Anniversary

Five years ago today I was told I had Ec. That day I thought I had been given a death sentence. I was beyond shocked.I thought it was a routine Endiscopy because my food had stuck twice. The waiting for all the test and staging was awful. It was stage three with three lymph nodes in the stomach. I didn't know how fortunate I was.At one point I was told there was nothing else that could be done.
When the doctor told me I was cured recently, I felt so blessed. The journey was a hellish rollercoaster ride, but I learned how precious life really is and to appreciate each day.
My heart goes out to each of you, and keep remembering, there is always hope. I pray that any day the majic cure will be found, not just for EC, but all cancers.
My prayers are with you all,
Sandra

Comments

  • Sally.L
    Sally.L Member Posts: 40 Member
    Love success stories
    An awesome result for this awful disease. Congratulations on 5 years and hopefully many many more to come. Other than following your doctors instructions, did you do anything else that you feel helped you through this ordeal. Special diet, exercise, etc? My husband was diagnosed in May, currently he is disease free and I can't help thinking we need to do more to keep him that way, but I have no idea what.

    Sally
  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,391 Member
    Congratulations!!!!!!
    Sandra,

    It is wonderful to celebrate your anniversary. Those of us who are survivors know that each day is a gift. Five years is the magic number where many oncologists use the "cure" word. It is great to read that you have passed that date.

    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams
    McCormick, South Carolina

    DX 10/22/2009 T2N1M0 Stage IIB
    12/03/2009 Ivor Lewis
    2/8 through 6/14/2010 Adjuvant Chemo Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
    Three year survivor

    Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!
  • BMGky
    BMGky Member Posts: 621
    Congratulations!! Keep up
    Congratulations!! Keep up the good work!! BMGky
  • Donna70
    Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
    BMGky said:

    Congratulations!! Keep up
    Congratulations!! Keep up the good work!! BMGky

    wonderful news!!!
    Hi Sandy,
    Saw your post on FB, so happy for you. Happy 5th anniversary!!!! You give so much hope for all of us and especially for those struggling thru the treatment. It is wonderful to see people surviving and thriving. It is not an easy road but how blessed you are to traveled so far. take care, hugs,
    Donna70
  • princess58
    princess58 Member Posts: 2
    Sandy,
    Congratulations on

    Sandy,
    Congratulations on reaching that wonderful milestone! I am very happy for you.
    I have been following the EC stories but have never responded before. However, I am hoping you or someone else can help me out. I really do not know where else to turn. My friend was diagnosed in July 2010 with EC. He had one round of chemo in Sept 2010 and declined a second round because he literally could not get off the couch. In November 2010 he had the gastric pull up done. He sleeps with the wedge, eats soft foods, tries to walk daily but he cannot seem to get better. Food still does not taste good, he eats very little, before surgery he weighed 225 and today he is at 140. He belches constantly, has trouble swallowing and has problems with diarrhea and/or constipation, depending on the day. He is extremely fatigued and sometimes sleeps 15 hours at a time and is very depressed. I have read everything I could find, but can't seem to find out if after 2 years he should still be suffering like this. Or, if this is even the result of EC. He also has MS which mainly affects his vestibular system and recently completed radiation for prostate cancer. So you can see I am not sure what battle to fight! He is 64 years olds and a veteran of Vietnam. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824

    Sandy,
    Congratulations on

    Sandy,
    Congratulations on reaching that wonderful milestone! I am very happy for you.
    I have been following the EC stories but have never responded before. However, I am hoping you or someone else can help me out. I really do not know where else to turn. My friend was diagnosed in July 2010 with EC. He had one round of chemo in Sept 2010 and declined a second round because he literally could not get off the couch. In November 2010 he had the gastric pull up done. He sleeps with the wedge, eats soft foods, tries to walk daily but he cannot seem to get better. Food still does not taste good, he eats very little, before surgery he weighed 225 and today he is at 140. He belches constantly, has trouble swallowing and has problems with diarrhea and/or constipation, depending on the day. He is extremely fatigued and sometimes sleeps 15 hours at a time and is very depressed. I have read everything I could find, but can't seem to find out if after 2 years he should still be suffering like this. Or, if this is even the result of EC. He also has MS which mainly affects his vestibular system and recently completed radiation for prostate cancer. So you can see I am not sure what battle to fight! He is 64 years olds and a veteran of Vietnam. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

