I was in the hospital, awaiting surgery. The month before, a mass had been found in my colon.
At first the Gastroenterologist thought that the mass was an ulcer, but tests revealed that it was cancer. I was 36 yrs old, with 3 young children.
The surgery was considered a success. The mass, along with 28 lymph nodes, and 22 inches of my colon were removed. **At that time, the number of intact lymph nodes that had been removed was unheard of. Lymph nodes surround the tumor and usually disintegrate, causing cancer cells to migrate through the body.** I was given a 70% chance of living 7 years.
Isn't it funny (not funny ... ha, ha ... but funny strange) how life goes. I'm sure if you look back in your life you will remember a time that changed the way you look at things. There was a 7 year period in my life (my family's life) where terrible, tragic things happened. The funny thing about those things is how different family members reacted to them. My reaction has been to enjoy life more and the people who are in it. Yes, sometimes that is hard, people in your life don't always want the same things you want. But I learned to value and appreciate those who are here for the moment.
An example:
After surgery, I literally did not have the physical strength to do normal everyday tasks. I could not pick up my daughter who was 2. I could barely walk up a step. I could not push a shopping cart. Pride is a hard thing to swallow, It was hard to admit to other's that I needed help to do the simplest of things. I am so thankful for gracious friends who did those tasks, who called to check on me, even if they just left a message on the answering machine. There were people who I barely knew who fixed my family meals, took me to doctor appointments, who sent me a note of encouragement, a bouquet of flowers, and shuttled my older children to sports practice and school events.
Many of the people who helped me have moved on to other places. Some, I still hear from.
The point is, at least for me, Blogging friends are like those friend's I had 17 years ago. I really don't know who you are, but most of you, if not all, have encouraged me in some way. I read your posts and see what you are doing, even if I don't comment. (Part of that is my weird work hours.) At the end of the day, I just want to relax. Checking in on you (your posts) helps me unwind.
My celebration today ... is celebrating you! Thank you for your comments ( I wish you would do more!!), thank you for your interest in me and thank you for for sharing your world!
XOXO
~Vicki~
OKkkkkkkkkkkkkk...
So working long hours is making me go crazy! I just read through my blog and realized that I did not give the guidelines for the Giveaway.
First , you MUST be a follower.
Second, you must leave a comment.
Because I am working more CRAZY hours this week ( have to be out the door by 4am), I am keeping this Giveaway open until Thursday, April, 21.
I'm sorry if this has caused any confusion!
~Vicki~
Also ... I'm linking this post up to Debbiedoos Newbie Party.
At first the Gastroenterologist thought that the mass was an ulcer, but tests revealed that it was cancer. I was 36 yrs old, with 3 young children.
The surgery was considered a success. The mass, along with 28 lymph nodes, and 22 inches of my colon were removed. **At that time, the number of intact lymph nodes that had been removed was unheard of. Lymph nodes surround the tumor and usually disintegrate, causing cancer cells to migrate through the body.** I was given a 70% chance of living 7 years.
Isn't it funny (not funny ... ha, ha ... but funny strange) how life goes. I'm sure if you look back in your life you will remember a time that changed the way you look at things. There was a 7 year period in my life (my family's life) where terrible, tragic things happened. The funny thing about those things is how different family members reacted to them. My reaction has been to enjoy life more and the people who are in it. Yes, sometimes that is hard, people in your life don't always want the same things you want. But I learned to value and appreciate those who are here for the moment.
An example:
After surgery, I literally did not have the physical strength to do normal everyday tasks. I could not pick up my daughter who was 2. I could barely walk up a step. I could not push a shopping cart. Pride is a hard thing to swallow, It was hard to admit to other's that I needed help to do the simplest of things. I am so thankful for gracious friends who did those tasks, who called to check on me, even if they just left a message on the answering machine. There were people who I barely knew who fixed my family meals, took me to doctor appointments, who sent me a note of encouragement, a bouquet of flowers, and shuttled my older children to sports practice and school events.
Many of the people who helped me have moved on to other places. Some, I still hear from.
The point is, at least for me, Blogging friends are like those friend's I had 17 years ago. I really don't know who you are, but most of you, if not all, have encouraged me in some way. I read your posts and see what you are doing, even if I don't comment. (Part of that is my weird work hours.) At the end of the day, I just want to relax. Checking in on you (your posts) helps me unwind.
My celebration today ... is celebrating you! Thank you for your comments ( I wish you would do more!!), thank you for your interest in me and thank you for for sharing your world!
XOXO
~Vicki~
OKkkkkkkkkkkkkk...
So working long hours is making me go crazy! I just read through my blog and realized that I did not give the guidelines for the Giveaway.
First , you MUST be a follower.
Second, you must leave a comment.
Because I am working more CRAZY hours this week ( have to be out the door by 4am), I am keeping this Giveaway open until Thursday, April, 21.
I'm sorry if this has caused any confusion!
~Vicki~
Also ... I'm linking this post up to Debbiedoos Newbie Party.
5 comments:
That is awesome! Awesome that it was that long ago, and you totally beat that. 70% still was not bad though so you had that going for ya! I am glad you found blogging and I bet it is a wonderful outlet for you to share and meet new people. I celebrate you, and life!!~ XO
Enjoy the weekend.
Your blog always makes me smile and I have been through some of those times as well! When I was alone with a broken leg and 3 grands it was neighbors and a few coworkers who let my dogs out, took my oldest to and from the bus..until the bus driver heard about it, then she came to the house. Back surgery? No problem, people I didn't even know yet brought food every evening for dinner. We are blessed!
Thanks for this post today. My brother is dealing with skin cancer currently and sick from the treatments. You've given me renewed hope for his future. Congratulations on such a wonderful anniversary for you.
Thanks for sharing with my newbie party. Have fun!
Hi Vicki!!
HaPPy AnNiVerSary!!
I'm a new follower..would love for you to pop on over and give me a visit!
Sue
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