Eight Years Ago Today

[weisssoccermom]

I've started this topic a few times...not really knowing what to say. I think it's fair, however, to say that when anyone hears those words 'you have cancer'....it throws you into a new realm...one which we don't welcome but we are a part of nevertheless.
Cancer can and does wreak havoc on our lives. It robs us of our privacy, changes who we are and how we look at life and forces us to allow others to sometimes be in control. Sometimes we 'lose' our friends and family members but other times, we gain so much more. Had it not been for this forum and the friendships I have made on this board, I'm not sure what I would have done.

I didn't join this board until after all my treatments were finished but wished that I had. It's hard to go through all of this alone without anyone to ask questions of and just vent/cry with. Along the way, I've made some wonderful friends and unfortunately, lost a few of them as well. However, I wouldn't have given any of it up for anything in the world.....what I have gained in knowledge and in personal growth is far beyond anything that cancer can throw at me.

When I found out that I had cancer, I set goals and I've achieved those. I taught Erik (youngest) how to drive and watched him graduate HS and set off to college.....and last May, I was there as he received his BS degree. I've seen my eldest son get married (but no grandmunchkins yet....argh!) and cried tears as my middle son moved first to Chicago and then later to Philly.

I'm not sure why I'm traveling down memory lane...but just wanted to say thank you to all of you on this board for allowing me to be a part of this community. I owe a debt of gratitude to all of you and a very special thanks to those who have traveled down this road before me who have imparted immense wisdom to me. I miss many old members....Brady, Pammy Sue, Mary Galaen, John603, Traveler, Starbuck, Justsing, KarMel, Jessica, Ashlee, Lauren and of course, my best friend, Terry.

Thank you all for being here and remember that cancer may be a part of your life but it doesn't define who you are as a person.
Jaynee

[skypup]

Congratulations on another good anniversary, and thank you for hanging around with us and sharing your knowledge and optimism!

[SkiFletch]

Amen and congrats on 8 years

[chrissyrice]

Jaynee,
I come here almost everyday since I joined too. I will be NED for 4 years after chemo on August 1st and with each year I realize more and more the many ways cancer has changed my life.
So much of what you have said is true for me as well.
We have lost so many dear ones that have helped me and I continue to find others that join and give me hope.

[horizon]

Wow, I found myself myself nodding my head in agreement for your whole post.

Congrats on your milestone!

[beccab1]

Congrats!

I remember when I was asking a million questions and you took your time to give me invaluable info. regarding radiation. You've always been a great source of info. and support for so many here.

[NWgirl]

You've been a tremendous help to so many here. I'm so glad you're still around to share your experiences and advice.

[Ajane]

Jaynee, congratulations on your eighth anniversary. You are such a blessing to this site. I'll never forget you how much you helped me days into hearing those awful words (it's hard to believe it'll soon be one year). I may not post very often, but nare a day goes by that I don't check in and check up on everyone here. I see you paying it forward all the time.

[Guinevere]

Congrats on 8 years! I don't know what we'd do here without you. Reading about what you've gotten to witness with your kids made me smile because so many of us use those milestones as goals for ourselves as well.

God bless ~
Guinevere

[Badass]

Jaynee, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Wishing you many, many more happy, NED anniversaries!

Jane (Rusuja)

[weisssoccermom]

Thank you all. This month has been a really tough month for me and I am about at the end of my rope. Hubby had back surgery on the 2nd and while I knew that I was going to be responsible for everything.....I guess I just didn't envision that lots of stuff would go 'wrong' in the ensuing three weeks! So, when I realized that yesterday was 8 years since diagnosis, well, I just started rambling and reminiscing. Sorry if I rambled....but I just got 'caught up' in all the emotions of the past three weeks and just let it all go. I do miss so many of the 'old timers' and don't like the fact that 'life goes on'. Sure, I know it does but it just seems wrong somehow.

To everyone on the board....I wish all of us lives, whether short or long, that are filled with happiness, the love of family and friends and most importantly a sense of peace that we have lived a good life and that in some small way, we have each contributed to the "betterment" of this universe. By experiencing all these things, we have all ultimately become better individuals and have left a wonderful and lasting legacy for our family and friends.

Jaynee

[CRguy]

Harmony …..and
Always on a Journey.

Just who we are and what we do here.

Cheers
CRguy

[Cured]

Congratulations Jaynee!!!
You have performed a wonderful service for us!
May God heal your husband and grant you many years.

[Cathie]

Not too many years after my dx I had a high school friend call me and she kept saying "you poor dear" I found it strange that she said it because I was well on my way to victory and I had told her that I was well and had been for a few years at that time. I told her that cancer gave me more than it took away....she didn't get it. All she could say was "you poor dear." I had to hang up on her because she just didn't understand that it gave me my life back, it gave me a faith in the one and only true God, It gave me the chance to "stop and smell the roses" it gave me a stronger relationship with my kids and family. Yes it made me sick and I lost my hair and I looked like a ghost, but today I feel blessed beyond belief. I too have seen my children marry and my grandson graduate from high school and go on to college. It's been 12 years for me and I get up in the morning and count the ways I'm blessed. There are too many blessings to count.

Cathie

[vancouver eve]

Eight years is a wonderful milestone to reach. Cherish your good health now and live life to the fullest.