it's five years today

[teachpdx]

Skypup - you are such an inspiration to me. I am in the process of healing from my surgs and reversal and you are inspiring me to go out and hike. I hiked alot before cancer and have found the road back much slower than I had anticipated. But I'm going to just keep hiking with my 11yo Belgian sheepdog and my newer almost 2yo 1/2 yorkie & 1/2 schnauzer. I'm still able to laught at the little one as she jumps at shadows and other assorted things young dogs get spooked by. She is also rather short so things may appear more scary to her. My belgian Bella took a very long time to not freak. She changed at about 8yo and became much more friendly to strangers. God's Peace and Congrats

[CRguy]

Well done.

The drive for five
and stayin' alive.....
cue the Bee Gees
happy dancin' time is here !

Cheers, and heres to the next five !

[southernkiwi]

Hope you have a great day, with good company. And many happy returns.
I'm just at the 5-year mark too, and right with you on the bittersweet. I somehow thought that when I got to five years, I'd be out of the woods. But here I am, still in the woods, mindful that you can learn a lot in the woods, but also wishing I could choose my own path. Actually I'm looking at a beautiful harbour on a perfectly calm mid-winter's day - the metaphorical woods can wait!

[Asterix]

Congratulations on the 5 years. I hope you make it many more.

[secriswell]

Congratulations! And, at the risk of sounding selfish, I needed to read something like this today.
S.

[kiwiinoz]

Skypup
Bittersweet huh? Kind of get you on that one but I'd try to focus on the achievement of hitting 5, playing with the odds and just being here to feel the bitterness with it.
Hope I am here to celebrate my 5th, and that you are here to cheer me on as that will be almost be your 10th.
Sit back and enjoy the day for what it is. That is no mean achievement you have so take the time to be you.
Kiwi

[Rob in PA]

I know this will sound odd to some -- and I hope not to offend you, Skypup, or anyone else.

To me, cancer and other health issues have been, in many ways, a "gift". A total type-A, I have learned to slow down, smell the proverbial roses, count my blessings, forgive, let go of unimportant things, etc. So many of the things you said in this remarkable post ring true with me.

Skypup (a Blue Heeler???) is beautiful.

You are in my prayers!

I was going to write a similar post. Though I would use the word opportunity rather than gift.

Ditto that for me... Sometimes my friends "yell" (i'm exaggerating of course) at me for being so dang perky and optimistic, it absolutely drives them crazy...especially when they have a "minor" problem such as their car not starting or some critter ripped their garbage bag open before the garbageman came and they had to clean it up. Awww, such a shame I tell them with a smile on my face. How did they ever get through the ordeal of cleaning up a couple pieces of garbage! They usually pause, think about what they just said and who they said it to and apologize. Know what i tell them? "Don't apologize to me because i've been given the opportunity to smell the proverbial roses, count my blessings, etc..." It's all a matter of scale and their problems and my problems are still problems, just on different scales. I don't make light of their problems just as i don't expect them to pity me for my problems.


Now, back to the issue at hand.....WAY to Go SkkyPupp!!! Happy 5th!!



Rob

[Guinevere]

Way to mess with the stats, Skypup!! Congrats and I'm glad you've made the decision to only have people in your life that are truly there for you. Celebrate! You've earned it!

God bless ~
Guinevere

[skypup]

Thank you, everyone! This has been better than a birthday!

[pollo65]

Skypup,
FIVE YEARS what an achievement and still hiking mountain trails. I applaud you and send you all love and energy to keep knocking those stats on their butt. You are an inspiration to all of us and especially to us stage 4s. I especially appreciate your feelings about your wonderful companion and fellow hiker, may you two have many more years of hiking.
pollo 65

[jean60]

Congratulations, Skypup!!!!!
I agree with Julie, you do personify grace and truth. Add me to the long list of folks who really admire you.

Jean

[LKGower]

Yay to the 5 year mark! I hope one day to be like you. You give us hope! Lisa

[mountainviewdiva]

My son is also metastatic 4th stage advance cancer. He is getting ready to do Erbitux, Folfox on Monday.

I hope he does well. I would like to know which immunotherapy trial did you participate in.

I believe immunotherapy is the way to go.

[skypup]

Oops...

[Mommato4boys]

Congratulations! !! So glad you were able to have a nice dinner with a true friend. Your " puppy" is so lucky to have you to love him ! Enjoy celebrating!!!
Debbie