I am a 7 year cancer survivor

[RobiLee]

Seven years ago today, on my birthday, I got a phone call that would change my life forever. I was home alone and just getting ready to walk out the door to meet my parents for my birthday dinner when the phone rang. It was my doctor's office. The nurse was calling to tell me that my doctor wanted to see me first thing in the morning. Yes, the medical tests that I had recently had done had shown that I had cancer. I remember hanging up the phone and just standing there with my purse and car keys still in my hand. I remember sitting down on a chair that was beside me and just kind of letting my purse and keys drop to the floor. I'm not for sure how long I sat there before I thought that I better call my husband at work and tell him. I can't recall that conversation at all. I then went on my way to meet my parents for dinner and to give them the news also. I can't recall that conversation either. I was feeling numb and probably in a bit of shock.

I remember taking a couple of different cancer medications, going through two surgeries and then 5 1/2 weeks of treatments. I definitely remember every day of those 5 1/2 weeks. I remember joining a cancer support group where I met some wonderful people who were fighting their own cancer battles. I remember a few of those people not winning the battle. I remember noticing that some of the people there were fighting their second battle of cancer after the disease had come back 5 to 7 years later. I remember getting it stuck in my mind that if I made it 7 years that I would then consider myself a cancer survivor.

So I am here to tell you....

I AM A CANCER SURVIVOR.

I wish I was the kind of person that had some encouraging words of enlightment or some wonderful kind of "Ah Hah" moment that I could share with you, but I have not been able to find those words or to find that moment. I hate this dreaded disease. I feel like it stole a part of me that I just can't get back. It sent my life into a downward spiral and changed it forever.

BUT, I am still here to tell you....

I AM A CANCER SURVIVOR.


Thank you to my Pet Talk friends who have always supported me! Love Ya!

[kokopup]

Congratulations on reaching your 7 year milestone. I will be coming up on my 6th year cancer free next month. i don't know if i will ever get to the point of saying I'm a surviver without adding the number of years I have been free. My Doctors say the further you get past 5 years the less likely you are to have it come back. I will just be thankful a year at a time.

[Cinder & Smoke]

BUT, I am still here to tell you....

I AM A CANCER SURVIVOR.

Thank you to my Pet Talk friends who have always supported me!
Love Ya!

Luv Ya back!!

We all knew you could do it --- Keep up the Good Fight ---
We're ALL ***STILL*** with you!!

PS: HAPPIE BIRTHDAY !!

[chocolatepuppy]

Robin, I didn't know you then. But I have met you and I know you're a wonderful lady. Congrats on 7 years! You're a survivor!
Love ya!
break out the donut holes and celebrate!

[Alysser]

It's a tough thing to go through, but you did it! We're so glad you put up the good fight and are still here.

My mom and breast cancer and a milder form of skin cancer in 2005. It was awful but I am so glad she is also one of the survivors.

[anna_66]

Congratulations to you on this milestone dear friend! I'm glad your around to share this with us and I hope you'll be around for many, many, many years to come
I wanna grow old with you

[pomtzu]

Congratulations on this milestone - and you too kokopup! May you both continue down this wonderful path in life.

And if I may add this:
My best friend's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was in her 50's - had a mastectomy - and went on to live to the very ripe old age of 95!

A sadder note however, my father was only 70 when diagnosed with colon cancer, and lived less than 4 more months.

It's such a terrible and unpredictable disease............

Hoping and praying that you make it to 95!!!!

[Pawsitive Thinking]

"survivor" not a "victim" Well done you for putting up such a fight

[Queen of Poop]

Congratulations on making your 7 year mark!!! Very well done.
Happy Birthday too.

My aunt has lung cancer but is going to make her 68th birthday which she never thought she would.

[Medusa]

A very good friend of mine was just diagnosed w/breast cancer and she's in the state of shock that you referred to, Robin. It's so encouraging to know that you're a survivor and that all is well. I'll be sure to tell her that. Thank you for sharing your story. May your good health continue.

[moosmom]

CONGRATULATIONS SWEET LADY!!!!

I am ELATED for you, RobiLee!!! Anytime after 5 years is considered cured. My daughter is in her 19th year of remission from brain cancer AND is getting married June 4, 2011!!!

You are one of my favs, girl and I'm so glad that you can put this behind you. My daughter told me once, that though you are considered cured, there is always that little bit of "doubt" that it can reoccur. You and Amy will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

Love and hugs,

Donna and fur crew

[Anikaca77]

CONGRATS!

Prays that everything continues to go well for you.

Melissa

[MoonandBean]

Your post got me choked up; so glad that you chose to fight and make this milestone. Happy Birthday!!!!!!!

[Taz_Zoee]

I've been around here for about 3 years and I never knew this. I also got LES reading your words. I cannot imagine going through that.

I am so happy to hear it has been 7 years and you are happy and healthy.
Congrats!!

[krazyaboutkatz]

Congrats!!! I too hope that everything goes well for you in the future and that you contninue to stay healthy.

My mom is a breast cancer surivor and I think it's been about 10 years now but she still has to take some medication as a precaution.