8 years ago today...

[madubois63]

8 years ago today I was diagnosed with stage IV inflammatory bc. I was given less than a year to live (I didn't learn that until a little later). 8 years ago today I learned what an oncologist was. Dr. Theo is the man that saved my life three times (well, actually two so far, but I'm counting on him to get this one under control too...). I was going to let this day go by without saying anything, but I decided to acknowledge this day for my own well being. None of you knew me from before cancer, and I'm not sure if I even remember the old me. I like to think I was a good person then, but I know I am a better person and mom for having been through what I've been through. I'd like to thank you all for keeping me sane (no jokes please) and surrounded by love, friendship and prayers. At times, I may not be the friend that I should be (not returning e-mails, phone calls or sending out Christmas cards), but you are all always in my prayers and heart.

Love to all...Keep praying for the cure. I know I am...

[Bill]

Wow, Maryanne, God has blessed you. You've been granted some good years, (I know alot of it was rough), but the cancer does make you look at things in a different light. I've prayed for guidance and wisdom for Dr. Theo so that he may better help you. Sweet dreams tonight to you and yours. Love and prayers, Bill

[caya]

Maryann,

Thank you for sharing this news with us - 8 years at stage IV, with all your various up and downs? AMAZING!
Keep up the fight, praying that Dr. Theo will continue to help you, as we all pray for the cure.

all the best
caya

[Tom]

Congratulations Maryann. Happy to know you are still OK.

Sincerely,
Tom

[jones7676]

Your eight years of survivorship is worth mentioning. I'm so glad you did. I'm wishing you at least 8 more.

[Jean]

Dear Maryanne,
You are one tough sweet cookie. My oh My your correct about cancer
making us stronger, kinder, and most of all a higher sense of what is important, amazing isn't it?

So glad you shared with us your 8 yr. anniversary, it is a major one.
I am keeping you in my prayers.

Love,
Jean

[Chelee]

MaryAnn, Big CONGRATULATIONS to you! I can't even begin to imagine what its been like to go through all that you have! You absolutely amaze me. You've heard it a million times but you ARE TRUE INSPIRATION to me, & I'll sure everyone here. For someone that was given a year...you sure fooled them & then some! :) The way you pushed forward no matter what was in front of you...and WITH a sense of humor is more then amazing. I am so glad you didn't let this day go by without sharing it with us because its MAJOR. One that should be acknowledged and celebrated. Since Dr. Theo saved your life twice...you know what they say about the *third* time. ;) So hang in there and again....congratulations! Your always in my thoughts and prayers.Chelee

[Mary Anne in TX]

Maryann, I'm awefully glad that you're such a fighter and that you have such great doctors! Wouldn't be the same without you! I hope you have 8 more "8 years"!!!!!! Just live forever, girl! You're a blessing to us all. ma

[nitewind]

I agree with everyone here. You truly are a fighter. I wish I had one third of your strength and determination. Love reading your posts, you will never know how much you have helped me. Big congratulations on the 8 years!
Hugs

[PinkGirl]

Madame Dubois
Thank you for sharing this anniversary with us. You are truly an inspiration to everyone on this board. You fight so hard and never forget what the fight is for. Your words have given me information, insight, hope, and a few laughs. It is amazing to me that this stupid disease has brought so many wonderful people into my life. Congratulations on your 8 years - they certainly all haven't been easy years for you, but you are here with us and we are all grateful for that. Keep on doing what you've been doing - it is working. Congrats.

[mslinda]

Congratulation MaryAnn. Just goes to show you that prayers are answered. You are a living and walking miracle. That is so wonderful. You give others hope that they too can beat this. I pray for your continued good health, and the strength to continue to fight.
Good luck to you.
Linda

[Mary Jo]

Dear Maryann,

Am I ever happy you decided to share this day with us. One more thing to thank God for today. YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, Maryann, what a blessing for you. You've been through so much but listen to you in your post. No complaints - just thankful for all you are TODAY. And TODAY is what matters.

Continue to live it the fullest, spreading that love and joy we all hold in our hearts.

I'm SOOOOO very happy for you and right now thank Our Loving God and Father for His loving Hand on you.

Mary Jo

[tricia keegan]

Congratulations Maryann, you' ve always been an inspiration to me since joining this board and continue to do so each day. I'm very glad you mentioned your 8th anniversary and gave us all the opportunity to share in your achievement!
Here's to many more..

[IRENE FROM TAMPA]

you are one amazing strong women and such an inspiration to us all.

Thank YOU

[BonnieR]

You are a great example of the term "keep the faith"! Thanks for sharing.
Love, Bonnie

[tousled1]

MaryAnne,

Thanks for sharing and congratulations! I always enjoy reading your posts. No matter what seems to be going on you always maintain that positive air and great sense of humor. You're truly an inspiration.

[Donna]

Dear Maryann,

Thanks so much for posting this - you were one of the first people to respond to me when I joined so I always felt a special conneciton to you. I would panic when we didn't hear from you for awhile. I know these have been rough years and I hope and pray for easier times ahead for a very long, long, long time! You have been an inspiration to me and I thank you for all you have contributed to our her2 family!

