Old guard here....busy with life....10 years later....

KathiM
KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member

I am thankful for being able to post this....

 

10 years ago, November 27, I was told I needed to "get my affairs in order, you have 6 months to live".  I do not follow directions very well (although I DID get my will finished, trust for my disabled daughters established, etc) and so I come to this anniversary I was not expected to live to celebrate.

My life was changed forever by these 3 words "You have cancer".  Over the years, as I continue contact with many, many cancer warriors, I reflect on how blessed I am to have so many that I am honored to call 'friend'.   I have needed to tuck many in my heart, as with those we have see go on this year, but they are safe there, and they still make me smile as something reminds me of them...

 

I have once again reconfigured my life, and live in 2 countries on a permanent basis.  I now can communicate in 3 (and a half...still working on Italian) languages, and I have, as a result of my living choices, sold my business, and, after the miracle event of a new heart for my beau last July, have taken up traveling to places I have only dreamed of.

I have written a book, and smile at the wonderful responses to it.

I still keep you all here in my prayers every night, although many of you I have not officially 'met'.

Thank you for kindly reading my post, as many of you have not known me...and I wish the wish of each of you being able to post such as I do now....10 years after the menace cancer first made itself known to me!

 

I wish you all the happiest of holidays....Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and all of the assorted other greetings for my beautiful diverse set of friends!

 

BIG hugs, Kathi  *smile*

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Comments

  • JanJan63
    JanJan63 Member Posts: 2,478 Member
    Your post gave me butterflies

    Your post gave me butterflies in my stomach. Ten years! Yay! Thank you for sharing it!

  • Easyflip
    Easyflip Member Posts: 588 Member
    Thank

    You Kathi, 10 years is quite a milestone, I hope to join you someday! Merry Christmas and happy holidays. Thank you for the inspiration : )

    Easyflip/Richard

  • mukamom
    mukamom Member Posts: 402
    Easyflip said:

    Thank

    You Kathi, 10 years is quite a milestone, I hope to join you someday! Merry Christmas and happy holidays. Thank you for the inspiration : )

    Easyflip/Richard

    So nice

    to read your post and know you are still doing well.  I don't post so much anymore, but come back to lurk every now and then.

    10 years is amazing!!  Robert is near his 6th year at a IV dx.  Here's to 10+ more!

     

    Merry Christmas!

     

    Angela

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    Thank you Friend

    I'm so glad that you told your story, especially for people that don't know it and for you to remind us of where you were and how much you have overcome.  It's so wonderful that you can spend time in both places and fortunate that you can have the patience to learn yet another language.  I've wanted to learn Spanish but just can't seem to get myself motivated or want to spend the money for the Rosetta Stone program.  You have been a dear contributor on this board for many years and you are a valuable asset here.  Congratulations on your 10 years dear - you deserve to do the happy naked dance big time Wink.  So glad that your boyfriend is taking well to his new heart and you are both travelling again.  Have a wonderful Christmas, whichever country you are in at the time.

    Hugs to you!  Kim

  • marbleotis
    marbleotis Member Posts: 720 Member
    Wonderful Post

    Kathi,

    Your post (as always) is inspiring to new people here and ones that have been around for a while.

    I remember reading all the challenges you faced and how you overcame each one.  You helped me get through alot.

    You continue to inspire and have proven that once you hear, "you have cancer..........", there is still possibilities on the other end of that sentence.

    Thanks for all your support!

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,796 Member
    Lady of the Rings

    Your story reminds me of what Gandalf says to Frodo 

    Frodo: I wish the Ring (Cancer) had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.

    Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times (that would be us), but that is not for them to decide. All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you. 

    So, it seems to me that you have done much with the time that has been given to you, and I pray that we all do the same, making the most of the our lives regardless of how long or short they may be. 

    Sue - Trubrit

  • ron50
    ron50 Member Posts: 1,723 Member
    Hugs Mate

    Here's to another ten, Ron.

  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    Busy with life... The Magic Words

    It's great to hear from you Kathi. I'm not sure if you're allowed to plug your book but I'd be interested in knowing what it's about and reading it or should I just wait for the movie to come out Laughing

    I often wonder if doctors are told that after they say "you have cancer" that they must say "and you have 6 months to live"? It's SO nice to hear that another person proved them wrong!

    As Ron said, here's to another 10

    -phil

  • LindaK.
    LindaK. Member Posts: 506 Member
    Great news!

