There is no way to say thank you

[sandyr]

It has been a long time since I posted on the website. Not since those early awful days of diagnosis when everything was surrounded in fear and darkness. All of the things I was too scared to say out loud to my husband, I was able to say to this audience of amazing, knowledgeable, "in the trenches with me" people who embody this chat room. You are all extraordinary and my gratitude to you goes beyond bounds. You were there when it was all so new...when I tried to figure out what the CT scans were really saying...what those hazy spots on my lungs really meant...and did signet ring cell really mean that I had no chance.

So here I am today, 6 years later, and the BC Cancer Agency (filled with my angels and saviours) have said that they never want to see me again. We are done. I have graduated. The battle is over and I can go back to my life and to my children. And I am overwhelmed, emotional, elated and exhausted. But most of all, grateful.

My boys were so young when this journey started - and 9 and 6. And their energy and ability to force me to get up and keep going because someone had a game, a practice, a school recital, some crazy thing that needed me to be present...that is what kept me going. They didn't stop, so neither could I. And we got through it together, even though we never told them what was really going on because it felt too big, too scary. We couldn't even cope with it as adults; how on earth could they cope with it as children? We finally told them last year and it still cracks me up. Their reaction was so straight forward: "Wow - Mom! Really? Are you okay? Will it come back? Can we order more hotwings?" I love them for their very straight forward, black and white approach to the world. Now they are 15 and almost 13 - amazing, beautiful, notably more hairy children. And they make my heart swell every time I see them. And I know how lucky I am.

But I come back to this group. You are extraordinary. The support I felt from so many through my journey was amazing and humbling. So many people were incredible in their willingness to reach out to me, a total stranger, to help hold my hand and help me to just breathe - all while fighting their own battles. So many that I miss and am saddened to hear of their passing. I feel their presence and am so grateful to have had them as part of my journey. Words don't do it justice.

I stand here today as a stage 3 signet ring cell SURVIVOR (!!!!) and say thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are the most amazing, powerful, supportive group of people who embody this board and what it stands for. I owe you more than I could ever express.

With gratitude beyond words,
Sandy
Age 48
Diagnosed at age 42 with stage 3, signet ring cancer
Surgery, radiation, chemo
And it is all done

[Lee]

YES there are some amazing people here and this site is a wonderful source of information. I agree and thank you for your kind words.

And CONGRATULATIONS to you on reaching 6 years. That is a major milestone. May you always resides in NEDville.

Lee

[horizon]

It was great reading this. Congrats.

[KWT]

That's good news and great to read. Keep up the good work. Kicking cancers ass that is.

[canadiandaughter]

That is awesome news, congratulations, celebrate!!!! I agree, this board is amazing, so glad that you found it back when you really needed it!

[jsw7302013]

I just joined the forum & I'm so happy to hear of your 6 year signet ring cell colon cancer survival!
There is so little information out there about survivors. The research usually indicates poor prognosis.
I was diagnosed in July 2013 @ age 58 & had resection Aug. 2013. No additional treatment recommended.
Stage IIb, microsatellite instability & poorly differentiated.
Planning on living a long, cancer free life.

[CRguy]

There is no way to say thank you

You just did in my estimation !

One of the most important "messages" this forum sends to people is :
I am one of us/you
I have BTDT with you/us
here I am now ... with you/us

WE are ONE.... you and I.

By coming back to share and engage with others on the same Journey
you, and the others who keep coming back .. say Thank You ..every time
JUST by being here with us all as we continue on our own Journeys

JMO

CRguy .... ALWAYS on some kind of Journey

[justin case]

Today my wife got stuck on the other side of town. I tried calling her cell phone, to no avail. I knew she was trying to help a pregnant 16 year old girl in distress. I assumed she was disregarding my calls to avoid any concern I might have. Yes, I finally got the call she locked her keys in the car, in one of the worst neighborhoods in Houston! That was after a kind gentleman used a jimmy to unlock her car door, and give her access to the phone. Everyday is a reminder that something always lurks around a corner, and a Thank You could benefit people not yet encountered.
Thank You,
Michael

[orcasres]

What wonderful news. Have a good rest of your life. Lois

[Sharona]

Sandy,
Thanks for sharing you news with us! It is extra special because it ones at such a beautiful time of the year. You will always be one with us because of what we have all been though. Am celebrating with you!
Love,
Sharon

[mfox50]

Hi Sandy,

So happy for you! I'm new to Colon Club... I've found it very hard to find information since SRC is so rare, and your post gave me such hope. My husband was diagnosed recently with stage IVb signet ring colon cancer. His tumor was just below the cecum with 4 positive lymph nodes and seeding throughout the peritoneum. He's currently in the midst of 6 rounds of FOLFOX after which we hope he will have de-bulking surgery and HIPEC. Right now at least he is a good candidate as he has no other metastasis, so we hope that continues so that we can gain more time with the aggressive surgery. He is 49 and we have 3 boys... aged 9, almost 13 and 15, so he is determined to get as much time with them as possible.
Would love to hear any advice you may have for a newbie.

thank you!
Michelle

[hopeful]

Sandy, congratulation on making it through the trenches! 6 years!

[mrcytech]

Sandy, congrats on an remarkable 6 year achievement!!! This is awesome news, and inspiration for all of us.... Huge!!!