17 years later...
 

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

Re: 17 years later...
 

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

Re: 17 years later...
 

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

Re: 17 years later...
 

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.

Re: 17 years later...
 

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

Re: 17 years later...
 

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!

Re: 17 years later...
 

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

Re: 17 years later...
 

Hurray Flori? You are a Hero.

Re: 17 years later...
 

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

Re: 17 years later...
 

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...

Re: 17 years later...
 

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!

Re: 17 years later...
 

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

Re: 17 years later...
 

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!!

Re: 17 years later...
 

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

Here's to the next 17 years.

Janis

Re: 17 years later...
 

Re: 17 years later...
 

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!
:-)

Re: 17 years later...
 

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.

Re: 17 years later...
 

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

Re: 17 years later...
 

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

all the best
caya

Re: 17 years later...
 

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