17 years later...

[SoCalGal]

17 years later, I am still here. Including thse last 6 years in "My Final Stage" (that cracks me up).

And while we're keeping track, today's news on my brain MRI is again NED in the head--that is 5 years POST gamma zap on 2/8/08! What a miracle machine!

It's really quite remarkable when I stop and think about it...I can easily remember overwhelming fear early on and then again during different bouts with the beast.

Today, feeling grateful for good news, for the ability to lead a life that is pretty full, all things considered or not.

I am fighting hard, and struggling with the side effects of Pertuzie, and not sure if it's even working - other than working to induce pooperia, still - it is something to think about that I've been able to survive this stupid disease for 17 years.

I hope this post serves as a note to others of all things possible. I know how frightening it is to live with cancer.

Blessings to all - especially my sisters (and brothers) on this board!

A SoCalGal thru and thu

[adelay]

So good to read 17 years and counting...gives all of us such hope. May you have many, many more healthy years ahead!

[Ceesun]

Flori, A great big congrats to you!! Just keep on keeping on and I for one will try to follow you. May God Bless....Ceesun

[kvogler]

Thank you for posting. Most who do as well as you don't post such good news. Hearing how long you've lived sure does help this 36 year old fighter who wants so much to live long enough so her 19 month old baby girl will remember her. So far my treatments are going well so maybe I'll be around 17 years from now to post like you.

[KDR]

Flori,
You are a true inspiration. What a milestone! Keep looking ahead-
Warmly,
Karen

[CoolBreeze]

Congratulations!! Have you had mets for 6 years, is that what you said? That is wonderful, I am hoping to make 6 and then some! You are my inspiration!

[chrisy]

I love to hear you In your full flori morning glory! Keep it up, sister, especially that beautiful spirit

[sassy]

Hurray Flori? You are a Hero.

[Bunty]

Hooray Flori !!! Love reading these kind of posts.
Best wishes Marie

[SoCalGal]

Thank you lovely ladies. You keep me keepin' on, and help me through it all.

And yes, Cool Breeze, Stage 4 since 2007, mets to lungs, sternum and 1 in the head in '08. Been stable, NED, part stable, part ned, markers up, down, sideways, progression, regression (emotionally speaking, of course) half lit up (pet/ct) fully glowing, radiated a bunch, won some, lost many, and am still fighting--as in "there is no way I'm putting on a gown" at the MRI on Saturday. So they scanned me at great risk of some kind of random and mysterious metal flakes from the universe that could somehow impact my street-clothed scan. Oh well - as I've said here before, the day I am compliant will be a day I'm not breathing.

Another aside to Kvogler - I was 38 at diagnosis, my kids were 6 & 8. Now they're 23 and 25.

Anything is possible...

[Jackie07]

SoCalGal,

I remember someone once used the phrase "Flori, Flori, morning glory" (or something like that :)

Without putting 'Flori' in your signuature (like you used to?), I'd totally disassociated you with 'Flori'! [Pardon my very injured brain... :)]

Wow, 17 years! Way to go, Sister!

[Pamelamary]

Fantastic news - 17 years! Gives us all hope.
Best wishes.....Pam

[NEDenise]

Flori!
Loved this post! Just what my psyche needed today!!
Thanks for thinking of we who follow in your footsteps!
Denise - who is reeeaaallly hoping Gamma did the trick for me, like it did for you!!

[jaykay]

Oh, pooh - you just interrupted my pity party! Thank you for putting it back into perspective.

Here's to the next 17 years.

Janis

[PinkGirl]

Wow... 17 years with the gift that keeps on giving ... you are one
amazing Warrior Woman
Flori
Flori
Morning
Glory ..

Is half lit like being half drunk?
What's the story on that egg????

[SoCalGal]

Pink girl,
I am over the egg. Time for a change. Here I am with Rock Hudson. AKA Rocky dog...
Usually he's very smiley. Was getting used to his new Durse (dog purse). So he can carry all my stuff, like a real man!
:-)

[LoisLane]

Thanks Flori you do inspire us all and are giving great strength to our ladies here that are Stage 1V. Love that picture of you and Rock Hudson.

[yanyan]

Congratulations Flori !! You look great in the picture !!

[caya]

Mazel Tov dear Flori - 17 years and counting - you are one Warrior Woman!!

all the best
caya

[tricia keegan]

Huge congrats Flori and here's to many more happy days!!

[Mary Jo]

All I can think of to say is ... PRAISE THE LORD. I am so thankful for you and thankful you are well.

Mary Jo

[Laurel]

You've got me grinnin', Flori. I'm bettin' that pertuzi cocktail is doing its stuff. Crappin' that danged cancer right out! You look terrific in your photo with Rock and his man-bag.

[KaiM]

Hooray Flori! Your post put a big smile on my face! I have a one year old and a five year old that need their mom. Keeping the faith!

[JillaryJill]

Flori, this post is amazing...you look like Celine Dion in your picture...Thank you for posting this and continued good luck to you!

[Shobha]

Congratulations Flori! You posts give so much courage and always a smile! Lovely pic!

-hugs and prayers,
shobha

[dearjilly]

I too want to follow in your footsteps.
Cheers to you on your great news.
xo

[Jean]

Flori,
Love your smile, your hat and your side kick Rocky is a love.
You put a huge smile on my face reading your very uplifting post. Especially the part of your children's age at the time of your dx. and now present date.
How wonderful and thrilling.
Continued Blessings dear one - here's to the next 17 yrs.

Flori Flori You are the morning glory.
Jean

[SoCalGal]

Thanks, Jean - I appreciate the kind support :-)

Aside to DearJilly - are you on tykerb and herceptin to prevent further cooties? Tykerb does cross the bbb and works well with herceptin...

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Wow Flori. You never fail to WOW me. I've been hanging with you all these years. Spent some time with you in LA LA Land, and I cherish those "dates". Been posting and e-ing w/you kind of forever. (I remember the scary brain thing and how you aced it) and how you just keep on going no matter what.



Flori, Flori, beautiful morning glory. Guess that moniker has stuck all these years. Cause -- it's who you are! One totally AWESOME Lady...

My love, forever, Andi

[Ellie F]

Bravo Flori, just the tonic we all need to hear.
Hugs
Ellie

[sarah]

wonderful to read. inspiring and makes us all hopeful.
continued good health and keep enjoy your life.
hugs and love
sarah

[v-ness]

i LOVE reading this. a huge high-five and congratulations to you. :)

[ElaineM]

I love reading your posts. You are a great example of how to live with and control cancer. Keep up the great work and whatever else you are doing to live as fully as you can.

[greenacres]

This is such awesome news. THANK YOU for sharing and best of luck to you!

[Joanna J]

You Have been blessed....Our Lord is AWESOME...Thank You for Sharing