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Celebrate Life
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Jul 19, 2010 - 2:50 am
When we enter this site, we see in large print , CELEBRATE LIFE, so we can feel better about ourselves, please , as you do something nice to celebrate life please post at this thread........no negatives...only positive experiences, etc allowed. Just post from time to time as you do something nice.....I believe that this exercise will be uplifting. To start, I like to play the ukulele, so this weekend I went to an fair for Islanders and Hawaiians where I listened to, and met some really great ukulele players and other musicians who play with them......We went on Saturday and experience was really great, so we came back on Sunday. |
Joined: May 2009
Great idea! There are two
Great idea! There are two things I love to do. I am a Church Organist and enjoy playing the organ for church. It is uplifting to me to provide this part of the worship service. I played the organ for two church services this weekend.
The second thing I enjoy is helping at our church school with a rumage sale they have yearly as a fund raiser. Our church school has about 80 students and this sale is for 3 days the last Wed, Thur, Friday of July. All items are donated. They have been having the sale for about 12 years now. Last year the Gross sales from all of these donated Items was $24,000.00! Yes and that is not a typo that was gross for one year! It is unbelievable how the sale has grown. The day of the sale people from the community line up 3 hours ahead of time to be one of the first ones into the sale.
We no longer have children at this school but anything we can do to help is appreciated.
Larry
Joined: Nov 2009
This Summer
Wow! Celebrate Life! Let me tell about my spring/summer so far. Went to NYC to see a Broadway play, have seen three great concerts (1. Sugarland, 2. James Taylor & Carole King, 3. Lady Antebellum & Tim McGraw), went to Charleston and Hilton Head Island for 10 days (Yorktown, Golf, Beach, etc). In September I am going to see the rock band Rush on two separate occasions. Once with some friends here in NJ and then later in the month with my son, down by his school (Clemson). We have been throwing some parties at our house this summer, and will be going to my high school reunion in October (30 years). So as you can see, it has been a summer filled with fun and we are enjoying every minute of it.
Joe
Joined: Jul 2010
celebrating life
Guys so glad to hear that you are doing so many great things...
as you know I have been running through the computer searching searching searching for Dad's info and fretting over all the questions.
After reading Ira's post I headed out to the garden...fresh air...a friend stopping over...doing some work in the garden...sitting under the tree reading made me realise that there are indeed lots of options for Dad...and that life is pretty great after all...
@Ira thinking of you playing the ukulale put a smile on my face...cool stuff
@Larry..I am sure the church values you there...I have a surragate Grandmother over here that is 94 and used to play the organ for church...she remembers that time fondly
@Joe - Thinking of the RUSH concert made me think of "I love you man" summer movie from last year...if you haven't seen it GO...they are big RUSH fans and a true classic
You are right reading through everyone's ways of celebrating life does bring joy...
Thanks again...I needed those smiles today :D
Sandy
Joined: Jan 2010
some days I can enter into
some days I can enter into this celebration, and honestly, some days I can't.
Tonight I am mellow and content, and glad that so far the cancer has been checked.
My next blood draw comes up this week. My last 6 month shot of eligard ended on April 20, but there is still a very small pellet still in my abdomen- but its almost gone.
I am so glad to that that stuff working its way out of my system.
Joined: Dec 2009
tests
Trew,
The pass isn't over until the MPs drag your arse back on base.
PSA doesn't count until you get the results.
I worry too much about all this without beating myself with a whip in expectation of something I can't change. Join me in not stopping until the MPs win.
Joined: Jan 2010
Yes… do celebrate life…
Yes… do celebrate life… We have spend the summer at the beach but today I had butter on my toast for the first time in 7 months today, just finished my second single malt and I am headed out for my first steak in 7 months….Then tomorrow back on my primarily “vegan” diet….. This will be a monthly celebration until my post surgery test prove otherwise…
Best to all
Joined: Apr 2009
Decision
On Thursday evening there is a prostate support group that has a really good program which is really worth attending; the same evening there is a musical concert that I can attend with friends....In order to CELEBRATE LIFE I will be going to the concert.
