Don M Posted November 8, 2004 Share Posted November 8, 2004 It was October 31, 2003, when a “lung mass” was discovered in my left upper lobe. Since then I have had the lobe removed and 3 checkups. My last checkup was deemed “cancer free” by my oncologist. It almost seems like a ritual where the onc is a medical high priest, and I attend the ritual for his blessing, "I pronounce you cancer free". I pretty much do just fine until the day of my checkup. Then, I have several passing fear moments and go through several what if scenarios. My blood pressure has been high the last 3 checkups. At my last checkup, I had sat in the waiting room for 20 minutes practicing deep breathing in an attempt to bring myslef down so that my blood pressure would be normal. It did not work. I know my blood pressure is usually normal because I have had it checked in between onc visits. Anyway, I was cancer free, and felt lighhearted as I walked out of the doctor's office, humming and singing to myself, "cancer free, cancer free". I thought after I had the surgery I could forget all about it and go on with my life. Soon after I got out of the hospital, a friend of mine from work was diagnosed with lung cancer. I will always remember the moment when he came up to me and asked, “ How did you do it?” Of course, what he meant was how did I cope with having lung cancer. So, I told him about my coping methods and my experience. Up to this point I had decided to not visit the lc message boards and whatnot so that I could forget about my experience and go on. But what with my friend getting lung cancer, and because I was reminded every 3 months at my checkup that I had had lung cancer, I decided to come back to the forums and read and partake a bit. My friend had mets to the brain and was inoperable, but I would still glean what I could from the various sites and pass it on to him. He never found out about his cancer until he had a seizure. Because of the seizure, he experienced short-term memory loss, and found it difficult to get much done on line. Anyway, I would email him and tell him about stuff. He was a casual acquaintance really, he worked in a different office about a 3-hour drive away, but we became closer after he found out about his lung cancer. He died 2 weeks ago. He was a good guy and I will miss him. I continue to visit the message boards and will keep on. I read them every day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa O Posted November 8, 2004 Share Posted November 8, 2004 1. Congratulations on what I hope is the first of very very very many anniversaries of survival. 2. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. It was so nice that you kept him in touch with online communities when he was unable to get online himself. I am glad you have chosen to remain in touch with us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted November 8, 2004 Share Posted November 8, 2004 Hi, Don, and welcome back! Congratulations on your first year, and wishes for many, many more. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted November 8, 2004 Share Posted November 8, 2004 Hi Don, My sympathies for the loss of your friend. I am sure that because of your kinship that your lives were equally enriched. Congratulations on your one year anniversary...many, many more! Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted November 8, 2004 Share Posted November 8, 2004 Happy anniversary, Don. Sorry to hear about your friend. Hope you know that you were as much a blessing to your friend as he was to you. Real friendship works that way. I'm glad you decided to stick with us.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stand4hope Posted November 8, 2004 Share Posted November 8, 2004 Don, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. I'm sure you miss him, especially since you spent a lot of time encouraging him and giving him hope. That makes you the best kind of friend. Congratulations on being one year cancer free! Now that is good news to celebrate. God bless you, Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nushka Posted November 8, 2004 Share Posted November 8, 2004 Three good checkups are something to celebrate but I know it is harder to do that with the loss of your friend. I am sure you helped him get through it by staying in touch. Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted November 8, 2004 Share Posted November 8, 2004 Wow, a whole year, I am so glad they found yours early. I know it is hard, it is hard for me and I am not the one who has gone through all that treatment - anyway, congratulations, I am so happy for you. It may not have been a year of blissful unawareness but it is a year of life and much more to come. Wishing you every joy. Margaret Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted November 8, 2004 Share Posted November 8, 2004 Don,Congratulations on 1 year survivorship and sorry about your friend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SDianneB Posted November 8, 2004 Share Posted November 8, 2004 Don, thanks for posting. I love hearing good survival stories. I'm sorry about the loss of your friend. This scourge that is cancer has just got to be stopped and soon. Take care. Di Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chloesmom Posted November 8, 2004 Share Posted November 8, 2004 Don, I am sorry for the loss of your friend, but happy that you've reach a 1yr anniversary. You are right, everyone is different--you set your sights on being someone who beats this.......Congratulations--go celebrate your one year mark-- Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chloesmom Posted November 8, 2004 Share Posted November 8, 2004 Don, I am sorry for the loss of your friend, but happy that you've reach a 1yr anniversary. You are right, everyone is different--you set your sights on being someone who beats this.......Congratulations--go celebrate your one year mark-- Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted November 10, 2004 Author Share Posted November 10, 2004 thanks you all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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