4 year stage IV cancerversary

[Bev G]

Tomorrow will be the 4th anniversary of my diagnosis of stage IV colon cancer. If feels like it has been forever, and realizing this causes me to consider, once again, the plight of my many friends with cancer who have been actively in the fight since diagnosis. For whatever inexplicable reason since recovery from my liver resection, which was albeit incredibly slow, and my "mop-up chemo over the following 6 months or so, I have had it incredibly easy, yet it still feels like it has been forever. I have been cancer-free since the liver resection which was done with "curative intent", and it seems that it might have worked.

I have made some astonishingly loving and wonderful friends, and have lost far too many of them. My heart has broken so many times I am quite sure it will never be the same, but then, it wouldn't be right if it was.

Four years ago I was given a 6% chance of surviving 5 years. My oncologist told me that the very best my odds would ever be would be 60-80% five year survival. Given that, I have a 20-40% chance of dying in the next 365 days. Well, whatever. All anyone can ever do is the best they can. That's what I intend to keep doing. I am looking forward to the day that any of this makes any sense at all.

Love and heartfelt prayers to you all,

Bev

[edinaman]

Bev, what can I say but congratulations? You have been such a source of kindness and understanding on this board. If we have had to deal with cancer and all of its consequences, getting to know you has been one of the more positive experiences.
Jeff

Also, may this coming year be a positive one for you and Steve and your family.

[PGLGreg]

Four years ago I was given a 6% chance of surviving 5 years. My oncologist told me that the very best my odds would ever be would be 60-80% five year survival. Given that, I have a 20-40% chance of dying in the next 365 days.

You're probably kidding, but no, your chance of surviving another year must be better than 60-80% now, given that you already survived four years. Maybe someone who knows more about probability could make a numerical estimate.

Congrats.

Last Monday, it was eight years since my LAR.

[kmv]

Congratulations! Your story is encouraging and comforting. Thank you for all of the support you provide on this forum. I am only a few months into my journey, and looking forward to my surgery early next year. Praying every day for a cure.

[Mommato4boys]

Congratulations! You are inspirational and so helpful on this forum. I hope your husband is doing better and that you're settling in to the east coast.

[hansmils]

Wow, Bev your story is amazing. My dad was recently diagnosed with colon (or stomach) cancer they aren't sure of the origin in february. What have you done over the past 4 years that helped?

[LKGower]

Congrats on making 4 years bev! x

[orcasres]

Or more appropriately you have a 60-80% chance of being alive in 365 days; and as you know the longer you go the better those odds get. And besides you have been challenged by being a caregiver as well in those years.

Congratulations on getting to this day and to many more to come.

Best regards, Lois

[skypup]

Dear Bev,

I don't know how to even begin telling you how happy I am to celebrate this anniversary with you. Your constant kindness is a gift to all of us on CC. Your strength as a caregiver is amazing. Your knowledge, that you show up and share so generously, is such a great resource to the community. In short, you just give and give and give. If there is a god who keeps score, then it is no wonder you have beaten the odds for this four years. And if there is karma, you will have many, many more.

With love and gratitude,
Your Skypuppy

[DogMom]

Congratulations!! What an awesome post and inspirational story.

[WorriedWife]

SO great!!!! Perfect reason not to listen to stats for everyone

[jacekica]

Dear Bev it is so great, congratulations!!!

[Marian1961]

Congrats! And thank you for sharing such a positive story, it really helps get through those hair-pulling days.

[beth568]

Bev, I'm not usually one to think this way, but in your case I feel like the universe knew that you'd have something significant to give, and that lots of us needed you to stick around. And here you are. Your warmth and compassion have helped so many people here - you are a blessing for us.

I'm not on the boards that often these days, but I still check in, and when I do, you're one of the first people I look for. I'm hoping for many more cancer-free years for you, and some peace and healing for your family.

[cashmere]

Bev,

That is such wonderful news!! Your survival of this cancer among other things in your life has been a gift to us on the colon club. Your wisdom and compassion are amazing!! Keep up the great work!! Pearl