Joined: Apr 2010
I continue to celebrate
In 2006, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had a radical prostatectomy at Johns Hopkins. While prone in the hospital bed, I "symbolically" rode my motorcycle through Death Valley, CA -- a fantasy ride that helped pass the time. During the spring of 2007, I visited my local urologist because of incontinence (NO bladder control whatsoever). I was diagnosed with bladder cancer and began BCG treatments immediately. I felt that the prostate cancer had exhausted my physical, emotional, and psychological energy and reserves and had nothing left. But I had to continue to fight. While dealing with the bladder cancer, I decided to make the symbolism of a Death Valley motorcycle ride a reality. I left the east coast on June 15th, 2010 and rode through Death Valley June 24th. (Yes, I rode my motorcycle all the way -- no trailering for me). The official temperature was 115 that day, although a thermometer at Furnace Creek said "120". I taunted cancer all the way across the valley. During the 24 day, 8,036 mile trip, the heat, jarring roads in construction sites, idiotic drivers, and detours were inconsequential. I was 2-0 against cancer, alive, and enjoying every minute of it.
Tom
Joined: Apr 2009
Continuing with a positive attitude
Have been doing lots of positive things..each day I think of what I can do that is positive....going to events, joking with people, etc....basically, I am posting in order to bump this threat to the top.....I believe it to important for us to reinforce positive events, so lots of positive events become part of our lives.
Ira
Joined: Aug 2010
Continuing with a positive attitude
hopeful and opt...
Thanks for lifting my head up and reminding me to focus on the positive. I am looking for positive ways to direct the anger and negative thoughts I sometimes get bogged down in. Reading these comments helps.
Joined: Jun 2009
Celebrating Life
Ira,
My wife battled stage 4 metatastic melanoma last year and I battled prostate cancer last year and are now both cancer free. :) We now have a much greater appreciation for things in nature like a sunset, a cloud formation, a mountain stream, wild flowers in a field and we both are kinder and more tolderant of our fellow human being. It's like we were almost reborn so to speak. So in our own little way, my wife and I celebrate life every day.
We give all the glory and credit to God for our cancer survival and the wondrous world we have all been given to emjoy.
JR
Joined: Jan 2010
JR...Could not say it
JR...Could not say it better!
Joined: Feb 2004
Just got back to work after
Just got back to work after a week off. The commute is a 12 hour drive, so just rolled down the window and enjoyed the day God had given me. Too many times I think I have too much to do to enjoy the little things - enough of that foolishness. From now on, I am going to take the time to stop and smell the rutabagas, and I hope you all do too!
Joined: Jul 2009
clean psa
1 year anniversary, clean psa. Counting my blessings as hunting season approaches. Good luck to all cancer patients and Im having beer this weekend to celebrate and a steak too
Nick
Joined: Jun 2009
Yes Stop and Smell...
Dakotarunner, I have always heard the expression "Take time to stop and smell the roses" (or rutabagas). Since my wife and I have had our "journey" with cancer and now cancer free, that expression has real meaning.
So everybody just roll down the window or do what I did this summer while on vacation in the Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, TN and go wade in the clean cool water of a mountain stream....ahhhhh.
JR
Joined: Apr 2010
JR1949
COOL MOUNTAIN STREAM SOUNDS GREAT BUT I'LL HAVE TO SETTLE FOR FOR THE BEAUTIFUL PACIFIC OVER HERE IN HAWAII--IT SEEMS MORE BEAUTIFUL SINCE I EMBARKED ON THIS PC JOURNEY AND THE SUNSETS ARE FANTASTIC. ENJOY LIFE!! DAN
Joined: Sep 2009
Try to make a difference
My journey through prostate cancer left me quite confused and bitter until I decided to make the best of things. I was given a second chance to "live 'til I die"... and to try to make a difference in my little corner of the world.
