I am almost there--almost 4 1/2 years

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

I had an appt. with my surgeon this week to review my recent Cat Scan. I remain NED. I am now almost 4 1/2 years since my surgery for stage 3 rectal cancer.

To all the newbies---you will get there. I remember when I was diagnosed on 3/17/03 that 5 years seemed so far away. Now I am almost there. I haven't figured out what I will do for the actual celebration. Five years will be on 6/26/08. My surgeon uses the day that the cancer was removed.

Please read my web page for details of my cancer journey. It had been a long and rocky road. But my NEW life is back to normal for me. I am thankful that I am still here.

I feel guilty posting this because I realize that everyone is not as lucky and that many here have lost their battle and I realize that many of you are still in the fight.

I want to give all the newbies hope, because that is what I wanted to hear when diagnosed. I wanted to hear the success stories.

Livestrong.

Maureen

PS I continue to pray daily for all of you, especially those still in the fight.