8 years, Tonight
It's been a quiet, peaceful day. My cats are curled up in their favorite spots. A cool, balmy breeze is blowing through the room as I sit here remembering the 7th year anniversary like it was last night instead of last year. Time, it seems, can be very fluid. Days can be years, and years only a day.
I had a blood draw yesterday for my every-6-months onc visit. For the first time since finishing chemo (Jan. 2006) the draw was made from one of the veins that was used for chemo. Those poor veins were so damaged that it has not been possible to access them. Yesterday the vein popped right up and the draw was flawless. Go figure. Why do I care about that? I don't know... it feels like a sign of healing perhaps.
So I came here tonight to spend a few minutes with those who can understand. Seems like the best way to share the experience of still being in this world. We don't take things for granted, do we? Sending love to all of you. G.
Comments
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Congratulations on 8 years! One year ago today I received the radiologist's call that I had cancer. In some ways it seems like a lifetime ago, in others it feels like only moments have passed. Thanks for sharing your milestone and letting me piggyback. Tonight I'm grateful that I'm doing well at this point; thinking of those who are in the early, scary days of diagnosis and those who are currently in active treatment; and honoring all whose treatments failed them. May the next year bring us all good health and happiness.
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Gitatane, that was lovely to hear. Thank you for sharing with us - it also brings encouragement.
Warmly,
The Mods -
Gitane, you are an inspiration on these boards, especially for the ILC ladies. Congratulations. Thanks for checking in and please continue to do so.
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Congratulations, Gitane, on another year of health and healing. Every small healing (like your vein) is a victory. It is wonderful for all of us to hear EIGHT years, too!
Catherine
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Congrats and thanks for giving the rest of us hope.

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Gitane - Three years ago, you were the first ILC'er to give me hope! I'm so glad that you continue to share your story and inspire us.
Edited for grammer
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Gitane. As a newbie on this forum. Your post of 8 years is great to see. As you can see below I am very new to all this and am currently day 11 TC cycle 1
Thank you for giving me proof of hope
Hope We are all still around 10 years from now to keep paying it forward xx -
Congrats on 8 years and thanks for being an inspiration. Hugs
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WOOOOHOOOOOO!!!
Inch by inch, day by day till they find a cure for this stupid cancer!!!
Congrats to you and may you have many, many more years to share.
(I am shocked that you get an every 6 month blood draw?! I had one draw through this whole experience.)
I read all your posts and you are amongst my favorites to hear from. Your day sounded very peaceful and refreshing!!
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Congratulations!! That is wonderful news and I'm so happy that you shared that with all of us. I think of you often.
Take care,
Nancy
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mucho good wishes. This is 1st time checking in, in years?? My CSI show was pre-empted by Komen horn blower, and I thouhght, wow, my 5 yr coming up. Thank you for being there, Gitane. We never know who we touch thru this...
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dianon: Been a while! So glad to "see" you again. Congrats on those 5 years. Hope all continues to go well for you.
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Congrats Gitane on a very special anniversary! I am so happy things are going well for you and look forward to hearing ongoing good news for many years to come! Keep enjoying those cool, balmy breezes and wonderful peaceful days. We can learn alot about just relaxing and being in the moment from our kitty cats can't we? My dear Socks kitty is now in her 21st year and still manages to climb up in my lap for some cuddle time and sweet purring sessions. She can make the stress just melt away!

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Hi LindaLou, Thank you so much for these good wishes. Means a lot to hear from those I've encountered over the years on this site. Let me say here, since I didn't say it before, how happy I am to read that the CT gave you good news. You have been in my thoughts often. I've had my fingers and toes crossed for you. Yes, I think my cats keep me sane! Socks is 21? Makes me warm just thinking about how much comfort she must have been for you. You're so right, the stress seems to take a back seat when my cats are purring.
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Hi ILC Sisters,
Just checking in to say today marks my 7th year of surviving breast cancer. There have been many ups and downs but I'm currently having smooth sailing. Appreciate all the love and support you ladies have provided. I couldn't have made it without you!
Take care,
Nancy -
Wow, Nancy. Happy 7th year anniversary. Smooth sailing is what I like to hear! I hope we all live long happy lives and check in here years from now, old and feisty. Hugs, G. -
WOOHOOO, Nancy.
Congrats!!! I'm right behind you in April....
May they find a way to slay the beast!!!
Kisses to all of you ladies and the support you provide on line. -
Thanks for your kind responses Gitane and Wallycat!! We three have been at this for a long time and I really appreciate your support. Not many of us old timers check in anymore......so glad I have you two:)
Love you,
Nancy
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