HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

RunnerZ

To all semi-colons: Have a wonderful 4th of July. There are so many new posts it is hard to keep up sometimes. I just want everyone new to know that you can beat this disease. I am a 7 and one-half year survivor of stage 3 rectal cancer. I endured all of the treatments and, for years, all of the after-effects of having your colon restructured. Your body WILL recover and you can return to a normal life. I see such great advice for dealing with the little details of life after colon surgery. It can get tiresome to retrain your system and your lifestyle...but it is worth it. I can remember the 4th of July in 1999 when I was recovering from surgery, wondering if that would be the last 4th of July that I would see...well, I've now seen them for 7 more years and no end in sight! You almost can't believe that you can get your life back...but you can and will. Live a positive life and be especially kind to yourself. Congratulate yourself for anything good (like doing a crossword puzzle, enjoying a cup of coffee or having a nice conversation with a friend) that you do in a day while you recover from treatment. Start small and regain your life in small doses. And stay ACTIVE, both physically and mentally. Movies, plays, books, hikes, walks, bowling, gardening, golf, curling, whatever!!! Keep or start to DO things. It is good for the soul, and it helps return your inner-strength. LIVE LONG AND LIVE STRONG SURVIVORS!

kerry

Such good words of wisdom and comfort. Thanks so much.

Happy 4th from Texas ya'll!

Kerry

lfondots63

Hi Runner,

This is a good way to start out the holiday with such an uplifting post. As one of the "newbies" it is appreciated and even though we all hope it is nice to hear from someone else giving us a pep talk. Gets tiring giving it to yourself sometimes. Take care and enjoy the 4th!!!

Lisa

jsabol

And back at you, Ron!
I finished my chemo 2 years ago on July 9th. That Independence Day was a blur, and a long nap! Last year, hubby and I went away to a great music festival; I had tears of gratitude streaming down my face for much of the day. (And we just returned from the same fest last night! Ditto with the tears; thank goodnes for sunglasses!)
You are so right; it is possible to get a life back, one day at a time. To all you newbies, hang in there. To all our friends fighting to knock this beast down, we are standing with you.
Enjoy life's simple gifts, and Happy 4th, Judy

JADot

Thanks for such an uplifing post!

Have a great 4th of July!

Cheers,
Ying

Betsydoglover

Runner -

Thanks. You inspire me!

And as a former Texan I feel eligible to add a "Happy 4th y'all"!

Betsy

ron50

G'day Runner,
Nice post mate. I am always impressed by your attitude. Not all that in our situation are given a second chance at life ,and not all that are given a second chance accept it with the enthusiasm that you display. You are an inspiration to all that read your posts. I guess the thing I like the most is that you don't preach at us ,just give encouragement. May you live to see your great grandchildren. I may be out to 81/2 years but I don't have your style. Good on you mate,,,Ron.

spongebob

Great advice as always, Runner. Happy 4th!

KathiM

Hey, it's ALSO Independence Day!!!!!!
Be gone forever, beast, be gone!!!!
Hugs to all!!!!
Kathi

Kanort

Hi Runner,

Thank you for always lifting us up and inspiring those currently in the fight to battle on!

Happy Fourth to you and yours.

Hugs,

Kay