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Survivor speaking experience

tootsie1
tootsie1 CSN Member Posts: 5,044 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Well, I did it! Tonight was the first time I've publicly talked about my cancer experience. I mean, I've mentioned it, but I've never told the story of diagnosis, etc. It was actually a very cleansing experience, I believe. I ended it, as planned, with the little story I wrote last year about my day with my grandsons, and that went over very well. And I didn't even cry until I got to the end of that story, because my grandsons always touch my heart. I want to be here for them.

Thanks for the support!

*hugs*
Gail
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Comments

  • lisa42
    lisa42 CSN Member Posts: 3,625 Member
    #2
    good for you!
    Good for you! I actually spoke one time about my cancer at a church women's brunch. I was very nervous & it showed, but I think many were touched by my talk, and it was really catharctic for me to talk about it.
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  • VickiCO
    VickiCO CSN Member Posts: 917
    #3
    Great Gail!
    I am proud of you!

    When I was first Dx'd last October, my head was reeling, etc. You know the routine. Just days later I attended an art critique group I belong to. There are about 15 wonderful artists in this group, most my age (in their 50's). I had created a small journal quilt about how I was feeling, and wasn't even planning on showing it that day. But suddenly I found myself standing in front of these ladies and sharing my story. I called myself a "public service announcement." Their response was unbelievable. First of all, those who hadn't yet had a colonoscopy told me they planned one soon, and most followed through. They asked intelligent questions, and offered whatever help I needed. They continue to send me funny cards, goofy socks (it's a joke with my nurses), books, CD's, whatever they think I would enjoy. I am so looking forward to this month's meeting - the first I will be able to attend since that day. Yes, I cried and so did they. But we laughed also. That is the day we named my tumor Fred, and the day I realized I was NOT alone.

    Good for you for sharing your story!

    Vicki
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  • msccolon
    msccolon CSN Member Posts: 1,917 Member
    #4
    Outstanding!
    Job well done! I know you are relieved to have that speaking engagement behind you! I know you did an excellent job and hopefully even 1 person might be saved by your experience!
    mary
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  • maglets
    maglets CSN Member Posts: 2,576 Member
    #5
    well done
    Good for you Gail...it is not easy to speak in front of people....well done.

    Mag
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  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #6
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
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  • kmygil
    kmygil CSN Member Posts: 876 Member
    #7
    Congrats!
    Congratulations, Gail! I know it is not easy to get up and speak in front of a bunch of people, especially about something so personal and difficult. I salute you!

    Hugs,
    Kirsten
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  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 CSN Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    #8
    Thanks!
    Forgot to mention that I strongly advocated for people to check out the cancer survivors' network, and they all chuckled a lot when I told them that we call ourselves semi-colons.

    *hugs*
    Gail
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  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 CSN Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    #9
    Doh!
    How could I have forgotten to put this piece of information in my previous posts? I told them about your healing bags, Kay, and I took mine to show. Everyone was impressed. It was also very comforting for me to hold while I was speaking.

    *hugs*
    Gail
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  • Buzzard
    Buzzard CSN Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #10
    tootsie1 said:

    Doh!
    How could I have forgotten to put this piece of information in my previous posts? I told them about your healing bags, Kay, and I took mine to show. Everyone was impressed. It was also very comforting for me to hold while I was speaking.

    *hugs*
    Gail

    Congrats.....
    Congrats on a milestone for you. Also for waking people up to the severity of what we or they can go through. you have done them a valuable service as well as yourself....Im very proud of you........God Bless ya...........
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  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 CSN Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    #11
    Buzzard said:

    Congrats.....
    Congrats on a milestone for you. Also for waking people up to the severity of what we or they can go through. you have done them a valuable service as well as yourself....Im very proud of you........God Bless ya...........

    Thanks
    Thank you, dear. That means a lot.

    *hugs*
    Gail
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  • KathiM
    KathiM CSN Member Posts: 8,027 Member
    #12
    Wonderful! I knew you would do well!
    Hugs, Kathi
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  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 CSN Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    #13
    KathiM said:

    Wonderful! I knew you would do well!
    Hugs, Kathi

    Thanks
    Thanks, Kathi!

    *hugs*
    Gail
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