10 years

Hello everyone. I know everyone counts differently, but my anniversary (for me) is from my last treatment. Yes, it is 10 years ago today I was getting my last chemo and I write here for two reasons.

One, to give newbies hope. I know when I was diagnosed I had no idea what was in the future, and to be fair I think many of us, even with all the years, are right back there remembering everything as though it is today. While treatments have changed over the years I hope they are for the better and many of you can look forward and post yourselves on anniversaries.

Two, I do want to remember all our sisters we have lost. I carry them with me everyday. When an old post pops up and one of our dears faces and comments show it brings a smile and a tear. God bless our dear friends.

I had a floating holiday I had to 'use or lose' so I am glad I picked today. Quiet time for me with my stuffed koala bear I nearly squeezed the stuffing out of all those years ago.

I know it has been quiet on the board lately, and I know there are many out there who pop in and see if there are any posts, but feel free to use this one as a time to check in and let us all know how you are doing - like role call.

My heart is with you all and I pray for peace, healing, and cures.

Ok, I’ll chime in. I haven’t posted in a long time, although I do log in every day to keep up. I feel like I’ve reached a turning point in my cancer journey…in a good way. If it helps give readers here confidence that this disease is survivable for years, then I am happy to answer the roll call. I do keep my profile updated for any who happen upon an older post of mine that resonates. 

At 17 years and counting, I believe I am the longest-lived recurrent uterine cancer lady on this discussion board. Kaleena/Kathy who continues to post is another long-term survivor with recurrent disease. Takingcontrol58, another recurrent survivor, is another remarkable story. There are others, who I call the “one and done” ladies, who are 5-, 10-, 20-year survivors. There is every reason for a newly diagnosed woman to be hopeful that they too can join the ranks of survivors. 

I am in awe of many of the women, past and present, who have made this such a supportive place with the knowledge they bring to us, whether it’s about the science of the disease and treatment that they’ve chosen to learn and share, or a generous woman like cmb who volunteers to provide valuable technical support that makes this particular board so accessible and user friendly, or the many who hang in here and nurture the newly diagnosed with hope and helpful suggestions. My own experience seems to me now rather pedestrian now, although I spent years being terrified. I think that’s the best message I can impart: don’t give up and don’t give in. I’ve survived for 17 years; I’ve had 2 surgeries; 3 courses of radiation, including 1 that was SBRT; 1 course of chemotherapy; and, 1 hormone-based treatment. And, I have learned that you just really never know. The expression “each of us is a statistic of one” does pertain. My survival is remarkable, to me, and I think to my doctor who can offer no explanation for my trajectory. I am certain there are many women like me out there who never had the good fortune to find the safe and supportive space here to share their journeys. So, please try your best to manage your fear so that you can do the hard work that is before you: getting the soundest medical advice, making an informed decision about your treatment, submitting to the treatment with all the good humor you can muster, taking care of you physical and mental health, and nurturing your personal relationships.

I don’t really have any surefire strategies to quash the fear that I see in newly diagnosed ladies’ posts. For better or worse, I am not a person of religious faith, which I see here is a comfort to many. I am finally at peace with my health status mainly because I know from my accumulated experience that various treatments exist, and new ones are in development now. I do believe also that a commitment to do the best you can to keep your body and immune system healthy is key. It may take you out of your comfort zone to be more active, to reduce/eliminate sugar intake, to eat a well-balanced diet, and to seek out joy in daily life, but each of these contributes to your well-being and survival.

So, thanks to all who have helped me on my journey. To those who are in the earlier stages of their journeys, be hopeful and come here often for support.

Happy New Year to all!

Best wishes, Oldbeauty