“Birthdays don't really matter much anymore ... for me, I sort of have a new birthday and that's October 2nd, the day I was diagnosed, ... the day we all sort of look to and mark these milestones by one year, two year, five year, 10 year. Hopefully, I have a 50 year.” Lance Armstrong
One year ago today, I was diagnosed with carcinoid cancer; the following day, I started this blog. Recently, somebody commented that perhaps Channeling Jackie-O had lost focus, "I mean - is it a cancer blog? a travel blog? a food blog?" I guess the answer is - it's all of those things, because although cancer has become a big part of my life, it has not consumed my entire identity.
One of the toughest things about this past year has been trying to lead a "normal" life - in between doctor appointments... my blog is a record of both the cancer, and life beyond the cancer. So here is to another year of colonoscopies and Sloan Kettering appointments, teaching and grading essays, traveling with friends and eating great food... here is to another year of celebrating life - one day at a time.
Happy Anniversary to you!! I'm glad you found this blog space to chronicle your life and experiences. Wishing you health and happiness always!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteI think your blog offers a nice balance of hope, life and information.
In the here and now, living life to the fullest, one sunrise at a time.
Your blog is inspiring and upifting!
Happy Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteThanks team! I am so lucky to have found you guys through this blog...thanks for the continued support. I sincerely appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteU r one great soul to look upon too.
ReplyDeleteStay strong and most of all, continue inspiring others.
Good luck and hang in there. I know what you are going through. I was diagnosed with a pancreatic NET one year ago. My new blog is at clevegilbert.WordPress.com.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cleve! I'll definitely check your blog - I've found it a great source of support and a way for me to continue to write... even if I feel lousy
ReplyDeleteDear Marlena
ReplyDeleteAs a very Long time fighter of Carcinoid Cancer a few suggestions
How was you the day before you were told you had Carcinoid Cancer? Did you feel like you were very normal living a normal life except maybe you had some health issues ?
I say all this because your still very much THAT person you were before you were told you have Carcinoid Cancer! Of course its a shock a emotional turn of life,but I am here to tell you,with help from my Good doc who I found almost 2 years after diagnoses and 5 years from when spots were first seen in my liver in 1997 in a ultra sound
All these Years i could have been wasting good life worrying about a part of my life called Carcinoid Cancer..But once I emotionally got better from being told I had cancer and it was Carcinoid ......I was able to live my life so much more,so much better,so much more enjoyed .....
Hang in there,the roads of life always have detours,,,its getting back on the main road that counts..I remember my first few months after Diagnoses it seemed I was always in some medical place ,hospital et c getting tests and rumors of tests ha!
SECOND OPINIONS ,EVEN THIRD OPINIONS ARE A GOOD IDEA NO MATTER HOW MUCH FAITH YOU MAY HAVE IN YOUR MEDICAL TEAM I SURE WENT FOR THEM and conferences too,your learn a lot if you can get to Carcinoid conferences
God Bless!
With Respect
Daniel D. winter coming back again ..dag gone that ground hog!
singing "Time is on my side " The Stones!
Thank you so much Daniel!! I was sick. So sick that when they found my appendix had grown into my abdomen they figured severe appendicitis was to blame for debilitating stomach pain and fluid in abdomen cavity.. My mom is disabled and had post polio so strange illnesses was a big part of my childhood so perhaps that's why it didn't change me. As I almost turn 40 I am grateful for my second chance! God bless
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