I bought a harmonica for a very shy 9-year old boy and taught him how to play a few songs on it. On his mom's birthday he played "Happy Birthday" in front of all his family and relatives. There wasn't a dry eye in the room.
I gave a bodhran (Celtic drum, pronounced "bow-RON") to a 74-year old Irishman, friend of mine... and taught him how to play it. He was very proud to demonstrate this new-found hidden talent to his son, who now wants to learn how to play it too.
I just completed a personal trainer's course and I will be working on a second certification to allow me to teach older adults how to get and stay fit for a better quality of life. I will be volunteering this service at the retirement homes in the area.
Now I hope to learn how to play the triangle, but I can't seem to find any sheet music for it!
Joined: Apr 2009
It's great that you volunteer....
...... those who appreciate what you do for them is worth a lot more than the effort.......I wish that I lived near you so I can be more motivated......about a year ago I bought a harmonica and a book, and started to play.....but I did not continue.......I guess that it's time to start again.....happy birthday is a great song......I play it a lot on my ukulele.
Ira
Joined: Sep 2009
Never stop!
My dad played the harmonica when he was in the Black Watch Highland Regiment of Canada during WWII. It kept him company during good and bad times. He taught me how to play the harmonica when I was 15 years old and layed up with a cast on my leg for an entire summer. That got me started in music... and now I also play the 12-string guitar, autoharp, bodhran, djembe... and a few other instruments. Never stop learning and challenging yourself... and most of all giving... it's why we are all here.
Joined: Jan 2010
Amen....I agree a mind is a
Amen....I agree a mind is a terible thing to waste
Joined: Apr 2010
Beating the beast
Luckyman2; I will be taking my fifth and final Cyberknife treatment on Monday. I admire your attitude and will be trying to immitate it. I liked the part about your father being part of the Blackwatch in Canada. I have been married for 46 years to a Scottish lass born & raised in Dundee, Scotland. The reason that we have stayed married so long was whenever she got angry with me (often) I couldnt understand a thing she said with her accent. When I was on the fire department, I tried to teach myself the five string banjo. I would go to our spare room and practice. The guys were ready to burn the ole 5 string. I told them that they had a choice. Either the banjo or the bagpipes. They left me alone. I admire your ability to learn a few instruments. You must have the two things that I didn't in learning the banjo...Ability & talent....Keep the faith...............................Jimmy/Cleveland
Joined: Feb 2004
Yeah, I know it is roses,
Yeah, I know it is roses, but I like to look at new ways to enjoy life. Now if I can just figure out what a rutabaga looks like.
Question for all you PC survivors here - does anyone fly an ultralight, I need some thoughts and info on it.
Joined: Apr 2009
I wonder, are you asking about model, or
glider type? Either one sounds like a great thing to do.
Joined: Aug 2010
Thanks for being here
I love being around positive people and decided to join the Cancer Survivor's Network finally after 5 weeks of post radical prostatectomy at UCLA Med Ctr........I got the word 10 days later that I was "cancer free" and was elated.
I've done some life changing things in the past 4 years... I am an alcoholic and finally got sober (finally stopped my denial) 4 years ago after attending a Paul Simon concert with 3 of my wonderful 6 kids and they saw my condition and did a family intervention - helped me get into rehab and I stayed 90 days. I do what I can now to stay sober (AA meetings, sponsor, pray & meditate)...
and I quit smoking about 2 years ago. Last year I decided to take better care of my body - I was 282# and 40% body fat (6 ft) - so I went on a diet/exercise program and lost 100# and am down to 23% body fat (I'm 64 yrs old)... so far so good!
.. Halfway through the diet/exercise program, the doc & I decided to check my blood tests.. and found a high PSA (8) ... he recommended a urologist - re-took it and it was 10.5 - then the biopsy and then the diagnosis for prostate cancer on April 1st. He sent me to UCLA where I had the surgery on July 9th...
