A year ago today....

lmliess
lmliess Member Posts: 329
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
A year ago today, at the age of 38, I awoke from my emergency colonoscopy to find out I had colorectal cancer. A few days later, after a PET scan, we found out it was in the liver also. I have gone through chemo and radiation, 2 major surgeries; APR with a colostomy and a liver resection and another round of chemo. I was declared NED on September 23 at my last CT scan.

I can honestly say, which this is really weird for me to admit, is that I am in a happier place than I was 13 months ago! My faith in God has been renewed, my marriage is stronger than ever and the awe and love I have for my daughter gives me happy butterflies everyday....even when she is onery!

I still can't fully say I received a 'gift of cancer' because this past year has been hard on my family but I fully understand now how cancer can change your life, and in some cases for the better. I don't 'sweat the small stuff' anymore and I truely appreciate everyday as a gift from God. Cancer or no cancer, no one knows how much time they are given...so use it or lose it!

I have gotten so much support from this site that I feel truely blessed to have gotten to know all of you. I want to thank all of you for your support when all I saw was dark clouds. I still check in time to time but it feels so good to be able to go out and LIVE and do all the things you take for granted before you are struck with cancer.

So if there are newbies reading this....YOU CAN DO THIS! DO NOT GIVE UP!! I was DX'd at Stage IV a year ago and I feel better today than I have in a long time. Of couse I have a few aches and pains, most of it caused by radiation and a little neuropathy from the chemo but I have a pulse and I get up everyday and I live. I work full time, I work out and I chase my 5 year old. Basically, I love life again!

And once again, thank you all for being there when I need you. I have had friends drop off during this past year and all of a sudden pop up again now that I am 'healthy' and that really does hurt, but life goes on and maybe those people really don't have a place in my life anymore and that is okay. But it is so nice to have someplace to turn when you really need support.

Thank you!

Linda

Comments

  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    #2
    Howdy :)
    Hi Linda

    I've missed seeing you around - so good to hear from you.

    I'm recovering from lung surgery the past 8 weeks and just getting back on the board and seeing everyone again.

    Yours is a great story and I'm so happy for you and hope things continue to go well for you.

    The Happiest of Holidays to You and Your Family

    -Craig
  • mom_2_3
    mom_2_3 Member Posts: 953 Member
    #3
    Linda
    Linda,

    You have expressed many thoughts here that I share with you...increased faith, more appreciative of family, a lot more patience, and I workout every day as well.

    I hope the road ahead is all smooth sailing for you and your family.

    All the best,
    Amy
  • robinvan
    robinvan Member Posts: 1,012
    #4
    Awaken to the wonder of your life!
    Linda,
    Thank you for posting this thoughtful note. It has been quite a year for you. You can always stop by and say Hi! But I know it is nice to get a break from the cancer stuff and live life!

    Here is a blessing from the Irish poet John O'Donohue which I thought fits well the celebration of your New Life!

    ------------
    Now is the time to free the heart,
    Let all intentions and worries stop,
    Free the joy inside the self,
    Awaken to the wonder of your life.

    Open your eyes and see the friends
    Whose hearts recognize your face as kin,
    Those whose kindness watchful and near,
    Encourages you to live everything here.

    See the gifts the years have given,
    Things your effort could never earn,
    The health to enjoy who you want to be
    And the mind to mirror mystery.
    -------------

    Peace and Blessings... Rob; in Vancouver
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #5
    Ditto
    I feel your pain and elation. I knew you and I were diagnosed on the same day - today and it has been a hard day for me as well. I had to go to the doctor today to find out why I was having blood in my stools and for me to think that it was cancer again was so scary as I went through this just one year ago today, but I got good news from doctor.

    You went through all the same days I did. The day before Thanksgiving, December 1 so I relate to where you are.

    Remember here we will never drop off as a friend or supporter. You are family here and a much loved friend.

    I'm so glad you are doing so well because I think of all these days I went through a year ago and you are always in my mind.

    Hope your journey forward is wonderful.

    Kim
  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #6
    Annabelle41415 said:

    Ditto
    I feel your pain and elation. I knew you and I were diagnosed on the same day - today and it has been a hard day for me as well. I had to go to the doctor today to find out why I was having blood in my stools and for me to think that it was cancer again was so scary as I went through this just one year ago today, but I got good news from doctor.

    You went through all the same days I did. The day before Thanksgiving, December 1 so I relate to where you are.

    Remember here we will never drop off as a friend or supporter. You are family here and a much loved friend.

    I'm so glad you are doing so well because I think of all these days I went through a year ago and you are always in my mind.

    Hope your journey forward is wonderful.

    Kim

    Linda,
    I am so very happy that your life is great again. Theres nothing any more sweeter than to walk the walk we take after the bad is over....Its a new lease on life....enjoy girl.....Buzzard
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    #7
    Beautiful
    Linda,

    That's beautiful. Keep enjoying your life! It's a gift.

    *hugs*
    Gail
  • angelsbaby
    angelsbaby Member Posts: 1,165 Member
    #8
    tootsie1 said:

    Beautiful
    Linda,

    That's beautiful. Keep enjoying your life! It's a gift.

    *hugs*
    Gail

    Linda that was beautiful
    And i thank all of you too that have given me hope threw out angels sickness,

    take care

    michelle
  • dianetavegia
    dianetavegia Member Posts: 1,942 Member
    #9
    Congrats
    Linda, many of us were dx'd close together last year and it has been quite a ride. I'm coming up on one year since dx on Jan. 2nd. One down and four to go til we can be declared 'all clear'.

    Thanks for sharing those lovely thoughts with us and have a GREAT and LONG LIFE!

    Diane
  • mvancott
    mvancott Member Posts: 8
    #10
    Good to hear. My 44 year old
    Good to hear. My 44 year old husband was just diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. His readiation oncologist said he has 6 months to 2 years left!!!
  • Kathleen808
    Kathleen808 Member Posts: 2,342 Member
    #11
    Linda
    Linda,
    I was thinking about you a few days ago and then I saw that you answered someones post and that all is still great. Thanks for sharing about your experience. You did go through so much and it is just wonderful that you are NED! If I remember correctly your darling little girl is in kindergarten (or is it 1st grade?). I hope you have enjoyed every minute since your NEDness began.
    Enjoy!

    Aloha,
    Kathleen
  • Aud
    Aud Member Posts: 479 Member
    #12
    I'm happy for you, Linda.
    I'm happy for you, Linda. thank you for such a beautiful post.
    Audrey
  • Fight for my love
    Fight for my love Member Posts: 1,522 Member
    #13
    Linda,I am so happy for
    Linda,I am so happy for you.It's so good to know you are doing well.Take care.

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