Forum Discussion
6 years and counting my blessings!
Six years ago today I received a phone call from the nurse at my GPs saying that my GP would like to see me that morning. I knew that this was probably not good news about the mammogram and ultrasound I had had the Thursday before. It was a very brief visit where I was to hear the words suspicious for malignancy and the start of a whirlwind change in life direction.
Today (exactly 6 years later) I also visited the GP but thankfully it had absolutely nothing to do with cancer or any ill health at all. Just organising some vaccines before a wonderful adventure later this year.
So today I feel so fortunate that the cancer was found when it was and that I am in a position of good health again now. 2013 was a tough year (mastectomy, Chemo, radio and the beginning of anti-hormone therapy) and there have been a few hurdles since then too, but right now I’m feeling so well.
When you finish active treatment you finally have time to catch your breath and it is that ‘what now’? feeling. I did not know how I was going to handle the side effects of treatment or how I was ever going to have any energy again! But with no choice but to keep putting one foot in front of the other, I slowly found my way.
What I have gained over that time is a new knowledge about what is important to me. Last year my husband and I made some major changes that enable us to spend more time and energy on the things that matter to us. Life has changed so much since that diagnosis. My daughters are now 26 and 24 and leading independent lives. We have lost my mother-in-law, who was such a support when I was going through treatment.
Life is short but oh so precious. Cancer (and treatment) took some of that time but has given me the determination to spend the rest of it wisely. I am so thankful to be living a life doing things I love with people I love. I know that it can all change in the blink of an eye but I won’t let that thought take away from the good things I’m experiencing today.
Thank-you for all the support I have received over the last 6 years. I joined BCNA just after my first chemo and I really don’t think I would be where I am today without that support. I still visit often and help out if I think I have something useful to offer. On the positive side, so many things have changed for the better since my diagnosis. I have real hope that soon this disease will be treatable for all. Take care everyone. xxx
Today (exactly 6 years later) I also visited the GP but thankfully it had absolutely nothing to do with cancer or any ill health at all. Just organising some vaccines before a wonderful adventure later this year.
So today I feel so fortunate that the cancer was found when it was and that I am in a position of good health again now. 2013 was a tough year (mastectomy, Chemo, radio and the beginning of anti-hormone therapy) and there have been a few hurdles since then too, but right now I’m feeling so well.
When you finish active treatment you finally have time to catch your breath and it is that ‘what now’? feeling. I did not know how I was going to handle the side effects of treatment or how I was ever going to have any energy again! But with no choice but to keep putting one foot in front of the other, I slowly found my way.
What I have gained over that time is a new knowledge about what is important to me. Last year my husband and I made some major changes that enable us to spend more time and energy on the things that matter to us. Life has changed so much since that diagnosis. My daughters are now 26 and 24 and leading independent lives. We have lost my mother-in-law, who was such a support when I was going through treatment.
Life is short but oh so precious. Cancer (and treatment) took some of that time but has given me the determination to spend the rest of it wisely. I am so thankful to be living a life doing things I love with people I love. I know that it can all change in the blink of an eye but I won’t let that thought take away from the good things I’m experiencing today.
Thank-you for all the support I have received over the last 6 years. I joined BCNA just after my first chemo and I really don’t think I would be where I am today without that support. I still visit often and help out if I think I have something useful to offer. On the positive side, so many things have changed for the better since my diagnosis. I have real hope that soon this disease will be treatable for all. Take care everyone. xxx
19 Replies
- That is so lovely of you to say, @Summerhill38. But you know there is absolutely no such thing as a silly question. Being there for each other is one thing that makes some sort of sense in all this. It is why I still frequent the network.
One day you see someone reaching out and struggling - a whole bunch of others help out - and then that very same person who was struggling is there helping someone the next moment. It makes me feel better about the world when you see people paying it forward, so to speak.
Take care. xxx - Congratulations @Deanne. You were one of the 2 people who supported me with clear honest answers to my silly questions when I began this road and I always smile when I see you are on-line. After all you have been through, the strength you display and the compassion you have shown to other ladies you deserve a magnificent holiday.You are a beautiful lady. Best wishes.
- Hi Michelle,
So lovely to hear from you! Sorry to hear that there is a medical problem in the family but great to know you are 7 years clear! Thanks for making contact. I am really looking forward to my adventure later this year. My hubby and I are making it our special 30th Anniversary celebration.
Take care. <3 Deanne xxx - Hi Deanne, so pleased to hear that you are thriving! I am not online much these days due to a medical problem in the family, but that 6 year milestone is wonderful news. It was 7 years for me last month and all clear, and it is lovely to see the familiar names posting and doing well. I wanted to tell you Congratulations and enjoy your holiday! Love, Michelle x
- Thanks @Brenda5. I had to rethink my goals and find a way forward on this new track that I had been pushed onto! I had to make life simpler because I couldn’t go back to what had been happening before. It has taken me a while to feel ok about that. This is the first year I have been able to plan something more than a few weeks in advance, so that feels better.
Hope that you are keeping well. Take care. :) - You are an inspiration to getting life back on track. <3
- Congratulations, your message made me feel so happy and positive. Keep enjoying life you have earnt it!
- I saw that story, too @deanne. The future does look more promising, doesn't it? What a wonderful post and kind of cool to be spending a little of your 6 year anniversary at the same place preparing for a new adventure. Best wishes and have a brilliant holiday.
- So Awesome to hear such good news. Congrats
- Awesome to hear this Deanne