I was really full of gratitude that my wife was by my side throughout the process (she wasn't real happy about the alcoholism & rehab 4 years ago)... and my wonderful kids were there to support me all the way with their love too. I didn't have any fear of the operation and I'm staying positive now.
I'm really glad I joined this network - I've already read about 25 posts and know that I'm going to get the best information here. Thanks for being here. Thanks for your positive attitude & giving me an opportunity to share my positive feelings too.. God Bless!!!! JohnnyT
Joined: Apr 2010
Welcome
Nice to have you in "the club".
Joined: Apr 2009
Johnny
Congratulations on all the progress that you made....you can be proud.....great that you received news that you are cancer free....I've been going to UCLA for the last year and a half, and in my opinion the institution is first rate.....also the surgeons there are first rate.......you made a great choice to be treated there.
I didn't know about the Cancer Survivor's Network.....can you tell me when they meet, and who to contact to be on their distribution list.
Ira
Joined: Aug 2010
Ira - thanks for your comments
Thanks for your comments buddy. You're really going to laugh when I tell you to scroll up to the top of this screen and you'll read "Cancer Survivors Network" ... which this board is on. You're such a part of the family, that you didn't even realize that you're right in the middle of it all.... It reminds me of when we go back home to Boston.. there were so many things to see when we lived there and we didn't actually see them until we moved away and then brought our kids back to see our roots... I agree with you about UCLA - I had nothing but positive experiences there - all the doctors & nurses & staff were awesome, not to mention the great facility itself. I was lucky & blessed for sure!!! talk to you soon... God Bless - Johnny T
Joined: Feb 2004
Welcome aboard JohnnyT. It
Welcome aboard JohnnyT.
It is a great place to be. All different kinds of angles, thoughts, experiences and ideas abound. You and I are also members of the AA club, and I have found a great peace and strength thru it that helps me in my tussle with cancer. You have a lot of new friends here, so do not be a stranger.
DR
Joined: Aug 2010
Thanks!
Thank you, too Dakota for your great and positive comments. I too had the tools of the AA program at my disposal which definitely gave me lots of strength & hope as I went through my process. I never feared because I'm in such a good place with God and my family now... I don't in any way however, minimize just how lucky and blessed I am. I'm very very grateful for my health and the life I have today. Talk to you soon... God Bless Johnny T
Joined: Feb 2010
Haven't been around in awhile
I haven't been here in a while but love love love this thread. My husband and I have had the best summer since his DaVinci procedure on 4/27. It is amazing - I had a bowel obstruction resulting in 2 surgeries in January of this year and one in August of last year, he had the DaVinci, and he also lost his job. But we are more in love than ever (coming up on 29 years) and have gone camping so much this summer in our rv. We are living each day to the fullest and we wouldn't have it any other way!
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Joined: Jun 2009
Welcome Aboard
Welcome aboard, Johnny. Glad to have another member.
Thank you for sharing your story. That is what this CSN is all about. You can't find a better group of people who will share their story and answer your questions and just give an "ear" to what you need or have to say.