    princess 58,
    So sorry to

    princess 58,
    So sorry to hear your friend is still so fatigued. After two years he should be feeling a lot better.Exercise helped me regain strength more than anything. He needs to eat and drink a lot of calories. I lost 99 lbs after my surgery and I had an appetite and did eat. I have gained 12 pds. back. The prostrate cancer and treatment is probably keeping him from regaining strength.Will Ms cause weaknes? What does the doctor say?
    Hugs and prayers,
    Sandra
  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
    Sally.L said:

    Love success stories
    An awesome result for this awful disease. Congratulations on 5 years and hopefully many many more to come. Other than following your doctors instructions, did you do anything else that you feel helped you through this ordeal. Special diet, exercise, etc? My husband was diagnosed in May, currently he is disease free and I can't help thinking we need to do more to keep him that way, but I have no idea what.

    Sally

    Sally,
    healthy eating and

    Sally,
    healthy eating and diet are definately a plus. I lived every day to the fullest, even through the bad times. I didn't miss one special event during my treatment. The only thing that hurt was not spending as much time with the grands, because of low counts.
    I put my trust completely in God and was ok with whatever I felt he wanted for me.I give thanks every day for his grace on me. Every day is so special and I appreciate them more now than before I got EC. I try and hope I can be an encouragement to others going through trying times. If I can be, then I will know what my purpose in this life is.

    I know everyone doesn't have the same views that I have, but the Lord is where I get my strenth. and I truly believe a positive attitude helps to keep us healthy.

    Hugs, Sandra
  • GerryS
    GerryS Member Posts: 227 Member
    Congrats, Sandra
    A special day for you. A day we all hope to get to. God Bless.....

    Gerry
  • TerryV
    TerryV Member Posts: 887
    CONGRATULATIONS!
    I'm SO Pleased to read of your 5 year anniversary! Shout it from the rooftops - EC CAN BE BEAT!

    Hugs to you!

    Terry
    PROUD wife to Nick, age 49
  • bingbing2009
    bingbing2009 Member Posts: 177
    Great!
    Sandra, what a wonderful milestone you have reached. It is so uplifting to read your news and hear that you are doing so well. Congratulations on reaching the 5-year mark. May you be blessed with many more years.

    Melinda

    DX October 2009: T3N1M0
    November and December 2009: chemo (Cisplatin and 5 FU) and radiation
    February 2010: Ivor Lewis surgery
  • birdiequeen
    birdiequeen Member Posts: 319
    Great to share hope
    Sandra,

    Thank you for sharing your story. It brings hope to so many. Your contribution here is amazing.

    You are the best
  • tcaba
    tcaba Member Posts: 41

    Great to share hope
    Sandra,

    Thank you for sharing your story. It brings hope to so many. Your contribution here is amazing.

    You are the best

    Sandra
    That is wonderful news! I hope to join you in that Celebration myself. God bless
  • tcaba
    tcaba Member Posts: 41

    Great to share hope
    Sandra,

    Thank you for sharing your story. It brings hope to so many. Your contribution here is amazing.

    You are the best

    Sandra
    That is wonderful news! I hope to join you in that Celebration myself. God bless
  • tcaba
    tcaba Member Posts: 41

    Great to share hope
    Sandra,

    Thank you for sharing your story. It brings hope to so many. Your contribution here is amazing.

    You are the best

    Sandra
    That is wonderful news! I hope to join you in that Celebration myself. God bless
  • jaycc
    jaycc Member Posts: 122
    Wonderful - its a beautiful day
    Sandy,
    What timing, I just about to post a different type of beautiful day, and saw your post it is a wonderful day. Thank you for sharing, you are symbol there is light in our tunnel and more and more people will find it each day.

    Jaycc
  • josh r.
    josh r. Member Posts: 264 Member
    5 years and going strong!
    Sandra,
    Congratulations on these first five years. I wish you continued happiness.josh r.
  • NikiMo
    NikiMo Member Posts: 342
    Awesome!
    Sandy,

    Congrats, I know you fully respect the miracle you have been given.

    To many more years!!

    Niki