Posted on 05/13/2008 6:14:09 AM PDT by commish
Today is a huge day for me - 9 years CANCER FREE.
On May 13, 1999 I was laying in a hospital bed recovering from cancer surgery to remove my right kidney, uretor and about 1/3 of my bladder. On that day I was given a new lease on life, and I cherish every single day the good lord gives me now.
No matter what you have gone through, no matter how many family members may fight this horrible disease, nothing will ever prepare you for the moment your doctor looks across that desk and utters those three chilling words, "You have cancer". You may think you are strong and are ready, but let me tell you, it feels like a sledge hammer in your gut and like someone has thier hand around your heart, squeezing the life out of you.
I am one of the lucky ones. MY cancer was a Grade 3 tumor (the worst) and I was just extremely lucky it had not metastisized and spread. After the intial shock I asked "well, what is the plan" and the doc told me "Surgery as soon as possible if you want to live until Christmas". The type cancer I had - Transitional Renal Cell Carcinoma - is not treatable, the tumor has to be removed before it spreads or it is a death sentence.
It is truly a silent killer too. I had no idea this tumor was growing inside me. Luckily I jostled the tumor while doing my yearly PT testing for the Air Force, and when I used the bathroom I was staring down at a bowl full of blood. The was no pain, no warning, no illness, nothing.
To think that I was within 6 months of being dead and I did not know it is a very sobering and eye-opening experience. I now thank God for every day I have on this planet, and I cherish every moment with my family and friends. To think of all the things I would have missed makes me truly realize how precious our time here is.
I know a lot of you have fought cancer or have family members fighting cancer or have lost friends and family. I ask all of you to take a step back today, tell those people you love them, look at your scars and thank the lord for thier beauty because that scar means you are still here for your family, and live every day to its fullest. Never give up, never lose hope, and always know that each tomorrow you are given is a wonderful gift. I look at the scar that runs from my spine, across the bottom of my ribcage, around my abdomen and down to my groin every day in the mirror, and I thank the good Lord for that wonderful scar.
I would like to thank all of the Freepers who prayed for me, called me, sent me cards, and visited me in the hospital back in 1999. Your love and friedship meant so much to me back then.
I tried to find the original prayer thread to link it, but could not. I could not get my history to go back that far for some reason.
God makes no errors.
His plan for you is not finished yet.
Thanks for reminding us of His goodness and care for each of us.
You are blessed. Good for you. Wife’s uncle has lymphoma, only 42 YO. I pray he can recover as well.
I actually recall that thread. I used a different nic then, and don’t even remember what it was now.
Congratulations on living!
PS: there is no easy way to go back and find threads that old. The needed links are broken somehow. Perhaps John Robinson could dig into archives for you, but I am pretty sure that there is no way to do it without Mod assistance of some sort.
YOu will be in my prayers Carolyn.
God bless and keep you running. Glad to hear this news!
I know what you going thru..much love
Great to read good news. Prayers for all.
God bless and keep you running. Glad to hear this news!
Carolyn
Carolyn
Yup you’re right... I try to live one day a time because one day alive is a gift from God. Besides she’s told ALL of her friends and neighbors that I’m in school and getting excellent grades *LOL*
Congratulations!
I’ve been cancer free since my bone marrow transplant on November 26, 1991.
God does indeed answer prayers! We’re living proof of that, friend!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.