This Thanksgiving, among many things I am thankful for you.

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staceya
staceya Member Posts: 720
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
It is the time of year when Thanks come to mind..This is my first Thanksgiving following treatment and diagnosis and it sure does change ones perspective.
Among all the usual things I am thankful for (and you all know what I mean) I am very thankful for this board. I may not post all that much and am often brief, but just cruising through the posts is like getting a pat on the back, and a word of encouragement.
I never ever feel alone with my diagnosis..and I thank you ALL for that.

Happy Veterans Day and Happy Thanksgiving to you all..
virtual hugs
Stacey

Comments

  • Glenna M
    Glenna M Member Posts: 1,576
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    Thankful
    This is my second Thanksgiving since being diagnosed with two different types of cancer. I don't really remember much about last Thanksgiving as I was fresh out of treatment and not doing real good, tired, nauseaus...you know the routine.

    In the past year I have realized how much I have to be thankful for and I think of new things almost everyday. Like you, one thing I am truly thankful for is all of the wonderful people I have met here on CSN. I have become as close to some of them as I am my biological family and we are in touch everyday. It's so comforting to know I have "family" who understand everything I am going through.

    This Thanksgiving has more meaning to me as I have come to realize how much I truly have to be thankful for.

    Wishing everyone a safe and happy Veterans Day and may we all celebrate many more.

    Happy holidays and hugs to all,
    Glenna
  • 3Mana
    3Mana Member Posts: 811
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    Glenna M said:

    Thankful
    This is my second Thanksgiving since being diagnosed with two different types of cancer. I don't really remember much about last Thanksgiving as I was fresh out of treatment and not doing real good, tired, nauseaus...you know the routine.

    In the past year I have realized how much I have to be thankful for and I think of new things almost everyday. Like you, one thing I am truly thankful for is all of the wonderful people I have met here on CSN. I have become as close to some of them as I am my biological family and we are in touch everyday. It's so comforting to know I have "family" who understand everything I am going through.

    This Thanksgiving has more meaning to me as I have come to realize how much I truly have to be thankful for.

    Wishing everyone a safe and happy Veterans Day and may we all celebrate many more.

    Happy holidays and hugs to all,
    Glenna

    Sad for me
    This will be my first thanksgiving without my husband. I guess I should be thankful for the 46 years we were married, but I wanted more time with him. It's going to be hard for our 3 kids, 2 daughter-in-laws & 3 grandsons not to have him with us also, but I'll Thank God for giving me this wonderful family & try to make it through.
    Take care & have a great holiday season! "Carole"
  • D Lewis
    D Lewis Member Posts: 1,581 Member
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    Thankful here, also
    I am thankful for the new me, and for my new normal. And I am MOST thankful for all of the folks here who helped me every step of the way. I could not have done this without your encouragement and guidance. Particularly for Stevenl and Micktissue and Pam M, who went through treatment just before I did; all I needed to do was follow your tracks through the deep snow, and when I fell down, you all lifted me back up again.

    Thank you, my friends.

    Deb
  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 1,337 Member
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    D Lewis said:

    Thankful here, also
    I am thankful for the new me, and for my new normal. And I am MOST thankful for all of the folks here who helped me every step of the way. I could not have done this without your encouragement and guidance. Particularly for Stevenl and Micktissue and Pam M, who went through treatment just before I did; all I needed to do was follow your tracks through the deep snow, and when I fell down, you all lifted me back up again.

    Thank you, my friends.

    Deb

    here here
    Just to echo what Stacey said, here you never feel alone.
  • Pumakitty
    Pumakitty Member Posts: 652
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    Same
    I agree. I don't think I could have gotten through everything with my dad without all of you!!!

    Kathy
  • timreichhart
    timreichhart Member Posts: 194
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    Pumakitty said:

    Same
    I agree. I don't think I could have gotten through everything with my dad without all of you!!!

    Kathy

    first thanksgiving here after 3-4months post treatment
    this year is going to be my first thanksgiving after 3-4 months post treatment cant wait to eat some good food.
  • Fire34
    Fire34 Member Posts: 365
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    first thanksgiving here after 3-4months post treatment
    this year is going to be my first thanksgiving after 3-4 months post treatment cant wait to eat some good food.

    Ditto Stacey Also
    This also is my first post treatment. Last year I was inpatient at this time of year. I wish I would have known about all of you here back then it would have made my treatment that much easier. Of all people my wonderful wife reminded me, of that day last year. Again Hoping a wonderful Thanksgiving to all and Wishes & Prayers for those going thru treatment at this time of year. Prayers for all our Veterans also
    Dave
  • Pam M
    Pam M Member Posts: 2,196
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    And Thank YOU, Too
    Stacey,

    I'm with you - folks on this site have made an incredible difference for me, as well. Grateful for this site. Also grateful for the physical progress I've made. Last year for Thanksgiving, I had a nurse advise me to stay home and isolated (I didn't), and I ate less than ten bites of food (with others counting), and felt sick, weak, exhausted and, yes, sorry for myself. Not only have I made it through treatment with flying colors, this year I will be perfectly able to overeat (and plan on doing so).