Keep going! Love to you! Donna

[Carolyns]

Hi MaryAnne,

Thank you very much for sharing!

You are an inspiration to me and I am sure to your doctor's too.

Love, Hope, and Peace,

Carolyn

[Mgarr]

Mary Anne,

You are force to be reckoned with! You inspire us all with your positive attitude and fighting spirit. I know #3 will be the charm and you will be NED.

All my best.

Mary

[fullofbeans]

Congratulation!
You have a great fighting spirit, and stage 4 IBC 8 years ago amazing, thanks for sharing you give everyone hope and inspiration.

[lilyecuadorian]

Maryann you just fill up my tank with HOPE , who doesn't believe in miracles knowing you ? God has blessed you yesterday, today and He Will always !!!!!

[kareneg]

Maryann,

You are an insperation to me and you will be around for many many more years,thanks for sharing you thoughts about this day and know you are in my thoughts and prayers all the time.

[Joy]

We are so glad you are such a fighter. You are an inspiration and a gift to all of us. Keep up the feisty attitude MaryAnn. And here is to continued success. Congratulations!

[sassy]

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[sherri]

Dear Maryann,

3 years ago I did find out about my IBC. I thought I have few month to live until I read your posts and then I knew there is hope. You have been my hero then and you are my hero now, you gave me hope and no matter waht you are always in my heart. People tell me I have lots of courage, but I answer you don't know what courage is, you must know Maryann. LiveStrong my dear.

Love and hugs,

[Lolly]

Maryann, it really is wonderfully incredible how WELL you've survived these 8 years, although I know sometimes it has been rough going. You have been a living example to all of us and to your care givers to never give up.
I'm just about a year behind you, 7 years ago on January 10th I had a biopsy that confirmed Stage IV progression.

Here's to the future!!!

<3 Lolly

[chrisy]

MA - amazing amazon lady! Thanks for sharing - and keep that Dr. Theo on the case! He's a keeper....just like you.

[dhealey]

MaryAnne, That is simply awesome. You are an inspiration to us all!!!! May you have 8 more good years and more.

[lexigirl]

Maryanne,

COngrats on your eight year cancerversary! I am so happy that you decided to share this with all ofus. You are an inspiration to me as I battle the IBC as well.

I wish you many many more years of health and hope that you will also continue to share your wonderful stories with us.

Love,
Lexi

[Faith in Him]

You have an amazing spirit. Thank you for sharing your incredible story. It gives all of us such hope.

Blessings to you as you celebrate this very significant milestone.

[TriciaK]

Let me say "amen" to all that's been posted here! You have been an amazing warrior, Mary Anne, and we are all so grateful for the inspiration you are. Eight years---wonderful! I just finished reading a book called "Eleventh Hour Miracles--Surviving a Bone Marrow Transplant" by Analisa Marquez O'Rullian. It was astonishing and it made me think of you and marvel at all you have been through, fighting cancer for 8 years and surviving a bone marrow transplant yourself. I had no idea until reading this book what a BMT entailed. Thank you for telling us about your 8-year cancerversary--we all rejoice with you and wish you many more cancer-free years! Hugs, Tricia

[Bev]

Mary Anne and Lolly, Congrats, You've had such a tough road to hoe. Thank you for letting us know Her2 is not a death sentence. Wishing only the best for you. (Still checking my mailbox for Christmas cards, hee hee) Bev

[Cathya]

Maryann;

I have been following your posts for quite a while now and am so happy you are doing well. Your struggle has not been easy but it certainly has been inspirational to many. God bless.

Cathy

[Believe51]

..except you are a huge inspiration for Ed and I as we travel down the road to NED, searching, praying, demanding that we get there. That we can continue to 'Believe'. Thank you so much for instilling us with hope and love, for beating the odds, for making us 'NOT THE NORMAL STATISTIC"!!!! As for the 'sane' jokes...asking us not to comment was a little unfair Crazy-Girl!! LOL..We love you and you are one of our greatest role models. Thanks for sharing your journey, we have learned so much Sweetheart!! May we dance in NED together soon.....I demand it!! A job well done, KUDOS!!!>>Believe51

PS>>....and here is to My Mighty Oak...may you beat all the odds and provide the inspiration that Crazy-Girl does for others...may we be able to someday be their inspirations too...I Love you Eddie.....we will conquer this!>>Marie

[rentrac]

Way to go! There's something about these anniversaries and birthdays that make such special days - especially since we're here to enjoy them! I hope you celebrated with a special treat for yourself. You certainly deserve it. My thoughts and prayers stay with you.
Love, rentrac

[suzan w]

Dear Maryanne, You are my HERO!!! Wow, 8 years...an inspiration. Thank you for sharing this most amazing milestone. Yes, cancer does make us strong in areas we didn't even know we had! You go Girl!!!

[WomanofSteel]

Happy 8 years to a true "Woman of Steel"! Keep up the fight girl you are amazing!