One year ago.....

Quilter_1

It's late at night, sweet hubby has gone to bed and I'm here hanging out with my girls.  One year ago I was about 3 weeks post hysterectomy after having a bleeding incident over Labor Day weekend (thank goodness for that).  I'm just about to have the first anniversary of my first chemo (carbo and taxol) November 19, losing my hair beginning December 3, thinking that I'm going to die from UPSC (1a), sooner rather than later.  Then I learn shortly after Christmas, beginning in January, I will be having a total of 38 radiation treatments, 32 pelvic IMRT and 6 brachytherary.  To say that I was overwhelmed does not begin to describe how I was feeling.  I was an emotional mess, no one in my family ever had cancer, I always went to a gynecologist yearly beginning at age 18, my husband and I had been retired for 3 years and had so many plans.  But, like we all have done, I began to do what I had to do.  I just began......surgery, chemo, radiation, each one got done.  I also learned along the way that, while cancer is scary and life changing, it also brought such special people into my life.  The nurses and care staff after my surgery, the nurses in my infusion center, the nurses and radiation staff in the radiation oncology department were all so caring and well trained and personal, they will always have a special place in  heart and are my friends for life.  Even the lady in the coffee shop in the hospital that we passed every Monday through Friday for 38 trips to radiation, was on my care team.  Her smiles and words of encouragement will never be forgotten.  Human kindness still abounds, it just never makes the news.  My husband has been my strength and my rock throughout this entire journey.  He has been my biggest cheerleader, taxi driver, cook, bottle washer, laundry person, house cleaner, etc., you name it, he has done it.  My friends and family have taught me the meaning of true love, I can never begin to repay them.  I am so grateful for this wonderful format for so many things, first of all is the tremendous amount of knowledge that is here.  I sought and found the answers to so many questions from hair loss to neuropathy to hair regrowth to how long someone keeps her port.  I'm so thankful for each and every one of my sisters here, you have all contributed so much to me and anyone who reads this board.  I'm so thankful for the knowledge that you share.  I don't have much to contribute in the way of information about different treatments or studies, if I post anything, it's usually about hair or the beach, but everyone responds as friends.  You are all so important to me and every other woman traveling this road.  God bless each and everyone of you, may you all live your best lives, cancer be damned.

Northwoodsgirl

One year...well said!

Just read your late night reflections on what a difference a year can make. Well said my dear sister! You truly captured the experience and sentiments we have in common. Sometimes when my husband and I are reminiscing about our cancer journey with both get tears in our eyes as we recall what we went through and that was 10 years ago. 

Like you we remain ever thankful to those people who helped us fight this terrible disease. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and your spirit of thankfulness. God bless you with continued good health and NED. 

((Hug))

Lori

Quilter_1

Northwoodsgirl said:

One year...well said!

Just read your late night reflections on what a difference a year can make. Well said my dear sister! You truly captured the experience and sentiments we have in common. Sometimes when my husband and I are reminiscing about our cancer journey with both get tears in our eyes as we recall what we went through and that was 10 years ago. 

Like you we remain ever thankful to those people who helped us fight this terrible disease. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and your spirit of thankfulness. God bless you with continued good health and NED. 

((Hug))

Lori

My dear Lori, I hope to be

My dear Lori, I hope to be able to someday reflect on this journey from a 10 years past viewpoint.  Thanks.

Linda

Forherself

May all your anniversaries be NED

It's hard to believe a year has gone by.  I remember you new to the board.   I pray all your anniversaries are NED.  

janaes

Thanks for sharing and

Thanks for sharing and reminding me of the good that comes from having cancer treatment. I remember feeling that graditude also and needed to be reminded 

Cancer treatments do end even though we dont feel it at the time. Its so great you are were you are. 

May you continue to find good health and happiness

NoTimeForCancer

Linda, your heart comes

Linda, your heart comes through in your words.  So sweet to hear it all.  

MAbound

It's good

Sometimes cancer feels like it has been a blessing. Sounds crazy to say that, but it's not all bad. I found out how much my family doesn't take me for granted and I found this place. It's hard to be here when there is loss, but seeing and being a part of the good that happens here means so much. I love your post Linda. I think you said very well how we all feel. You have to realize that God really knows what he's doing when he gives us these challenges. Experience with adversity gives us perspective and understanding we wouldn't otherwise have. 

Armywife

You did it!

What a blessing it is to see you reach this milestone.  We all remember how we came here scared and remained to celebrate getting through treatment.  I'm proud of you. Hope you will always stay to encourage the "new kids." 

Jairoldi

Celebrate

Yay, what a milestone. To find yourself a year out from what was likely one of scariest times of your life is certainly newsworthy. Here's to many more anniversaries.

jan9wils

I thoroughly enjoyed reading

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. It brings to mind some of my own feelings but you put it in words better than I could. Congratulations on your anniversary!

Donna Faye

Sweet moments

What we learn from cancer is how precious every moment is. I rejoice with you in this milestone and it makes us all feel better.

You sound so content and happy. May you have many more moments like this.

Tamlen

What a year

Thanks for such lovely words about the ups and downs of this incredible journey we're on, Quilter.

Quilter_1

Thank you all for your

Thank you all for your sincere words of congratulations and encouragement.  I am so glad, and, lucky that you are here.  I love you all.

mamlicsw

congratulations!

So happy for you.  I'm about eight months in for treatment.  I've had surgery, finished chemo on Thursday and will start radiation in January.  I have a grade 3 undifferentiated cancer so it's always so encouraging of other ladies with aggressive cancer types are doing well.  Mary Ann

MAbound

Ding! Ding! Ding!

I know you have to get through the aftermath of the last chemo yet, but from one grade three to another, I am so happy for you that you have the last infusion behind you! Enjoy the holidays before you start radiation. You've accomplished so much already!

TeddyandBears_Mom

Congrats to both of you!

Congrats to both of you! Celebrating a year out is a big deal. 

Getting through that last chemo is also a major big deal. Let the healing begin.

Happy Holidays to all my fellow warriors.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi