elnodel Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 Today marks the one year anniversary of Len's surgery. I'm so glad we're here today, not back there. But the last three weeks have been quite strange -- sort of like a time warp, with memories popping up. It was a year and three weeks, less one day that he coughed up blood, went to the doctor, had an xray, then a ct scan the next day and was given the first, tentative, diagnosis. The following Monday he went in for a biopsy and had his lung collapse. We confirmed the lc diagnosis a day later, then by the end of that week, after other tests, planned on surgery. Then a year ago today they went in and removed the upper right lobe. Seems like an eternity ago -- and yet also a nanosecond. He did well for a day or so, then went into respiratory distress and ended up 20 hours or so on a ventilator. I had kept it pretty together until then but became something of a basket case, blubbering everytime someone came into the CCU room. But he bounced back and here we are today. We're living from test to test -- another one coming up the middle of May -- but so far, so good. Now I have to light something under him and get him back to walking and exercising and expanding those lungs. He's pretty recalcitrant about the whole thing. I'm hoping that the oncologist will read him the riot act when he sees him. Ellen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 Len and Ellen, Congratulations on living through a year after the words Cancer came into your lives. It is quite the ride. Cheers to many more anniversaries and a smoother road ahead, Wendy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 One year is great! Glad to hear it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stand4hope Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 Congratulations Len and Ellen! ONE YEAR! YAY!!!!!!! We're living from test to test I guess that's the "new normal" for all of us. All of a sudden, paycheck to paycheck doesn't seem to matter as much as it used to, huh? Congratulations again! Love, Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nushka Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 Coongratulations on one year. I am sure it has been a roller coaster ride. I can understand the "test to test". I agree, its the new normal for most of us. Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addie Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 Congrats on a full year. That's a wonderful milestone because some of us don't get that long a reprieve before this nasty beast is back and we just have to do battle again!! So...enjoy it and know it's important that he's gotten this far and his scans remain clean! I'd say it calls for some sort of celebration. Have you ever been to Cindi's Virtual Pub? Please do join us there for a libation or two. Perhaps you and Len could walk to the pub so he gets a little exercise along the way...eh? Seriously...this is wonderful to have gotten to this milestone place....so enjoy each moment of it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 Ellen, Congratulations!!! I hope you and Len can do something to celebrate. I guess life is never the same after a cancer diagnosis, but we find our victories in different ways . God Bless you, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 blessings! Best wishes for continued celebrations. Love Pat and Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 Ellen: congratulations on Len's one year milestone. I have had 2 lung surgeries and after each one I walked and exercise faithfully. I have found it to be a way to help keep me focused and hopefullly well. My walk is the high point of my day. I have only one lung now, and can walk a mile in 16 minutes. I hope you can talk Len into walking. with summer approaching, there will be lots of nice days for walks. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnyde Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 Ellen and Len, Happy anniversary, may we be here when you celebrate your diamond anniversary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail p-m Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 Congrats on your anniversary. May you see many, many more of them. Gail P-M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted April 26, 2005 Share Posted April 26, 2005 GREAT NEWS LEN AND ELLEN!!!! Cindi.... get the drinks ready. Keep it up !!!! What a difference a year makes!!! Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted April 28, 2005 Share Posted April 28, 2005 Hey you two ... Meet you in the bar. Maryanne's buying this round! I will get the next. Congratulations on the one year..it is a gift. love, cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elnodel Posted April 28, 2005 Author Share Posted April 28, 2005 We'll be there (Cindi's bar) as soon as we can -- but walking there from here MAY take a bit! Still, it's exercise (for the legs and lungs; then for the elbow when we get to the bar....)We'll take scotch, please, neat for Len, watered down for me. Thanks everyone for your encouragement. I'm thinking of all of you every day. Ellen (and Len too, of course) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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