DeanCarl Posted December 26, 2004 Share Posted December 26, 2004 Lots of discussions over the last year or so about statistics and what they really mean. Well, my stats said that, left untreated, I would live between 8 and 15 months from the time of my dx. Well, today is 15 months. As of today I do not have any symtoms of metastisis to any other major organs. My liver function is normal, no indicator of any mets to the bones or the brain. The major symptoms I do have are the ones I started out with (SOB, cough, muscle weakness (especially in my legs but throughout my body as well)) that have simply gotten worse as time has gone on and that is only to be expected. To tell the truth I must confess to feeling some "survivors guilt" lately. So many good folks have come here, many after I did, fought this disease with everything they had, and are no longer with us. I hope my situation will not bring any more pain to the loved ones of those folks. The flip side of that same coin is that I hope my situation can, in some way, calm some of the fears for the new folks here who either read or are told they have a certain amount of time left on this earth. The truth is no one really knows. So I don't let the "stats" control my emotions. After all, the most important "stat" is that I am alive and healthy enough to find some enjoyment in life. All else pails in comparison. I hope every one had as good a Christmas as it was possible for you to have. Dean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa O Posted December 26, 2004 Share Posted December 26, 2004 Dean Carl, As far as I can tell, you have been a calming influence from day one. I hope you wipe the floor with the statistics for many years to come. Have a wonderful New Year my friend, and I will continue to hope and pray that we will both be here corresponding so that I can wish you many more of those. I feel beating the odds only brings more hope to all. Thanks for sharing your great news Dean. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAnn Posted December 26, 2004 Share Posted December 26, 2004 You are truly an amazing and inspirational man, Dean Carl. Even though you chose a different path, you've been in there fighting like the rest of us and you, my friend, are winning. Congratulations on your 15 month anniversary and may you and the rest of us continue to "beat the odds", "smash the statistics" and continue to "prove 'em wrong" every step of the way. Thank you for all you do for us..... TAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted December 26, 2004 Share Posted December 26, 2004 Please do not feel guilty. I think I can speak for all of the surviving relatives of the deceased when I say that we are glad you are still kicking. I'd trade you in for Becky back, no question, but I'd trade me in for Becky back, too. I don't get to make those decisions, and all in all I am happy about that. It is an exciting day for us when you post. Congratulations on 15 months, and I too hope it is many more. Please no more guilt. This time is too short for it. We all love you. Curtis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandyS Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 Dean - So great to see you post! I hope YOU had a wonderful Christmas - I'm sure you found some aspect(s) of the holidays to enjoy! We need you - AND your stories - keep 'em comin' thru 2005!!!! Hugs and prayers, SandyS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patut Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 You know what? I am so happy to see this news. Sometimes I wonder if that first chemo my hubbie had made him so ill he couldn't fight it later on. He was a twelve month survivor who lived his life fully one day at a time. One of his quotes was: "one never knows, do one!" I'm routing for you all the way. Cyndy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stand4hope Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 CONGRATULATIONS DEAN!! 15 months is a great victory. HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Love, Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 Congratulations on beating the odds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Cheryl- Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 Glad you are still around! Keep on keeping on Dean Carl! Cheryl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 Always good to hear from you DeanCarl. You are an inspiration to us. Congratulations on your survival -- may it be for many, many more years. Have a great 2005! Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 Congratulations way to go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daggiesmom Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 Dear Dean Carl and Gay, I'm so happy to hear from you. Yeah, you did beat the numbers - Great for that. You know what - the numbers mean nothing. We all know that. You are so brave, so strong and you are an inspiration to us all. We all love hearing from you and you make us feel wonderful. We lost many inspirational people Dr. Sam, Greg, Ada, and many others. But your writing have made me and many other people happy and hopeful. I know 2005 will bring you happiness. (((Carl and Gay))). Joanie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haylee_38 Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 Dean, Congratulations!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvmydog2 Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 Glad to see you still have that fighting spirit Dean. You have been an inspiration to me from day one. Hope you and Gay had a nice Christmas. With an attitude like that you will be around for several more. Lisa, that goes for you too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 Hi Dean, Glad to hear that you are doing as well as you are. I had some twangles of survivor guilt awhile back. I think it was born out of a deep sadness for losing some dear folks. Like Curtis said, glad it is not me making the decisions. Have a good 2005. Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paddy Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 Maybe your way is the "right way" Dean. Anyway I am glad you are still feeling OK and long may the situation last. Hope you and Gay have had a good Christmas. Paddy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail p-m Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 Glad to see your post. Here's to your first 15 months of survivorship and may there be many, many more!! Gail P-M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babesdaughter Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 What a great Christmas gift to see a post from you! Typing with teary eyes.....so glad to hear you're doing well and defying statistics! No guilt....you're here for a reason....! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donaf Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 Dean Carl, I am happy that you posted and congratulate you on 15 months! Martha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJAS Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 Add my cheers to everyone else's! You just keep on keeping on and giving us all hope and many reasons to smile. Happy - happy holidays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annjael Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 Congratulations Dean Carl!!! You are a true gift. Happy Holidays Peace and blessings to you and Gay Annjael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathyr Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 You have indeed helped make this a very merry Christmas. We all love you Dean Carl! It's so good to hear from you again. Congratulations on 15 months. CathyR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chloesmom Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 Dean Carl, Congratulations! You are a living example to everyone....I hope things continue to go well for you in the new year and enjoy the rest of the holiday season. Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K and Kids Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 Dean, I always look forward to your posts and find your words calming. You are right, know one knows for sure. Each case is different, each person is unique and from what I have seen and heard ... the spirit and will make up the part that medicine can not touch. My words do not flow as easily as yours. Just know that your are always in my thoughts and prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 deleting all posts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.