3 years minus 1 month
June 4, 2013 - the last day of treatment. It's been rare days during the past three years when concern about recurrence flitted and danced across the conscious - not all that surprising when one possesses ultimate confidence in the team of doctors, their collective, boundless expertise, and the best treatment plan available.
Interesting that during the past month or so, that bundle of plastic hospital bands lying on the pile of desk clutter have received a daily gentle, slow, and reflective coddling between thumb and first finger.
Most know the "run of the mill" HPV+ diagnosis is now more commonly paired with the three year milestone, whereupon doctors declare victory and offer that smile.
Not wanting to prematurely erupt a volcanic sigh of relief - It is still and just a month away. With bands in hand, eyes stealing glances at the mask on the back of the barn door, a palpable but quiet sense of tranquility is present, interrupted by a cautious peek or two in the rear view mirror, catching the road travelled since that fateful day when hearing about the killing monster that lie at the bottom of the throat.
Many of us have travelled the same road and live full and meaningful lives. Some, unfortunately, have not faired as well - only God know our fate. In some unexpected and serendipitous way, the experience has made me a better, more caring, and appreciative human being - And surely more grateful for the gift of each and every day.
Thoughts and prayers for all now part of our special family.
don
Comments
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Yes Don it does change how we see things.
Yes, it can change how we see things and really appreciate life so much more. I know I do see life a little different when I got my second chance at it. I have learned so much about how the body works that I took for granted. You are just a few months ahead of me. [31 months ~ Oct 2nd] A day I will never forget.
Congratulations and may all your tomorrows be better than your today's. I will never forget when we met and enjoyed talking with you, my friend.
Bill
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the door
Thanks all. Debated whether to post the pic but over the years we've had a few mask threads. Try to see the light side of the image. Yeah, I did not wear the shades and was able to breath without gasping.
seems you can no longer add image https://www.dropbox.com/s/nzis8hq0lg41q05/2016-05-04 11.06.03.jpg?dl=0
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I thought it was great.donfoo said:the door
Thanks all. Debated whether to post the pic but over the years we've had a few mask threads. Try to see the light side of the image. Yeah, I did not wear the shades and was able to breath without gasping.
seems you can no longer add image https://www.dropbox.com/s/nzis8hq0lg41q05/2016-05-04 11.06.03.jpg?dl=0
First off humor helps get through this journey. Second, it is what you had to have to succeed and I feel the newer ones should have the opportunity to see and prepare for this. I believe somethings need to be known so they really know what to expect. Sure we will give all the support I can, but some things just need to be straightforward.
One of my doctors I had years ago when my lung collapsed for the second time, told me he would give me all the pain meds he could legally give me and it won't do a thing. Well, I respect him for just telling me the truth and I can try to be prepared. He didn't lie, on a scale from 1 ~10, it was 11+ and the worst hour and a half I ever lived through. two shots on top of everything else and it didn't faze the pain, but it worked.
I put some photos in my Expressions and tried not to put too graphic, but I was cut ear to ear.
As for me, thanks for sharing.
Bill
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Awesome!
Congratulations!!! You're almost there! I hope you celebrate and make it a special day! I'm looking forward to hitting those annual milestones, too. In a few months, it will already be one year since hubby's diagnosis.
May you have many more happy anniversaries!!
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Hi Don
Wow it’s been 3 years already; man time is going fast just glad to hear and see you doing well. There are so many others whose story is quite different and it seems this year has been a really bad year. I lost a lot of friends in 2016 and the year is not halfway over yet. I found out last month that my old Church Pastor is dying of colon cancer, he is still a young man just a few years older than I am. All I can do is to keep praying for all of them.
Glad you are still a part of this wonderful team here on CSN H&N
Tim
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