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Dec 04, 2012 - 8:44 pm
So I realize there may not be a category for this in the Guinness Book of World Records, but maybe there should be, given how many of us are dealing with cancer for years on end. As of today, I have officially made it for one whole year without any kind of surgery. Since the fall of 2009, I've been disemboweled five times, approximately every six months on average. And when I say "disemboweled", I really mean it. I have a nine inch scar down the middle of my torso that looks like I was on the losing end of a cutlass battle with an irate pirate. Friends like to joke about my need for having a zipper, or perhaps a velcro opening, installed for ease of access. I never in a million years thought I would still be here at this point, and feeling ok, all things considered. I know my situation can change on a dime, but given that my cancer is an aggressive little SOB capable of growing a few centimeters in a matter of weeks, going a year without its ugly head popping up feels pretty good. Since I am doing well at the moment, I'm going to focus all of my energy and good thoughts on you guys...many of you are having scans this week on this board, and I hope that all of us get to enjoy the holidays (or simply the winter months and the coming of the new year if you don't celebrate anything in particular) with some decent news to enjoy. Hope and strength to all~Ann Alexandria |
Joined: Jul 2012
Congratulations on your 1
Congratulations on your 1 year milestone! I've gotten the zipper joke too...my abdomen is a mess too...after cr surgery and 2 csections. Keep up the good fight ... This cancer doesn't fight fair sometimes. I'm one of the ones going in for a scan this week...thank you for the positive vibes.
Alex
Joined: Oct 2011
Thanks, Alex...
Please keep us posted on how things go for you. Nothing but good thoughts coming your way!
PS I think most of us have heard that zipper joke a few times...personally I think stuffing my guts into one of those gallon-sized ziplock bags and attaching it to the outside of my stomach might be a better way to go.
Joined: Jan 2010
Dear Ann
How wonderful that you are able to celebrate a year without surgery!
It certainly calls for a celebration...maybe we should start our own "Positive Milestones" book!
Wishing you many more years of success.
Hugs,
Marie who loves kitties
Joined: Oct 2011
Thanks!
And maybe a "positive milestones" thread would be a good idea...let people know there is hope for the future. And speaking of that, I hope your sis is doing ok. She's certainly got a great support person in you!
Joined: Sep 2012
Contgratulations on this
Contgratulations on this important milestone. I hope you enjoy many more years of being free from surgery and chemo and all the unpleasantness that has become a regular part of our lives.
Chelsea
Joined: Oct 2011
Wonderful
Ann - So happy for you and for sharing your kind post.
With every day and scan we never know what we will face with cancer.
Wishing you many more years of no surgery and cancer -free!
I scan tomorrow, as many others and am prayng for good reports for all!
Sincerely -Barb
Joined: Oct 2011
Thank you, Chelsea.
I'm hoping we all can get a break from cancer. We certainly all deserve it!
Joined: Apr 2012
Great post!
You're running quite the operation (or lack there of...lol). Ok, I know...comedy is hard ;-).
I'm really happy for you and wish you the best Holiday season ever. I'm heading to the hospital in a few minutes for my ct scan -- wish me well! Dan
Joined: Oct 2011
Actually, that's pretty good...
dare I say you have a "cutting" wit? Heh...
PS I do wish you well, and and am asking whoever runs this goofy universe that you get great results today.
Joined: May 2005
Congrats!
This is a great reason to celebrate!
Everyone's situation can change on a dime, cancer or no cancer.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday!
-phil
Joined: Apr 2011
Dear Ann
Such great news. You have always been such an inspiration to me.
You are so kind and supportive to ALL.......may you never see another OR again.
Joan
Joined: Oct 2011
Thanks, Joan...
I definitely hope to stay out of any ORs in the future. Last surgery several of the staff recognized me, a sure sign that you've been there too many times!
Joined: Oct 2011
That's for sure...
no guarantees at all in this life. All the more reason to enjoy the moments we get, so I hope you have a great holiday as well!
PS This is for Phil up yonder...tricky communicating in these threads.
Joined: Jun 2009
"Hooah!"
"Hooah!"
Joined: Oct 2011
Indeed, Craig...
indeed! And I'm glad to see you getting out of that cave a bit...we need you out here to protect us from bears (imagine that said with a little accent...kind of like "baaars".)
Joined: Jul 2012
way to go!
congrats on the 1 year!!! hope you stay out of surg forever!!!
hugs
judy
Joined: Oct 2011
Thanks, Judy!
If I never see the inside of another OR (even for the few minutes before I get knocked out), I will be a happy woman.
Joined: Nov 2010
fantastic
i love to read good news stories.
hugs,
Pete
Joined: Feb 2011
Here is to many more years
Here is to many more years of no need for surgery YAY!!! Great news!!!
Joined: Oct 2011
Thanks, Smokeyjoe...
I'm all for that!
Joined: Oct 2011
Hugs back to ya, Pete...
I look forward to reading more of your good news as well!
Joined: Apr 2012
annalexandria
Great news! Lets hope for no more surgeries.
Joined: Apr 2009
Ann
I know it's not funny at all, but I had a small laugh at your terminology "disemboweled". Here's to keeping that zipper "zipped up" from now on.
Luv,
Wolfen
Joined: Aug 2012
Congrats!
Congrats!
Joined: Mar 2010
That's great news!
I didn't realize how much you've been through over the years. You're one tough lady! I hope your break from surgery extends .... forever.
Joined: May 2011
Great News!!!!
You have every reason to celebrate...really wonderful news. Enjoy. You are an inspiration and did it all while being a Mom! Probably, in large part, because you are a Mom. Savor.
Hugs,
Cathleen Mary
Joined: Oct 2011
That is great news. Go out
That is great news. Go out and celebrate but keep fighting. Dont let your guard down.
Joined: Apr 2004
Celebrate
Anniversaries like this are always good reasons to celebrate. We are always a little scared to in fear of tempting fate but need to take every excuse that comes our way. Certainly will raise a toast to you year here in England.
Steve
Joined: Oct 2011
Believe me, Steve...
I knock on wood all the time (do they do that in England?). Hoping so much for good scan results for you this week.