Celebration | Anniversary

LiveWithCancer
LiveWithCancer Member Posts: 470
edited November 2020 in General Discussion
Eight years ago today, I went for that fateful CT scan that showed I had stage IV lung cancer. I remember as clear as day driving to the testing site, not really concerned at all ... certainly not concerned that they might find lung cancer (I thought maybe we would find thyroid cancer since I was having issues with weight gain and had a knot on my clavicle.)

No one was more surprised than me when they found lung cancer! And, not just lung cancer, but late-stage lung cancer. WHAT?!?!

For some odd reason, and despite the first oncologist's dire prediction that I would live only 4 months, I have never really worried about my lung cancer. From the very beginning, I determined that I would live until I couldn't and then I would die. But, i wasn't going to die before it was time ... I was going to live every day I possibly could while I still had breath. (The only question I had for the oncologist when he gave us my diagnosis/prognosis was, "Can I keep playing agility with my dogs?" Translate: Do I have to quit living now that I got this awful diagnosis?)

I don't fret much about scans, even now when I have been off of treatment for nearly 2 years and still have, according to the scans, live, but stable, tumors.

I think it is because I truly believe I am in a win-win situation. I love living life (so far anyway), but when I die ... one breath here, the next breath is in the loving arms of my Heavenly Father. I don't dread that. I dread leaving here ... because there are so many loose ends that I should have tied up and haven't ... but I definitely do not dread ending up in Heaven. (Can't say I'm not looking forward to seeing my son again, too!!! Oh to be wrapped up in one of his big bear hugs again! I appreciated them then, but not enough!)

In the meantime, though, I celebrate that God has for some unknown reason seen fit to leave me here on earth even while He has taken so many of my family, friends, and acquaintances on home. I hope I fulfill whatever He has left me here to do.

Comments

  • Dianem
    Dianem Member Posts: 11
    edited October 2020
    So true,my friend.and you ARE fulfilling Gods plan just by all you do for this community and elsewhere, spreading awareness and positivity.
  • JaneA
    JaneA Member Posts: 335
    edited October 2020
    That is awesome news. Thanks for sharing.
  • TSmith
    TSmith Member Posts: 2
    edited November 2020
    Thanks for sharing your journey. You are so inspiring and give hope to so many.
  • Journey
    Journey Member Posts: 12
    edited November 2020
    Congratulations on 8 years! You are an inspiration to be sure. I believe you Are fulfilling Gods plan just by all that you do, just as Dianem said. Thank you. I love that you enjoy doing agility with your dogs - puts a smile on my face all the time.
  • legaljen1969
    legaljen1969 Member Posts: 763
    edited November 2020
    Well, you inspire many and have definitely been a blessing in my life. I am definitely glad God let you stick around. Yes, it's for selfish reasons (somewhat). I am glad we have gotten to know each other.

    I, like you, went to my last scan (last year 2019's mammogram) thinking it would be like every other one and I would get the postcard that said "see you next year." I had no thought at all that cancer would be a part of my life.

    I too am glad that God has seen fit to let me stick around for awhile. So glad we have gotten to be "Friends" through this board.
  • Terri
    Terri Member Posts: 36
    edited November 2020
    God Bless you on your journey. You are a inspiration and are showing us the way forward.
  • Carool
    Carool Member Posts: 787
    edited November 2020
    Happy cancerversery! Many more!

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