Reflections on my six year cancerversary
September 29th 2004. That day is etched on my memory. The butterflies in my stomach, the conflicting emotions, as I waited for my surgery. A week earlier I had been hit by the metaphorical juggernaut of those words “you’ve got cancer” and now here I was dressed in my surgical gown saying goodbye to my right breast. Was life about to change forever?
Fast forward six years and here I am quietly celebrating the fact that, well…here -I-am. Earlier I re-read the reflection I wrote this day last year and its celebratory tone, which is lacking this year. Today my reflections are tinged with sadness and loss.I am still grieving the baby I lost in August and I am also mourning the passing of Christine. As I reflect on all of this, I am reminded once again of the rollercoaster journey of emotions – the ups and downs, not just of cancer, but of life.
Well done on your sixth anniversary of beating cancer.
Life is a journey full of ups and downs, and now is the time to appreciate what you have achieved.
I make six years in November after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2004. It hasn’t all been plain sailing but I am very grateful for my life today.
i made a DVD cancer- What Now? to help people dealing with cancer in Australia http://www.cancerwhatnow.com.au/
I too have a blog The Good innings where i often talk about cancer issues http://goodinnings.wordpress.com/
Graeme Goodings
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Hi Graeme, thanks for dropping by and for the link to your DVD and blog. I look forward to checking out. Warmly, Marie
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Oh, gosh, what to say??? I hope you will be able to take inspiration from your own blog posts, Marie, and celebrate the cancerversary. As you often say so well, life is for living and yes, it does have its ups and downs and let’s hope the next year brings lots more ups and happiness to you. I think joy comes when we often least expect it and who knows what the rest of this year and 2011 will bring but lets look forward to lots of happiness,
Lorna xx
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Aw thanks Lorna – that is just what I needed to hear xxx
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Marie,
A day of celebration indeed!! While I am so sorry you have had to walk the cancer journey and the loss of a child, I stand in awe how God has used your life (with the hills and valleys) to inspire, educate and encourage so many lives.
The emotions (happy and sad) are an indicator that you are alive and LIVING!!
My prayers continue with you on this road of healing!
Blessings-k.
Ps. I am also very thankful for the blessing of your friendship through bloggersville!
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Kim, thank you so much for that wonderfully uplifting message and I am taking as my motto today, your words: The emotions (happy and sad) are an indicator that you are alive and LIVING!!
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Reading your post gives inspiration to those of us recently diagnosed like myself. It is nice to read about others who are accomplishing so much and living life so fully on “the other side.” I’m sure today is a very emotional day for you thinking back on that time. Remembering is hard, but important. Sorry about the loss of your baby, remembering that must be extremely painful as well, but also necessary. I intend to focus on grief in my blog as well as cancer. I hope you can check it out sometime and give me your thoughts. Be extra kind to yourself today. Nancy
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Just want to endorse what others have said here – you are a true inspiration to those of us who are just starting out on this journey.
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Congratulations on 6 years in remission Marie and may you enjoy many more years of health and happiness
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You have been such an inspiration to me as I have journeyed along the same path. Thanks for all you do and happy cancerversary!
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Hi Marie,
Congrats and best wishes, I didn’t know of your other blog, though I’ve often read some of the posts.
Infertility is a terrible, terrible thing, it effects one in six couples.
The longing for a baby consumes your life and it takes a long time to come to terms with. (I speak with some experience)
Keep your chin up and enjoy your celebrations.
Niamh
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Marie,
I, too, am six years out this month. While my life bears no resemblance to the one before breast cancer, and I consider cancer a gift in many ways, I don’t celebrate my cancerversary. I do celebrate new friends, like you and women like Nancy who are new to our journey, and I thank God for His grace and for drawing close to me.
Aside from my church family, the breast cancer sisterhood is the most loving and caring group I’ve ever met. We rally round one another with an understanding that goes unspoken. I was at a breast cancer bike ride in Austin, TX, Saturday, and literally, within 60 seconds of meeting, a woman was telling me about the difficulties of vaginal dryness–a conversation I wouldn’t have had with my girlfriends. The sisterhood cuts to the chase on so many levels that lifts us higher than we could go by ourselves.
I hope you continue to heal over the losses you’ve experienced this year. They’re major life events, and I grieve for you.
XOXOXO,
Brenda
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Blessings to you Marie. May you continue to heal from your losses. Take time to grieve them as they are profound losses but don’t forget to celebrate all the love that is in your life xxx
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Dear One,
August was just a handful of days ago..you need to grieve to heal..follow your own time schedule. You’re in my prayers and always on my heart. xoxoxoxx-Michele
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Thank you sweetie and for all your support…still believing in everyday miracles, thanks to you xxx
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Wow Marie 6 years! Life is for living huh!!! Sometimes it does make a turn on us that just doesn’t make sense. I said to you a little while back Nothing is impossible with God and Marie I still believe it. Do not give up hope!!!!! I believe that one day you will receive that bundle of joy that you will hold in your arms.
Boy I sure can’t tell you why, however it sure is making us stronger huh??? Do not give up!!!!! Never Give up!!!! You are my sister my friend Don’t give up your hearts desire. God sees all. Love to you Marie! Luann
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My dear Marie,
First congrats on your 6 year cancerversary. I completely understand the roller coaster ride and really I think most of life is that way. Sometimes I find that when things seem the worst it is the time in my life when things will soon be getting better. I try to remember that I have climbed my way out of the trench before, with the help of my family and friends and faith, and I know I can do it again.
You posted something by Therese Bouchard about a ‘relapse’ in depression being called that because even though you are back in the pit it is different from the last time. You are at a new starting place, you have new things to learn and new things to apply to this journey that you learned on the last dip in the roller coaster.
I am believing for great things for you. You have done so much for so many people and I hope that you can find some fulfillment in that knowledge. And I hope you can get that truth deep down in your soul, you are a gift to all of us and for that I am so grateful.
All my love to you, Deb
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