    Also grateful for the chance to care about someone else's welfare. This site helped me not stay totally wrapped up in myself by exposing me to people whose wellbeing matter to me. Hope you all have lots to feel thankful for this holiday.
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
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    Thanksgiving
    It is so true that we have so much to be thankful for

    Thank you Stacey and happy thanksgiving to you and all here on CSN
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
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    Hondo said:

    Thanksgiving
    It is so true that we have so much to be thankful for

    Thank you Stacey and happy thanksgiving to you and all here on CSN

    How Strange. I posted here
    How Strange. I posted here last night and I don't see it. Any way....

    I too am very thankful for this site. I have made some wonderful friends here. You guys have really helped me thru some terrible times. I am so thankful also, that this year I will be able to eat something on thanksgiving. :)
  • rozaroo
    rozaroo Member Posts: 665
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    How Strange. I posted here
    How Strange. I posted here last night and I don't see it. Any way....

    I too am very thankful for this site. I have made some wonderful friends here. You guys have really helped me thru some terrible times. I am so thankful also, that this year I will be able to eat something on thanksgiving. :)

    Thanksgving!
    As everyone know's us Canuck's celebrate our Thanksgiving about mid October! I was so happy as I was 8 month's post treatment & felt great & had the whole family over for dinner. I managed to make all of our favourites & it was just like old times. But the best was that I managed to eat everything. I am thankfull for having the best support system here on CSN. You are all such great people & I wish to thank you all for being there for all of us. You kept me going & still do. I guess you could say I am just so thankfull for everything.
    God Bless You All!
    Roz
  • stevenl
    stevenl Member Posts: 587
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    D Lewis said:

    Thankful here, also
    I am thankful for the new me, and for my new normal. And I am MOST thankful for all of the folks here who helped me every step of the way. I could not have done this without your encouragement and guidance. Particularly for Stevenl and Micktissue and Pam M, who went through treatment just before I did; all I needed to do was follow your tracks through the deep snow, and when I fell down, you all lifted me back up again.

    Thank you, my friends.

    Deb

    Snow
    There you go with that deep snow thing again. I am thankful to everyone here, without you I would have had a real rough go of it. You kept me informed, answered all of my questions, and helped me with questions for the doc's. Your support I am truly thankful for, and may God bless you all.

    Best to all,
    Steve
  • delnative
    delnative Member Posts: 450
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    rozaroo said:

    Thanksgving!
    As everyone know's us Canuck's celebrate our Thanksgiving about mid October! I was so happy as I was 8 month's post treatment & felt great & had the whole family over for dinner. I managed to make all of our favourites & it was just like old times. But the best was that I managed to eat everything. I am thankfull for having the best support system here on CSN. You are all such great people & I wish to thank you all for being there for all of us. You kept me going & still do. I guess you could say I am just so thankfull for everything.
    God Bless You All!
    Roz

    My third Thanksgiving
    My treatment ended Oct. 5, 2008. That Thanksgiving I could hardly eat -- they ran out of gravy and turkey just wouldn't slide down. I'd lost about 40 pounds, my beard was gone and I'd lost enough hair at the back of my head that it looked like I'd gone to Moe Howard's barber.
    Last Thanksgiving I was so much better. I could eat whatever I wanted, and I could grow my beard back if I wished (but I haven't wished). The hair on the back of my head is back ... and they didn't run out of gravy.
    This year I'm back virtually 100 percent -- and I'm actually at the point where I have to watch my calories, lest I put on too much weight.
    I have every reason to be thankful, and so many more.
    Life is good.

    --Jim in Delaware
  • HAWVET
    HAWVET Member Posts: 318
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    delnative said:

    My third Thanksgiving
    My treatment ended Oct. 5, 2008. That Thanksgiving I could hardly eat -- they ran out of gravy and turkey just wouldn't slide down. I'd lost about 40 pounds, my beard was gone and I'd lost enough hair at the back of my head that it looked like I'd gone to Moe Howard's barber.
    Last Thanksgiving I was so much better. I could eat whatever I wanted, and I could grow my beard back if I wished (but I haven't wished). The hair on the back of my head is back ... and they didn't run out of gravy.
    This year I'm back virtually 100 percent -- and I'm actually at the point where I have to watch my calories, lest I put on too much weight.
    I have every reason to be thankful, and so many more.
    Life is good.

    --Jim in Delaware

    Very thankful
    The last great turkey dinner for me was Thanksgiving 1997. Today, I am just very thankful to be around. A very good friend had prostate cancer last year and finally decided to retire in June.

    He was hospitalized again about a month ago. When visiting him in the hospital, we talked of our cancer. We had similar careers. He was Navy and I was Army. After retirement, he worked for the government, I went with the post office. I retired a few years ago. The sad part was we buried him this past Tuesday. May he rest in peace.