    Thanks for sharing your wonderful news on hitting 10 years.  What the heck do those doctors know anyway?  Keep up the good work!

    Linda

  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    PhillieG said:

    Busy with life... The Magic Words

    It's great to hear from you Kathi. I'm not sure if you're allowed to plug your book but I'd be interested in knowing what it's about and reading it or should I just wait for the movie to come out Laughing

    I often wonder if doctors are told that after they say "you have cancer" that they must say "and you have 6 months to live"? It's SO nice to hear that another person proved them wrong!

    As Ron said, here's to another 10

    -phil

    I'm not sure either....

    (It's hard to say 'No' to a bald lady)...

     

    Hugs, Kathi

  • Fight for my love
    Fight for my love Member Posts: 1,522 Member
    It's so nice to see your

    It's so nice to see your post! I remember your post gave me lots of hope five years and a half ago.Thank you. Wish you the best.

  • hippiechicks
    hippiechicks Member Posts: 509 Member
    I would just like to let you

    I would just like to let you know how very happy I am to read this post! 

    A warrior at that you are!  You have always inspired me. 

    I love to hear of your new adventures, success and so very happy to see you are enjoying your retirement! You deserve to be happy!

    May you dance with NED for many many more years!

  • janderson1964
    janderson1964 Member Posts: 2,215 Member
    Its ALL good. I am very happy

    Its ALL good. I am very happy for you and pray for continued success with your health and all your ventures/adventures.

  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    JanJan63 said:

    Your post gave me butterflies

    Your post gave me butterflies in my stomach. Ten years! Yay! Thank you for sharing it!

    Thank you, JanJan!

    Hugs, Kathi

  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    Easyflip said:

    Thank

    You Kathi, 10 years is quite a milestone, I hope to join you someday! Merry Christmas and happy holidays. Thank you for the inspiration : )

    Easyflip/Richard

    Thank you, Richard!

    Hugs, Kathi

  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    mukamom said:

    So nice

    to read your post and know you are still doing well.  I don't post so much anymore, but come back to lurk every now and then.

    10 years is amazing!!  Robert is near his 6th year at a IV dx.  Here's to 10+ more!

     

    Merry Christmas!

     

    Angela

    Thank you, Angela!

    I am so glad to hear you are still enjoying living, with Robert on 6 years!  WOW!

     

    Hugs, Kathi

  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member

    Thank you Friend

    I'm so glad that you told your story, especially for people that don't know it and for you to remind us of where you were and how much you have overcome.  It's so wonderful that you can spend time in both places and fortunate that you can have the patience to learn yet another language.  I've wanted to learn Spanish but just can't seem to get myself motivated or want to spend the money for the Rosetta Stone program.  You have been a dear contributor on this board for many years and you are a valuable asset here.  Congratulations on your 10 years dear - you deserve to do the happy naked dance big time Wink.  So glad that your boyfriend is taking well to his new heart and you are both travelling again.  Have a wonderful Christmas, whichever country you are in at the time.

    Hugs to you!  Kim

    Thank you for the warm words, dear Kim!

    I find it hard to believe (but wonderful) how my life has changed!  I wish a wonderful Christmas to you, as well!

     

    Hugs, Kathi

  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member

    Wonderful Post

    Kathi,

    Your post (as always) is inspiring to new people here and ones that have been around for a while.

    I remember reading all the challenges you faced and how you overcame each one.  You helped me get through alot.

    You continue to inspire and have proven that once you hear, "you have cancer..........", there is still possibilities on the other end of that sentence.

    Thanks for all your support!

    Thank you, my dear!

    Your warm words touch my heart!

     

    Hugs, Kathi

  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    Trubrit said:

    Lady of the Rings

    Your story reminds me of what Gandalf says to Frodo 

    Frodo: I wish the Ring (Cancer) had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.

    Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times (that would be us), but that is not for them to decide. All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you. 

    So, it seems to me that you have done much with the time that has been given to you, and I pray that we all do the same, making the most of the our lives regardless of how long or short they may be. 

    Sue - Trubrit

    Thank you, dear Sue!

    ...your kind words bring a tear to my eyes!

     

    Hugs, Kathi

  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    ron50 said:

    Hugs Mate

    Here's to another ten, Ron.

    Thank you, dear Ron!

    I agree....on to the next 10!

     

    Hugs, Kathi