Two years already?

Getting incredibly serious for a moment-Glancing at another thread I realized today is HUGE-it's July 3,2008!

Two years ago today a slice happy surgeon cut out parts of my stomach in what would prove to be the continuation of a fright filled journey.

From November of 2005 to the surgery of July 3,2006 to the months and treatments after, I ran up a nice medical tab (although the one doctor has never charged me for the office visits). The bright side was the 67 pound weight loss. Finally, I had that slim body I'd long since forgotten-of course I also had dark circles under the eyes making me look like a raccoon. I also shrank a half inch in height.

Soon I was glowing in the dark and sleeping 10 hours a day and 2 hours at night, all the while discovering which foods were good for a reduced stomach when chemicals are pumped into the body twice a week. (There are approximately 357,685 ways to prepare mashed potatoes). Diet Dr.Pepper also helped. Ice cream, not so much-I grew to hate it. An allegry to both tea bags and Dove soap made the radiation burns more sensitive-but it was temporary.

Conversations would end abruptly as I hazed out from treatment and meds. It was however nice to see all the friendly faces of the visitors each day. People who didn't back away. (then again, maybe they thought I'd sign them onto my rent stablized apartment if they were extra nice). Speaking of which...


Slowly I came back to the living-which infuriated my landlady. She'd been hoping to get my apartment up to market rate. As I improved, the weight crept back and now I'm only 30 pounds lighter than I was before-and it seems to be holding.

Then the bills came in-who knew they'd charge? The free concerts that used to play when combining the 4 pills have also ceased but, all things considered, maybe that's not so bad.

Today, I seem to be clean, the bloodwork has stayed nice for just over a year and other than the occasionally returning nausea I feel great. I've even learned to sleep with the lights off again.




It's been an interesting jaunt so far-Cancer, ya gotta love it!


Happy July 3rd everyone!




(and my apologies to anyone who gets depressed by reality, I just wanted to take a moment to give thanks for these past two years. Have to go now, I've a few other boards to infest with this macabre cheer. Let my journey remind each of you that yeah, today might suck, but there could well be a tomorrow which might not suck-or at least not as badly.)

I am so happy for you. Does this mean in 3 more years you're officially cured? The strength it takes to battle cancer and its treatments is truly admirable.

Go out and celebrate. Oh, and hang on to that rent controlled apartment!

This is such great news. Im so happy for you. It takes a person of character and strength to go through what you have. Thank you for sharing this. A reminder that we should all be thankful for each day we are given.

Congrats!

You have my hopes for a continued, happy and healthy journey.


All the best!


(WOB is right. Hang on to that rent controlled apartment!)

Most excellent. I am a quiet fan of yours. I am very happy to celebrate your continuing existence.

Huzzah for slicing chunks out of Northland!!

(nice to have you with us, sir)

Cancers a bitch, so congratulations Northland!!

It takes a lot of balls to beat it, and I admire you for that

Thanks for sharing, and this is lovely news

Congruaulations on your continued good health.

You are what's called a survivor, Northland. Keep on survivin'.

I have to last another 3 years and 2 months according to the doctors-something to do with when my blood first cleared and that being where they start the timetable. After the surgery it took a few months of chemo and radiation before the damned stuff finally exited the bloodstream (and even then they kept zapping me with treatments). As to cure, that's open to debate-some argue that at 5 years it is cured, others stay with the idea of still being in remission. Get back to me on September 19, 2011 for my deciscion-that is the official date for the 5 years (seems a zillion years away still).

What strength? I got taken around from one place to the next, I got an insurance approved hospital type bed (which takes up half of a New York apartment), people did my grocery shopping, did my laundry, took me for treatment, got and paid for the cabs to the bank and other places (I always offered to pay, they always refused, in return I have bought a lot of dinners and movie tickets in the last couple of years), I even had people cleaning my kitchen floor! Oh I gotta tell ya, cancer has some interesting perks (if the treatment doesn't kill you).

(and I have not intention of giving up the apartment)

Thank you. And yes, I definitely see it as a reminder for daily gratitude. The day I went under (for the surgery), I honestly did not expect to awaken again.

A quiet fan-who knew I had one?
Thanks-and um, er, next time do you think Clyde would be willing to take my place on the surgery table? Tell him I'll even name a goat after him. (yes, I've renamed Hick as Clyde-the other choice was Qarbix)

Thank you. No need for admiration-I had a choice, live or die. Living seemed like the better option (although, they didn't tell me about how bumpy the road was).

Thank you.

Just as long as I don't have to go on the television show Survivor, all should be good.
Thank you, and as indicated to WoB, I expect to keep the apartment for a while.

So another day dawns and I'm still here-how could I ask for more? (well I wouldn't mind getting back that lost piece of height)

You have a rent stabilized apartment in NYC?!? Have I ever told you just how sexy you are Northland? I have always thought your natural good looks were surpassed only by your charm and intelligence.

Seriously though, as a fellow survivor I am glad you're alive and I wish you continued good health.

I'm glad you're still with us Northland. Health be with you buddy.

I'm truly happy that you find yourself cancer free for 2 years now. I pray that it never comes back, and that you live a happy, healthy, successful life from this day forward

It's amazing how many people seem to be attracted to me once they hear of my rent-stablized apartment. I can't be too picky though and obviously eat up the attention-just remember the list of people is now extended into volume 8. (You can be moved to volume 1 if you make a suitable offer)

May we both continue to get clean bills of health!

Mind if I get inquisitive and ask more about what type of cancer you dealt with?
You said it. Better to be alive with no hair (those were fun days) and neuropathy than laying on a medical examiners table being researched (or so I figure since I haven't taken that final step-as far as I know).

So sorry to hear of your affliction Northland.
Have had a Family member with similar.
Always enjoyed your posts on askacow/always
Sincerley Hope all goes very well for the years ahead
Kind Regards
enz