    One of his parting words was that at least I made it this far. I thank the man above and am indeed thankful after 12 plus years to still be with you folks. God Bless you all and especially those that must make it through the holiday season without their loved ones.
  • pattyanny
    pattyanny Member Posts: 544
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    HAWVET said:

    Very thankful
    The last great turkey dinner for me was Thanksgiving 1997. Today, I am just very thankful to be around. A very good friend had prostate cancer last year and finally decided to retire in June.

    He was hospitalized again about a month ago. When visiting him in the hospital, we talked of our cancer. We had similar careers. He was Navy and I was Army. After retirement, he worked for the government, I went with the post office. I retired a few years ago. The sad part was we buried him this past Tuesday. May he rest in peace.

    One of his parting words was that at least I made it this far. I thank the man above and am indeed thankful after 12 plus years to still be with you folks. God Bless you all and especially those that must make it through the holiday season without their loved ones.

    Great Post All!
    Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you Staceya for the thread! It made me think... Yes, I am thankful for many things this year. Most of all for all of you, who kept me sane, when insanity, depression, and pity was looming over me. My CSN family was only a click away.
    I finished TX on 10/16, and remember lying in bed with every side effect one could have.
    I put on a happy face and sat at the table looking at the delicious food. I had about 10 bites also, and retreated back to bed.
    I am thankful for learning patience. I am thankful I have learned to be honest, and not "pretend" all is okay, when it is not. I am thankful I am here to post this.
    This year, I will not have Mom helping me with the after dinner clean-up. I will not have my husband cooking the bird. My children 15 & 20, will decide where they where they want to be - with ex or me. As I told them, it is one day, we can be together Friday, Saturday, or Sunday and celebrate and be thankful. I do not care if we have pizza or turkey, as long as we are together, I am thankful.
    I am sorry for all those who will not be here this year, and may God bless their families, and God bless all of you!
  • Glenna M
    Glenna M Member Posts: 1,576
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    pattyanny said:

    Great Post All!
    Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you Staceya for the thread! It made me think... Yes, I am thankful for many things this year. Most of all for all of you, who kept me sane, when insanity, depression, and pity was looming over me. My CSN family was only a click away.
    I finished TX on 10/16, and remember lying in bed with every side effect one could have.
    I put on a happy face and sat at the table looking at the delicious food. I had about 10 bites also, and retreated back to bed.
    I am thankful for learning patience. I am thankful I have learned to be honest, and not "pretend" all is okay, when it is not. I am thankful I am here to post this.
    This year, I will not have Mom helping me with the after dinner clean-up. I will not have my husband cooking the bird. My children 15 & 20, will decide where they where they want to be - with ex or me. As I told them, it is one day, we can be together Friday, Saturday, or Sunday and celebrate and be thankful. I do not care if we have pizza or turkey, as long as we are together, I am thankful.
    I am sorry for all those who will not be here this year, and may God bless their families, and God bless all of you!

    Pattyanny
    Beautifully said!!! We all have so much to be thankful for this year and every year that we are given to be with family and friends.

    Praying that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your children. You have always been a strong woman but I think you have become even stronger and more self confident after all you have been through. Enjoy your turkey or pizza ;) and just enjoy being with your children whenever you can. I know it will be hard going through the holidays without your mom but know that she is smiling down on all of you!!

    Will be saying an extra prayer for you tonight that your scan tomorrow comes back clean.

    God bless you and everyone on this site,
    Glenna
  • 3Mana
    3Mana Member Posts: 811
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    HAWVET said:

    Very thankful
    The last great turkey dinner for me was Thanksgiving 1997. Today, I am just very thankful to be around. A very good friend had prostate cancer last year and finally decided to retire in June.

    He was hospitalized again about a month ago. When visiting him in the hospital, we talked of our cancer. We had similar careers. He was Navy and I was Army. After retirement, he worked for the government, I went with the post office. I retired a few years ago. The sad part was we buried him this past Tuesday. May he rest in peace.

    One of his parting words was that at least I made it this far. I thank the man above and am indeed thankful after 12 plus years to still be with you folks. God Bless you all and especially those that must make it through the holiday season without their loved ones.

    Losing a friend
    HI,
    So sorry that you lost your friend. Thanks to both of you for serving our country.
    Glad you're doing good and hope you're around for a long, long time!
    I lost my husband in March, so holidays are going to be rough. But I thank God for letting us spend 46 years together. "Carole"
  • luv2cut1
    luv2cut1 Member Posts: 288
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    3Mana said:

    Losing a friend
    HI,
    So sorry that you lost your friend. Thanks to both of you for serving our country.
    Glad you're doing good and hope you're around for a long, long time!
    I lost my husband in March, so holidays are going to be rough. But I thank God for letting us spend 46 years together. "Carole"

    THANK YOU ALL
    I cannot even express how thankful I am to everyone on this board. This a truly caring and wonderful group of people. I had been reading posts for so long before I joined and started posting. I should have done it so much sooner. You all have made this journey so much easier for me as a caregiver. To see the positive thoughts and the prayers and support you all give to one another brightens each and every day. No one can know what it is like to go through this journey unless you have been or are going through it. This is the place where people really understand. Thank you so much.

    HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING.

    Myka