Stage 4 and still living life!!!

[Esther]

I thought you might like to see a couple of pictures from our extreme jungle adventure in Puerto Vallarta a couple of weeks ago. Remember this is me 5 years into stage 4 B.C. with mets to bones, liver and brain.

The first picture is me rappeling 120 ft down a waterfall, the second we were crossing a river on a wire.

[Stephanie B.]

Thank you for the post. I am also stage IV with mets to the liver and bone and you give me hope. You are an inspiration.

Stephanie B.

[Bill]

Esther, you are simply amazing! Thanks for sharing those awesome pictures. You are such an inspiration to so many of us.

[Joan M]

Ester, This is great stuff! I've been feeling very down about my newly diagnosed brain met, and this gives me inspiration! Joan

[hutchibk]

Esther! Wow! Remember, as I always say - there are at least 50 stages... us Stage IVers are just getting started. And you are proving it - great photos!

[Joan M]

Gee, it's hard to keep up. I'm 54, and now it's gardening and photography. But when I was younger ... well, that's different. I did archaeological work. And on one expedition in the Shetland Islands in the North Sea I slept in a tent for five weeks. Now I prefer hotel rooms.

[sassy]

Amazing!

I need to get out my workout clothes!

[Chelee]

Esther, Obviously nothing slows you down...you are truly amazing! Talk about an inspiration...you are that and so much more! The pictures speaks volumes...that is awesome Esther. Looks like you were having so much fun. I can't wait to see what your up to next...jumping out of an airplane...or wait, maybe I missed it and you've already done that. Wouldn't surprise me in the least bit. lol :)

Chelee

[harrie]

Wow Esther...you're great!! You look in fantastic shape too!! Keep it up!
Hope you had a great vacation.

[Kim in DC]

Esther,
Life is for the living! You are my She-ro! These pictures really inspired me. Your attitude is really what is healing you.

Kim

[DanaRT]

Wow, Esther, you are an inspiration! I especially need this during these next two weeks as I approach my first mammogram since dx. I am getting terribly anxious and sometimes panicked when I think of it. I will keep your adventure and pictures in mind as I approach my appointment day. Thank you for sharing, thank you for being strong and healthy!

[DanaRT]

P.S. Cute shoes!

[Sherryg683]

You go girl! I'm glad to see you're still out there enjoying yourself. That's what life is about. I try to do as much as I physically can and stay active. I do like those shoes also and your body looks like a rock...great shape there gal..sherryg683

[juanita]

wow! what an inspiraton for all of us!!!

[madubois63]

You do look amazing, but the best part is that you are out there living!!!! Everyone always says I look so good, well, what else am I suppose to look like??? Just because we are stage IV, doesn't mean we have to lay down and die. I'm with you, if there is a mountain, climb it!!!! No one will let me jump out of an airplane and it's making me mad. I will ride a hot air balloon soon though (although I really, really want to jump again). I never climbed a mountain, but it sure looks like fun!!! Keep doing what you do...

[Esther]

Thanks guys! The shoes are cute, they have rhinestones on them and Chris gave me grief for wearing such "girly" shoes on the adventure.

I have to say that I am now stronger than I pretty much have been in my entire adult life. I've always been athletic and active in sports, snow skiing, water-skiing, scuba diving, etc. But this past year I've been concentrating on my diet and strength training and I feel great.

They opened up a rock climbing gym close to my house and we go 2-3 times a week, it is super for strengthening your whole body.

[jones7676]

That was just what I needed to read...sometimes I get caught up in why even try to do new things. You have inspired me!

[sarah]

Well done!!! Inspirational!
hugs and love
sarah

[LAURIE]

Those Pics Are Amazing. I Was Thinking How Jealous I Was, But It Took Me All Of Second To Remember I Can Do That If I Want Too. Thanks So Much For The Inspiration.

[swimangel72]

You're an inspiration - thanks for sharing your photos! What fun!

[Jackie07]

What amazing pitures! We need to ask Joe to put it on the website so people can see what Her2 survivors are doing.

The last time I did anything similar to it was '25' years ago when I was on one of the teams leading some middle school kids in a summer 'challenge' camp.

What an inspiration! Guess I'll start by giving it a try at the rock wall in the Mall.

[Sheila]

Esther
You give us all hope...what a great role model you are for us stage IV gals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[hutchibk]

I want to make a button to wear at SABCS that says "There are at least 50 stages and being stage 4 means we're just getting started!"

[StillHere]

Don't know what to say except, WOW! How old are you? I never looked that good when I was 20. What a pick-me-up of a thread. Do you take anything for the bone ache? It almost makes me want to start eating healthy - Almost ! Peace KS

[Jinete789]

Hope you don't mind me crashing this thread, but just wanted to say thanks for the hope and inspiration these pictures give me as someone newly diagnosed. I think you are amazing Esther.

[chrisy]

Good golly Esther! Ok, even more inspiration to keep going....maybe someday I'll be in good enough shape for an action shot like yours!

[Esther]

I'm 47, just a kid still, ha! Somewhere along the way I decided to hit 50 in the best shape ever.

Dr. Pegram responded "why not?" when I told him I wanted 20 more years after stage 4, so I'm holding him to it! I hope to be here to celebrate my 67th birthday, and after that, who knows?

And hey if it's not to be, at least my weary little body will check out knowing I've crammed as much into this life as I could.

[BonnieR]

Well, I am pleased to see we still have our priorities straight and know cute shoes when we see them!!!

And Jinete, you did not "crash" the thread. It is wonderful that you joined in.

[BethC]

I know you've heard this before but it's true - you are such an inspiration and an amazing woman!!!

Love,
Beth