hoping this is hopeful
 

Well gang, today marks 6 years since my diagnosis of stage IV breast cancer. It is also the day before my daughter's 12th birthday. I was given a few months to live back then and I have managed to surprise everyone. I feel as though I need to share this with those of you who worry when reading statistics (I still do), but as my best friend says, "We are our own data points". I feel so blessed and grateful to be here and to be planning birthday business with my girl.

That day, 6 years ago, was the worst I have ever experienced in my whole life and I know how familiar it is to so many of you. I had been diagnosed with stage I two years earlier and really thought I was done. I have been through a lot and will go through more I am sure. I feel battered, bruised and scarred sometimes...well because I am, but I do feel good and am very active. I have never been hospitalized and I am very proud of that, especially given some of the treatments I have had.

I pray every day for all of us, for the researchers and MD's who are helping us and scrambling to save us. I pray every day for those we have lost and have shed many tears and even experienced guilt over survival. I don't want to feel that any more. I want to celebrate every day and wish the same for all of you.

At the risk of sounding like I won an Oscar, I have to thank this site and all of you for the encouragement and the fabulous research and information sharing that I feel has saved so many of us. This resource gets me through those dark nights of the soul and makes me feel loved and cared for. That is a gift and one I have taken over and over again. I need you and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

As Bruce Springsteen sang to me in the car today after yet ANOTHER doctor's appointment, "No retreat, baby, no surrender".

yes Joy is very hopeful for me ....and congratulations ...you are one of my roll model, with much love,Lily

Joy,

Thank you for the encouraging message. I really needed to hear it today.

Amelia

Beautifully said, Joy. You stated much of what I also feel. It will be 7 yrs since my initial diagnosis on June 11. (6/13/01 was my mastectomy).

Continued courage, hope, trust and peace for us all.

Very hopeful and JOYFUL! Thanks Joy!

Happy 6 years anniversary!! Yes, this is hopeful, and it does give me hope!

And, Happy Birthday to your daughter! What a day to celebrate!!

Jennifer

Hey Joy!
Can you hear the cheers coming from Texas?????
Great news. Happy 6 year anniversary! Hope to celebrate many more with you! ma

Who deserves an Oscar more than you???
 

Joy, what a great post. encouraging to be sure - along with the bittersweet of living under the shadow and mourning the losses...

and inspiring as always.

Celebrate.

No retreat, baby

No surrender.

You are the best, Joy!

Truly joyful news. Congratulations for six years.
patb

Another Sprinsteen lover! He got me through my chemo treatments on my ipod. Way to go! Here's to many more beautiful years!

Wow, six years. You're amazing. Here's to many, many more years.

Joy,your post does bring hope and joy to many. You are an inspiration and you have gone through this bc ordeal with grace.

Congratulations on your 6th anniversary. I wish you many more happy anniversaries!

Hugs,
Lexi

And the Oscar goes to Joy!! Great news!! And at the risk of sounding like a commercial "you deserve a break today"
All my love, Nana Karen

Joy - Thank you! I needed that today.

Joy,
I was so happy to read your post! Many, many more happy anniversaries and birthdays are in your future!

Love,
Beth

Joy,
Congratulations to you and happy birthday to your daughter!! Thank you for taking the time to write such a beautiful and inspirational post. Warmest wishes,
karen z

Oh......so glad I visited the site tonight so I could see my favorite "joy"ful post. My heart is feeling such "joy" from reading your post.

Happy 6 years to you and Happy 12 years to your daughter. Thanking God for you and your 6 years right now.

Hugs toyou Joy,

Mary Jo

Very JOYFUL dear Joy!! Hoping and praying for many many more cancerversaries for you!!

all the best
caya

Joy, Congratulations on your 6th anniversary! You're an inspiration. It gives me hope and something to look forward to. Best, Joan

I am glad that you were your own data point :) Congratulations.