JR
Joined: Jan 2010
The best weekend
Hi all Long time no chat from downunder in Australia . went to my daughters saterday night 2.5 hour drive well worth the effort spent many hours chatting and catching up ,my 2 awsome grandkids 2.3 years and 1.1 years take my hands and lead me to the toy room guide me to sit on the mat and proced to help me remember yes remember how to play cars well I tear up just talking about it somtimes. I will never forget there is myself and my wife on the floor like 2 little kids having the best fun money could never buy a memory that I will cherish forever. Then at 3.30 am in the morning drove my daughter and son to the Toowoomba markets spent 6 hours just talking while helping them sell there flowers I had a weight removed from my shoulders to see how much in love they are .As a parent no one is usually good enough for your daughter, And as for my Wife she is the best thing that ever happened to me we are growing closer together every day we just appreciate every moment we have .This prostate Cancer may be a pain but it changes your life or at least mine for the better Thanks Shane
Joined: Apr 2010
AUGUST HAS BEEN A GOOD
AUGUST HAS BEEN A GOOD MONTH. NOW AND THEN I FEEL PRETTY DOWN ABOUT THIS WHOLE PC THING AND ITS ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS. BUT CERTAIN EVENTS MAKE IT ALL GO AWAY AND I DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT. THIS AUGUST THREE EVENTS MADE MY PC TAKE A BACK SEAT. FIRST--6 MONTH PSA TEST WAS UNDETECTABLE- HOORAY!! SECOND-- THE VA APPROVED MY AGENT ORANGE CLAIM-- THIRD AND MOST IMPORTANT I SPENT THE WEEKEND IN THE HOSPITAL----NOT FOR PC BUT TO WELCOME MY NEW GRANDDAUGHTER INTO THE WORLD. SHE WAS STUBBORN BUT FINALLY ARRIVED ON AUGUST 30TH!!! SHE MUST HAVE KNOWN THAT I ENJOY VISITING VEGAS A FEW TIMES A YEAR BECAUSE SHE WEIGHED IN AT 7LBS 11OZ---A 7-11 BABY. ITS NICE TO FORGET OUR PC PROBLEMS IF ONLY FOR A SHORT TIME, AND AUGUST HAS CERTAINLY MADE ME CELEBRATE LIFE A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY. THOUGHT I'D SHARE THIS WITH MY PC CLUB MEMBERS TO SHOW THAT THERE ARE TIMES WHEN WE CAN BEAT DOWN THIS PC BEAST AND ENJOY LIFE LIKE WE SHOULD !!! DAN
Joined: May 2009
Congrats on your new
Congrats on your new addition to the family!
Larry
Joined: Apr 2010
THANKS LARRY--IT'S NICE TO
THANKS LARRY--IT'S NICE TO PUT PC ON THE BACK BURNER WHILE WE ATTEMPT TO ENJOY THOSE SPECIAL MOMENTS IN OUR LIVES-----DAN
Joined: Jun 2009
Congrats
Congratulations on your new addition to the family and thanks for sharing your story.
JR
Joined: Jun 2010
larry
i picked your post to reply to to put this at the top. i got my 3 month test back today and a big fat zero. i have had a bad attitude lately and that is not good it wears you down. i need to get positive now that my surgery is over and this test. i am going camping with my kids this weekend. i have twin boys and a 11 year old girl who thinks she is in charge. ha ha anyway that will be a good celebration for sure. i hope everybody is doing good, there are some great people on this forum and i hope the best to all. griff
Joined: Mar 2010
My Celebration of Life
Now that I've started my CK treatments, which should be done by next Wednesday, I can share what I'm planning to do to celebrate my life.
First, I'm going to spend 2 weeks touring Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara (and regions in between) in October, which just happens to coincide w/my 60th b-day.
In December-January, I'm planning to go either to Hong Kong or Paris for 2 to 4 weeks (and maybe longer) over Xmas and New Years.
In May, I'm thinking of driving to the Arctic Circle in my 4x4 and off-road trailer for a month or 2 to explore remote regions of Canada, the Yukon and Alaska along the way. BTW, for this trip, I'll probably take ferries north to Juneau and Valdez via the Inside Passage and then drive to the Circle and then back to the US.
These trips are just the beginning of my retirement and post PCa treatment travel plans, which I hope will take me to many interesting and beautiful places all over the world in the coming years.
I'll take the celebration (and appreciation) of life (over death) any day! ;)
Joined: Mar 2010
CELEBRATE
I try to celebrate each day by thanking God for each time I wake up and watch the sunrise,
each time I see the sun sets and paint the clouds...
I won't have my post Proton Radiation PSA test until December, but I have faith that it is already take cared of. Let's carry on the celebration...