Grateful

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andreae
andreae Member Posts: 236
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
"Theoretically, you are supposed to be dead."

That's what my oncologist pointed out to me yesterday. Thankfully, I am far, far from dead. I completed a 60 km walk over two days a couple of weeks ago to raise money for cancer in memory of a dear friend we lost last year to the beast. I started graduate school last week. I am struggling through a paper today. And I am oh so happy and well and very, very grateful. I have been living with CRC and chemo for 33 months and my disease is under control. My CEA's have dropped to 23. My bone marrow, which is supposed to be "exhausted" from 40 rounds of chemo, is going strong (hemoglobin 14.4, platelets 228, and ANC 2000). My weight is stable and my energy levels are great. I am so, so grateful. I am so lucky to have an unwavering support network (all of you are included!) and a fantastatic medical team. I am so thankful for all the blessings in my life.

I never imagined that this is how I would spend my early twenties. Nobody plans on a cancer diagnosis. I also never imagined that I would be here today. None of us know what tomorrow holds. And if I said I wasn't nervous with each blood draw or every scan I would be lying. But I have this moment, I am living "now" and I am so very grateful.

All of you are in my heart and thoughts and prayers. I hope everyone is living strong and enjoying today! Have a great week-end!

Love to all,
Andrea

Comments

  • rthornton
    rthornton Member Posts: 346 Member
    #2
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    Andrea,

    Wow! You are in your early 20s? That is much too young to be dealing with all of this, but you seem to have a great attitude. I am also in graduate school (a returning student, more than 10 years since getting my bachelors), as I did not want cancer to totally dictate my life so I registered for this semester. I go from getting treatment to working on classes. It's a good diversion. Good for you for going on with life, defying the doctor's theories that you should be dead, walking 60 km, and seeing the positive side of your treatment. Never give up hope, because we know the disease can be beaten!

    Rodney
  • HowardJ
    HowardJ Member Posts: 474
    #3
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    Andrea--you are an incredible inspiration to us all!!
    Howard
  • kangatoo
    kangatoo Member Posts: 2,105 Member
    #4
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    HowardJ said:

    Andrea--you are an incredible inspiration to us all!!
    Howard

    H Andrea....good for you sweetie! I have no doubt that all here would like to tell you ;We are so PROUD to know you ; so incredibly uplifted and encouraged by your strength; and moved by your courage and determination to keep fighting!
    Kick the demon's butt dear gal!
    Love Ross and Jen
  • jana11
    jana11 Member Posts: 705
    #5
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    Yep, you ROCK!! Seriously, you are an inspiration to every person here!! I love your posts.

    I agree with your philosophy - live "now" and be grateful, and walk 60 km, and tell everyone!! You are amazing.

    Carry on. I have nothing more to say, except thank you for sharing your story, and giving hope to anyone who needs it. :)
    jana
  • 2bhealed
    2bhealed Member Posts: 2,064 Member
    #6
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    hey Sweet Baby Girl!!

    I echo jana: YOU ROCK!!

    'nuff said.

    peace, emily who loves it when theories are blown wide open
  • livin
    livin Member Posts: 318 Member
    #7
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    Thank You Andrea, You are living proof that life goes on no matter what.There is hope. Live Strong my young friend, You Rock. Livin
  • Moesimo
    Moesimo Member Posts: 1,072 Member
    #8
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    Andreae,

    You are truly an inspiration to everyone fighting this terrible disease. I am so happy that you are feeling good while still fighting this beast.

    Maureen
  • goldfinch
    goldfinch Member Posts: 735
    #9
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    Andrea,
    You continue to be such an inspiration! I still remember the first time I wrote a mesage here, and how hopeful your response made me feel. I am so happy that the chemo is working for you and that you are able to carry on with living throughout it all!
    Mary
  • bsrules
    bsrules Member Posts: 296
    #10
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    Andrea,

    I am so PROUD of you!!! Kango was right!!!! You are such an inspiration to me. I have been so down in the dumps and then to read your post tell me I have no right to feel as I do after everything you have been through and you are up!!!
    Keep up the GREAT work kicking this MONSTER in the teeth!!!!!

    Keep that spunk!!!

    Love Always!!

    Sue
  • nanuk
    nanuk Member Posts: 1,358 Member
    #11
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    It is your Megaattitude that keeps you and your body up..I crown you Megatude! What's ANC? bud
  • jsabol
    jsabol Member Posts: 1,145 Member
    #12
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    ANDREAAAAAAA!!!!!
    It is always great to hear from you; we all get such a lift from your kick butt attitude. Your words about living in this moment are so true; you are wise far beyond your years. You personify the words "I may have cancer, but cancer doesn't have me"
    Thanks for the inspiration and for finding the time to keep us updated! Judy
  • Kanort
    Kanort Member Posts: 1,272 Member
    #13
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    Dear Andrea,

    Thanks for keeping us posted about your progress. You are awesome. Continue to defy the theories!

    Love,

    Kay
  • taunya
    taunya Member Posts: 390 Member
    #14
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    I am grateful that you are still here too. I love your spirit. You are a wonderful person, God and/or Godess bless you.
    Taunya

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