Five years out....

[Staci's team]

Today's a big day, at least mentally....and yeah, I've already had a couple flat-out bawling sessions. Here's what I wrote on Staci's CaringBridge site and on Facebook earlier this morning. For you newbies, and there's a lot of you lately....know that there is indeed hope. Often, the "here and now" is a period of major sucknitude, as CRGuy would put it, but it can and does get better.

Time....the stuff of clichés

“Time stood still.” Like the day when Dr. Evan’s kind eyes betrayed him just before he said “Staci,it’s cancer,” immediately sending both of us into a world full of doubt and fear. Talk about a moment indelibly frozen in the memory bank.

“Time flies.” Yes,that too….especially when you realize that it was five years ago today that we heard those words. Really? Five years? Already?

Five years. So many memories made as a family during that time – some great, some not so great, but everyone of them an integral part of who we are today. Our kids have gained wisdom beyond their years, no longer gawkers at those who are a little different – like those who have an ostomy but still wear a bikini, such as their mom long before the latest viral Facebook sensation, or who have an artificial limb, or an eye patch, or a bald head – and understand that just happens to be someone else’s “new normal.” I’ve learned that Google isn’t always a good thing, that I’m not smarter than a surgeon trained at Harvard and Duke no matter how much I read, and that every day the fear and uncertainty get a little further in the rear view mirror.

And Staci? She doesn’t want accolades, but the way she faces every day with grace and determination is a lesson we would all do well to learn. She just keeps on going, plugging along through everything that happens. There’s been lots of pain, both emotional and physical, in these past five years, but she’ll never show it – she’s kept her game face on this whole time and just keeps dealing with whatever it is that the “new normal” delivers.

So to my wife, happy fifth anniversary of survivorship! I’d wish for it to never have happened, but then I wouldn’t have the pleasure of being able to hear you say “cancer, you definitely picked the wrong chick.” As Darius Rucker said so well back when he was still Hootie,

With a little love and some tenderness
We'll walk upon the water
We'll rise above the mess

With a little peace and some harmony
We'll take the world together
We'll take them by the hand

I can’t wait to see what the next five years brings. Cancer, you can kiss her surgically repaired ass!

[NWgirl]

Love you both so much. Wishing your family many more cancer free years together!

[CRguy]

Nicely put Chris.

Best wishes to your whole "team" on the .....
drive for five and stayin' alive !

That IS a very significant milestone,
and cheers to many more milestones !

In Harmony
CRguy

[exaussie]

Wow so awesome and beautifully written. We are one year in and so love hearing from 5-10-15 year survivors!

[hart2hart]

Congrats Staci!

What a BEAUTIFIL family you have!

Keep building those Wonderful memories!


Love,



Julie and Pete
Stamford, CT

[beccab1]

Very well written!! Congrats to you both

[FindTheBestHelp]

Hi Staci is there any way to send questions thru direct messaging to you? we are going thru a similar situation and could use some experienced advice.

[CRguy]

Go into the post above and under the member's name you will see a small button labelled PM. Click on that and compose your Private Message, then click on SUBMIT to send it to Chris aka Staci's team (( who is Staci's husband and a Board member on the ColonClub ))

[Cathie]

This post made me smile and tear up a bit. I do love a "love story." But I really love a "survivors love story" even more.

Blessings

Cathie

[smudgesicle]

What a lovely post. Happy 5 years Staci & Chris!

[WifeOfMike]

That was VERY touching & Inspirational!
Congratulations Staci & Chris! Wishing you many more years of Happiness together

wife of Mike,
Vicki