Grateful

cfight
cfight Member Posts: 69
edited March 2014 in Esophageal Cancer #1
When my father was diagnosed with Stage IV EC last December, I didn't know how to act or feel. Riding the wave of hopefulness and realism has been challenging, but with every new turn whether good or bad I have discovered there is always a reason to be grateful.

I am grateful to my mother who has provided 24/7 care to my father. I am grateful to their neighbors, friends and my family who have provided support and a positive spirit. I am grateful that I have had quality time with my father since his diagnosis – sharing stories has never been so meaningful. I am grateful to his oncologist, his compassion and “don’t give up attitude.” I am grateful that treatments are available to fight cancer and that we get closer to unraveling this disease every day. I am grateful to the people on this site and the stories that have been shared as they have provided hope, strength and foresight. I am grateful to my friends who have listened, listened and listened with every up and down. And right now, I am most grateful to my father who has fought hard so he could be there to walk me down the aisle on my wedding day last week.

Comments

  • slydog11
    slydog11 Member Posts: 40
    Gratitude
    Like you since I was diagnosed six weeks ago I have been grateful for the love and support of my family and friends. I am getting the best care possible at Mass General and am amazed at their level of care and compassion.

    It's ironic that just two weeks ago I walked my daughter down the aisle as well! That was an experience that neither of us will forget. It's a scary thing to face stage IVb EC but I try to live each day as it comes and gratitude is my overwhelming feeling amidst the storm.

    Good luck!

    Paul
  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
    slydog11 said:

    Gratitude
    Like you since I was diagnosed six weeks ago I have been grateful for the love and support of my family and friends. I am getting the best care possible at Mass General and am amazed at their level of care and compassion.

    It's ironic that just two weeks ago I walked my daughter down the aisle as well! That was an experience that neither of us will forget. It's a scary thing to face stage IVb EC but I try to live each day as it comes and gratitude is my overwhelming feeling amidst the storm.

    Good luck!

    Paul

    Congradulations, To both of
    Congradulations, To both of you. When cancer touches our lives, everything else becomes so much more important to us. All the things we took for granted becomes magnified . When I underwent my treatment I was constantly praising God for the things he was allowing me to enjoy. I never missed any of the important things. I cherish these memories so much more than I would have ordinarily. My life took on so much more meaning. I learned to enjoy each day and all the beauty and love that surounds me.
    Sandra
  • Tina Blondek
    Tina Blondek Member Posts: 1,500 Member
    Here Comes The Bride!
    Congratulations and thank you for sharing your wonderful story. You will cherish that moment for the rest of your lives. Your parents are blessed to have such a wonderful, caring, loving daughter. Cherish all of this upcoming moments. Tell each other how much you love them. There is a wonderful older country music song by Garth Brooks. "If Tomorrow Never Comes" Look it up on youtube and listen to it. It deifinitely hits home. I will be thinking of you.
    Tina
  • survivorfam
    survivorfam Member Posts: 41
    You are so right.
    There are so many people who can't believe that I am able to say that God has touched our lives in a miraculous way during our journey with cancer. He has revealed Himself to us daily and given me endless hope. Unless one has been in our position, they will never understand how God can use this monster to make you closer to the ones you love. Of course I will never be glad that it took cancer to make me cherish my husband so much, but I will never regret how much I now treasure him. Each day we have together is a blessing. If God asks me, I will give him but I will savor every moment I have with him until that day comes.

    With a grateful heart,
    Jane