Just checking in from Laz

lp1964
lp1964 Member Posts: 1,239 Member
edited May 2016 in Anal Cancer #1

Exactly 3 years and 3 days ago I took the feared phone call in the bathroom at work. "Sorry to inform you but you have cancer..." 

Amazingly I don't remember the emotions only the facts. After 3 hard years, with physical and emotional scars, without some body parts and my spouse, I'm glad to report that my life is still great. Despite constant frustration from my colostomy and digestive problens, I'm happy, productive and optimistic about my future. 

My daughter is getting closer to me after a couple years of distance. She is as mature as an 18 year old can be, she is independent and starting at Stanford with full scholarship in the fall. 

Im living my dream on my sailboat in California. Fear of my cancer coming back bubbles up in my head a dozen times a day, but less and less with lot less power. 

I come hear every day to see what's going on with everyone else, doing my best to learn and support. I celebrate the good news and feel the anxiety and pain with those who suffer. 

Forgetting my anniversary - I think is a good sign!

I wish nothing but the best for all of you.

Laz

Comments

  • Pilikia55
    Pilikia55 Member Posts: 17 Member
    edited May 2016 #2
    Bravo!

    Bravo!

  • pializ
    pializ Member Posts: 508 Member
    edited May 2016 #3
    Laz

    I am so glad your life is still great! There are physical and emotional scars that the diagnosis of cancer brought, but I am really pleased to hear of your closeness to your daughter and of her plans for the future.

    I remember when you 'joined up'. Not very long after me having my diagnosis in October/November 2012 and in the early days of my recovery. Your journey has been complicated. You have done well!

    I think a celebration is more than justified.

    Congratulations

    Liz

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #4
    Hi Laz!

    Reading your post is a great start to my day!  I am so happy that you are doing well and still rolling with the punches that come along!  Surviving cancer and its aftermath is no easy feat, but you definitely are doing just that.  I'm glad that you are finding purpose and enjoyment in your life and I am most happy to hear that your relationship with your daughter is getting better and better.  She is a smart young woman to realize that she has a great father who she needs in her life.  The sailboat living sounds wonderful.  Instead of sailing into the sunset, keep sailing into each and every sunrise!  Stay well, be happy, and keep coming back here when you can.  Take good care!

    Martha

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #5
    Laz....

    Hi,

    It is always encouraging to hear from you and glad to know that you have found optimisim in the on-going and life long recovery phase of this journey! I am jealous of your "dream life on a sailboat".....but so happy for you!

    While I think it may be impossible to move forward without losing somethings, it seems that for many, what we gain can be even greater as we change our perspective.

    Have a wonderful summer and please continue to check in along the way.

    katheryn

  • CURED IS THE WORD
    CURED IS THE WORD Member Posts: 4
    #6
    YOU ARE AMAZING!

    You should be told that everyday. It is difficult for "others" to understand the journey of fighting cancer. ("Others" meaning non-cancer people-lol).

     I was given a Rhino while I was in nursing school and was told to "KEEP CHARGING!"  Well I kept that darn thing and looked at it everyday through my cancer journey and thought those words. No matter what challenge comes in to my life I will "charge" through it just as you have Laz.  Again, Remember...YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!

    Best, Michele

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