19 years ago TODAY!

[weisssoccermom]

I realized this morning that it was 19 years ago today, late on a Thursday afternoon that I heard those three words that no one wants to hear...."You have cancer". My husband was teaching an evening class at a nearby community college, the only child left at home was my then 15 year old son, who had just finished his first year of high school. Our other three children were either in college & working for the summer or already graduated working in their own jobs. I didn't want to bother them, especially when all i could do was cry, pace around and obsess with the idea that I was dying. We were getting ready to make our annual trip to our condo at the beach...it was an awful vacation because all I did was cry!!
Fast forward 19 years. I'm still here, even though I didn't opt for the radical surgery that all the surgeons pushed me to do. I've taught that 15 year old to drive, sent him off to college in 2009 and watched him graduate in 2013. He now lives nearby and fast forward to this Friday when my husband, myself and our youngest will once again head to the beach for the 4th of July holiday. My two older sons both got married and one has bestowed the title of MIMI on me...two adorable grandchildren. My daughter still lives in Denver and teaches in a local school system.
Getting a diagnosis of cancer is terrifying....our mind goes to the 'I'm going to die' aspect of it. I look at all the brave people across the world who battle cancer everyday....who subject their bodies to the sometimes unrelenting rounds of chemo, radiation and appointments....and I am amazed by the resilience of the human spirit.
I've made some very dear friends from this board and I've had to deal with death at a way too young age. This board has helped me so much. It taught me to speak up and have a voice with respect to my care It showed me what true courage really looks like and I learned first hand the real meaning of empathy.
To each of you today fighting this disease, do what is best for YOU. It's ok to take a break to spend time with your family. Make reasonable goals for yourself and be proud of yourself for attaining those goals. Love yourself and your family/friends and let them love you back! Smile once in a while, love and believe in YOU. To all of you fighting this battle right now, my thoughts and prayers are always with you. Finally...live everyday to its fullest! Bless you all!

[CRguy]

Peace Love and Harmony Jaynee

That is quite a Journey and you have been here giving back and helping out along the way.

Here's to MANY more years

Cheers on the Journey
CRguy

[weisssoccermom]

Thanks. I didn't realize you were just a year behind me! Its quite the journey we've both been on but I can't even begin to comprehend the scope of your journey being diagnosed as a stage 4!

I think back sometimes to all the people i have met BECAUSE of my cancer and my connection to this board. Way too many are gone now----Terry, Tammy Sue, Eric, Nancy, Belle, Gaelen & Eve...just to name a few. Im glad that I met (sometimes in person, sometimes just via this board) them and got to know at least a little about them....who they were, where they were from, what make them 'tick', etc.

I hope that you are enjoying your life now...spouses, kids & grandkids! While I'm sure you never will forget your own cancer journey....what it was like, how it affected you and those around you, etc....I hope that these past 18 years have treated you well and that you are today, enjoying life to the fullest!! Take care.
Oh and by the way, although I NEVER thought I would do it again, 8 years after losing my beloved Lesley and 4.5 years after losing Roxy, we allowed our hearts to open up again to another beagle in October 2023. We adopted Katie from the Seattle Beagle Rescue. She's come a LONG way...but she's still a scared of noises, jittery with most new people yet still remaining an energetic bundle of a howling beagle!

Take care.