As of July 19, 2008, I became an official 5-year cancer survivor!

Four different chemo treatments, two different anti-cancer drugs, five years and ongoing injections of bone strengthening drugs, radiation two different times, mastectomy, breast reconstruction, lymphedema, 20 bone scans, 20 CT scans, 5 liver MRIs, bile duct surgery, skin problems, weight gain, early menopause, hair not as fabulous as before. In 2004, I was given two years to live (it's difficult to write that).

Here I am now...still on meds (yuck). There is no active cancer in my body. Blood work is consistently better than it's ever been (even before BC). I'm way stronger than I ever was (maybe not physically though). My faith in God has never been like this. He is my healer and has brought me through. I'm more independent than I ever thought I could be. I take risks now. I see more clearly...I look at simple things and thank God for the wonder of them...really puffy clouds, butterflies in my flowers, my daughter's laugh...(I know that all sounds corny).

I only have a couple of friends, but I know they are true friends who love me. They have stuck by me through the hell I was going through. A catastrophe in your life will surely let you know who your real friends are. You can add family members to that statement as well.

When I first got sick, I told everyone I ever knew. I called people I hadn't talked to in months, but I considered them my "friend." In-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins--they were coming out of the woodwork to sympathize with me. I haven't heard from 99% of them since then. They don't know if I'm alive or dead.

Carpe Diem! Spend time with your kids. Let your mom and dad, brothers and sisters know you love them. Wear your most expensive perfume every day if you feel like it. Buy that expensive chocolate and eat it all at once. Act silly if you want. Become a red-hot lover. Forget inhibitions--there's no time for that!

I'm sure that I'm healed from cancer. If given the chance, I would never want to do it again. It's horrifying. The only good thing that came out of it, is that it made me a more satisfied, humble, hopeful, forgiving and loving person. God can take what the devil meant for harm and turn it around for good.

Uh! Take that cancer! You lose!!!

wow! great story and good for you. keep on keeping on.

What an inspiring testament of how it's possible to take a terrible challenge such as cancer, and turn it into a positive, life-affirming thing.

Many, many more years of healthy and happy life to you, dustysgirl.

Thank you for sharing.

It is wonderful to hear a story like that with a positive outcome.



It is funny how something like that can show you who your true friends and family are.

It sounds like you are strong and positive and grew from the experience.

Bless you and your loved ones.

You're a warrior, lady!!!! How wonderful!

Beautiful!

so happy to hear that you are healthy and triumphant.

Wow.

I know what you've gone through. I was there with my mom when she lived with cancer. Wow...you're and God's work already made.

I am so happy for you. I remember when you told us you first got diagnosed.

I'm so happy for you dustysgirl! Life is such a joy! Moreso, because of people with stories like yours!


CONGRATULATIONS!!!

That is WONDERFUL news! I will add you to my list of thanks in my prayers tonight.

Wow, sounds absolutely awful, the best of health and happiness to you

I am so absolutely proud of you for the way in which you learned from this experience. You have been through a lot. Way more than the average person deserves or can handle. My prayers to you and your health that you continue living the life you are here to live

Very impressing

I am speechless!! Many more years of wonderful health!!!

congratulations on this very important milestone!
you certainly have been through it all. one doesn't
appreciate how utterly priceless our health is till we
don't have it. and i won't soon forget about the other
thread you posted a while ago. i wish you continued good
health, strength and joy that is humanly possible.

drink from the good glasses and use the nice towels!

dustysgirl said:

It doesn't sound corny at all...it brought tears to my eyes.

And Congratulations on being a survivor...your story gives hope
to others.