Five-Year Metsaversary
Five years ago today the orthopedic surgeon cut into my back. He had to do a 8-screw, 2-plate repair job as cancer had eaten up my L5 and part of L4. I was not happy about the six-month rehab, but my MO who told me to think long-term was right.
Since then I've been around the world. I'm still working full-time. I live life pretty much like I used to (except for the exercise and weight problems). I've knocked some things off my bucket list, accomplished some major work projects, seen two grandchildren born. Cuties if I do say so myself.
Given that we all hit the bad-luck lottery, I'm the first to admit that I've been lucky. I've had few serious side-effects, I have the worlds-best husband and an extremely supportive workplace.
I've seen new drugs come online, and used one of them myself. Ibrance came along just as the hormonals were failing. We added it on and I got an extra year from Faslodex. There are more treatments coming every year.
To all you newbies here, you can do this. You can. There's no secret to share -- I just plug along as best as I can.
Comments
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Congratulations pajim!!
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pajim, I salute you and your five year anvinersary! (Intentinally misspelled just because!) It is a wonderful milestone to reach, and it sounds like you've approached your diagnosis in positive, realistic, hopeful fashion. Great words from your MO about thinking long term! I love that you received that encouragement. Congrats to you!!
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congratulations!! So inspirational
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May we all be as "lucky"! Keep on keepin' on, here's to another 5 and another 5 and....:-
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Congratulations! I'm so happy for you! And just a little bit jealous I hope that we can all join you in your luck! Yes, we're all unlucky, but if there's some luck in this unluckiness it's you
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Congratulations!!!
May you continue to embrace each day as you have been - one foot in front of the other...
Jen 🦋
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Pajim - Congratulations. I always appreciate your thoughtful posts and this one ranks right up there! Best wishes
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Congrats, Pajim! Excellent reason to celebrate. You have used your time well these last 4 years!!!! Love to hear what you have done since dx.
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So happy for you, pajim. And happy for all of us here who benefit from your generosity. Big hugs!!
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Pajim, Thanks for sharing this milestone! It helps to see people LIVING life! Wishing you many more years ahead!
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Congrats Pajim on achieving this milestone! Long may your good fortune continue!
You are one of my favorite posters, always insightful, full of good information and a realistic but positive attitude. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.
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Pajim!
I feel as if we are old pals. Guess we are, since we've been hanging out here for years.
I love your sense and sensibility, your clear-eyed approach to life, your kindness to others, your humor, your innate optimism.
Long may you wave!
Tina
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Ladies, that's all so nice of you! It's good to have friends, even virtual ones. I appreciate you too, all of you.
I've learned so much, not just tips and tricks, but how to cope and how to think and make decisions about the future.
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woot woot!! I love the 5 yr posts!! So happy for you! And you are so right...there is no secret...just plain damn good luck! I hope it continues for years and years and years!!!
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Marvelous, Pajim!!!!!
It's like pitching a no-hitter - I hope the unexpected success makes you smile every day!!!
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we are all celebrating with you :-
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Congratulations and thank you for sharing. May you have many more years to celebrate life
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Congrats and thanks for giving us hope.
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Yay pajim! You give many of us hope.
Warmly,
Mary
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Congratulations! I am so happy for you!! Hoping I get to the 5 year point also and beyond!
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Yea! It's so important to share your story. Sounds like we have similar paths: minus the grandchildren and world travel, but we just keep plugging away. Stick around long enough for there to be new treatments! I remember a friend saying that years ago, and I felt she was nuts, but it's true! Especially since you live so close the Boston area! Keep at it!
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