was absolutely the best thing that ever happened to me...leaving work, looking in the mirror and realizing that I had to take care of myself. It had always been that my kids came first, my husband, my parents, my brothers, my job. For the first time in my life I took care of myself first. So for me the meaning of life is to take control of it, enjoy it, pace youself, don't get burnt our or used or eaten up. Cancer has slowed me down just enough to sit back and smell the roses. As I sit here on a cold snowy afternoon, I realize how lucky I am to be in my warm house, sipping my cappuccino and watching a red bird feed ouside the window. If I was at work I would have never enjoyed this. Good luck with your research. Take time for yourself!
-With love, Ginny