Suviving Cancer for 13 years..

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  • farila_1966
    farila_1966 Member Posts: 224
    edited July 2011

    I haven't been on the support board too often recently. Life has been hectic as I am trying new venues and studying again. Not easy at the age of 44 but not that tough either. I have added two more years to my survival and have reached the landmark of 15 years. Sharing my blog with you here.

    15 years ago when I walked in to the hospital to be operated upon for the removal of breast cancer tumor, I never imagined I will be blogging about it after 15 years. I did not know computers, I did not know blog and had not much hope of surviving this terrible disease back then.
    Today I am grateful to God and all the people around me who have in some way or other contributed for my survival today. Yesterday, while celebrating a party for Farheena, I all of a sudden remembered it is my BC anniversary. Lately I have been living in a way that I have almost forgotten that I had once been through cancer.
    I am busy getting my son into a final career oriented course, getting my daughter ready for her adult life, being focused on what I need to do for my own self actualization etc. Mere survival is not important anymore. As for me I want to finish my M.A (Psychology) and then go for PhD. The goal itself is so motivating for survival. After giving up my studies when I got married according to the wishes of my parents, I never imagined to take it up after 23 years and that too ààsuccessfully. So far my results have been very good. When I think back on the day I went for my surgery I now realize that God had better plans for me than my prayers to him.

    For all those who are going through tough times, my advice is to hold and hang on to anything (even the last straw if possible) until the good tide comes over. God has much better plans for you at times than the best of your prayers.

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  • dreaming
    dreaming Member Posts: 473
    edited July 2011

    This year it will be 18 years since my diagnosis,there were losses and gains, several biopsies, I thinks my gains list is larger, I became a volunteer in a cancer center to meet cancer patients, before I had never met one, I became with the founders on National Breast Cancer Coalition an activist and advocate, we rocked the medical and political establishment, we champion new laws to help and protect cancer patients,new research, medicines.

    I was able to meet people that became dear friends that without my cancer I would have never met,

    I started a new life,single,a new career in the medical field that I love.

    I learned to have patience,and not to be a perfectionist,My faith in my religion has grown . I know that  a recurrence can strike any time, but  I do not think about it,

    I had this "extra" years to see my children became adults,get married, grandchildren, God gave this opportunity and I believe I have to return the gift ,by helping with my advocacy .

    I had always lived a full life, traveled and lived all over the world/ But with my diagnosis I learned to take baby steps,walk slowly, that I do not miss anything.

    I do not forget the warriors that lost the battle. I was never depressed or sad during my treatments, my doctor put me on anti depressant asap.

    I believe I started to get better when I went to the Mass for the Sick and was anointed, I felt this peace invading my body. It really helped , my body, mind and spirit, I had filled for divorce after 25 years of married life and during mass I was convinced it was a good decision, specially because I had no plans to marry again.

    I am grateful to my children, support group, my medical team, friends,and above all, God.

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