Geri Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 Almost 2 years ago I was having a bad day and found this site, never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that the people here would become so important to me. I now have friends I've never met or even spoken to, I have met some new friends that will always be special, I have cried over people who in the conventional sense of the word should be strangers, I've learned a great deal about all types of lung cancer and treatments. And.........I've shared many, many lighter moments - thanks Ann for the getting to know you threads - and some really good belly laughs - thanks Frank for so many good jokes. What I hope I've brought to the table is knowledge for newcomers that there is survival and in some instances even a cure, most of all I hope I've shown them that it isn't heresy if you laugh now and then. No lightning bolts come out of the sky if you find things as funny as you did before cancer.....laughter is so freeing, for that moment in time you can forget that you hurt or feel downright crappy. Several people were very sympathetic when I lost my hair, there was some hand wringing and amazement that I would leave the house without hat or wig (hated both) I then enlightened them that I could shower in no time and saved all sorts of time not shaving my legs...this also meant I could put shorts on without checking my shins for stragglers (sorry guys only the women will appreciate that one). Sorry to have rattled on, I have received a lot of support here and I've tried to give it back, hopefully my positive attitude comes through. I am so surely convinced that attitude played a part in my survival. My hope for all newcomers is that they realise that the death knell does'nt sound the moment the diagnosis is made, there is an unkown amount of time out there for them, the same unkown as before diagnosis.....the beer truck could be aiming for anyone of us right now. I applaud all of my fellow survivors and caregivers here on this board, you are the best. Thanks for letting me ramble on, sleep doesn't seem to want to come tonight - I slept last night so this must be my night off - but I will bore you no more. Goodnight my friends, hope you are sleeping well. Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 Good one, Geri! Thanks. Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnyde Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 Dear Geri, I am not a survivor, but was a caregiver and I applaud and agree with all that you have said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 I am also a caregiver and could not agree more. You are never a bore also such a joy to read about. Have at it. I do sometimes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 Geri, Very well said. Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 (((Geri))), Those exact same musings have meandered through MY mind as well. Thank you for putting them out there for all of us to gain strength and courage from. (I don't think that sentence is grammatically correct....anyone care?). I, myself, find more comfort and support here than I often do with my face to face friends. And to Ginny and Randy.......I suppose there are different views of this, but I believe you are survivors as well. Anyone whose life has been touched by cancer and comes out on the other side is a survivor in my view. When I first started to come here I received SO much comfort from all the caregivers ~ it was jus unimaginable.....and I continue to do so. So thank you to all. And Geri, I DID sleep last night, so maybe tonight you may find me here rambling.....my night OFF from sleep ! Love, Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 We are very glad you found us Geri. You bring so much to the site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 Geri,thank you.You do bring a lot to us here and I agree with you about how important a positive attitude can be. I also agree with Kasey that in my mind the care takers are as much survivors as we with cancer are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geri Posted February 23, 2006 Author Share Posted February 23, 2006 I couldn't agree more about the caregivers, my husband was my major researcher, supporter and, when needed, kicker of my butt. Our daughter put her life on hold for a couple of months and came here to make life easier for both of us. My hat's off to all the caregivers, without you our lives would be much, much harder. Thank you all. Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 ((Geri)) I think of all of un in the night, as well. Thanks for the great post. Love P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 Geri, thanks so much for this wonderful, heartfelt post! I hope you know what a special lady you are and also know that you bring a lot of joy and laughs to our lives, too. I have read so many of your posts and thought.."I wish I would have said that." You always seem to know just what to say to make people feel better! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancyf267 Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 Thank you Geri I needed that more than you know...it's been one of those mornings! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish2418 Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 Bravo, Geri! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 Also was a caretaker. Thank you Geri for all you bring on the forum. Hugs Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 Geri we are so blessed you found us. Donna G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamataca Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 Geri, You are a very real part of what makes this place so darn special. I know I have "borrowed" quite a bit of strength from many of you from time to time. I hope I am able to give some bask as well. All right, that's it...... GROUP HUG!!!!! (((((((( )))))))) Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharyn Posted February 24, 2006 Share Posted February 24, 2006 Geri, What a wonderful post. Couldn't have said it better myself. Sorry about the sleepless night, hope tonight is much better!!! Love, Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted February 24, 2006 Share Posted February 24, 2006 Your a special lady Geri, full of so much compassion. I am so thrilled that I got to know you on here. This site has been a wonderful gift. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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