Reflections........ on surviving Pancreatic cancer for 4 years
Today is June 16th, 2012.
It has been 4 years since I was told that I had Pancreatic cancer. So today I celebrate the fact that I am ALIVE and beat the odds that were given me...6 months.
My journey has been a long road, but one I would not have changed for the world. That may sound odd to most, but this has literally been a life changing experience.....spiritually, physically, emotionally. But it made me figure out who I am..... I found my inner light., which had seemed to go out some years ago. Now armed with my new found faith, some divine intervention ...I have the determination to beat this vicious disease.
I have been truly blessed to have met some of the most special people.on my journey.....Cindy and Pete, Joe and Lois... These folks helped me to regain my faith :), Stephanie, Pam and Gary, Doug and his Dad, Patrick and Sherry and so many more. I have lost many, but am truly blessed to have had the privilege to have these folks in my life...if only for a short time. I cannot say how much I enjoyed you all and the time we were given with each other. You truly helped me enjoy one of the hardest times of my life. I do not know if that makes sense, but I figure I might as well enjoy the ride....and I did.
I have learned to take in life, not just let it happen and not get enjoyment out of it. Sometimes I have to remember this, but I learned that it is the small things that are the most important to enjoy.
I have pushed my body to it's limits....not only with chemo, but to see what it could do while chemo was flowing through. I have been able to keep up with some walking at first, then added going to the gym, then some jogging and now P90x...taking my time on this though. However this was a far cry from what I was like when I was first diagnosed.
Upon my diagnosis, I was so tired and could barely get out of bed. My big thing was to take a walk or try to do some weed wacking. but had no energy or strength. Even the first few months of chemo, 4 months to be exact, I was knocked down physically. But I still persevered on! I did not want the cancer to see that it had the upper hand. I did not want to show it (cancer) that I had any weaknesses. Mentally or physically.
I still have this attitude today. I am so proud so how far I have come through all of this! I am so Thankful to God, my family, especially my Mom, Dr. Levin, Dr. Vereault and all the other great Doctors and supporting staff that has taken such good care of me. I Love you all!!
I am strong and I feel that I have been given a second chance and I am going to make it count. I will do everything in my power to make sure that Pancreatic cancer gets noticed and a cure will be found! I have so many friends and fellow warriors that have lost their battles......I am carry the them with me everywhere and we will see a day when there will be no more afflicted by this disease.