Guest Estrea Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 Hello all: I just returned from a cruise in the Bahamas with my husband...no kids. Now you are asking "so, what is so special about that?" Well, I will tell you. On October 1, 1998 I was diagnosed with NSCLC Stage IA and told I had a 70-80% chance of being alive in five years. Well, last week, was that five year anniversary and needless to say, I MADE IT TO FIVE YEARS! We decided if I made it we would do something big to celebrate and a cruise to the Bahamas was just the thing. So, Grandma came up from Florida to babysit, we flew down to Florida and sailed on a Royal Caribbean ship for four fabulous, relaxing days. What a treat! On the evening of October 1, our last night, I bought the table a bottle of champagne, told everyone my story and toasted TO LIFE. (Or as we Jewish people say, L'chaim!) I was silent on the boards for a while as this milestone in my life was approaching. I am still not sure how I feel about it. A lot has happened in those five years -- especially two little people called Lara and Justin who will be two next month. But, the most important thing is I have tried to do is make a contribution to the battle against a disease that is ridiculously ignored by the world. I am so proud to have given this group its start, and I am eternally grateful to Katie and Rickey Brown, Connie Berchem, Donna G, Dave Grant and a host of others for keeping it going so strong. Grateful to be alive, Estrea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 Estrea, good to see you back. Fantastic that you are at five years and that you took a cruise to celebrate. Way to go! Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norme Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 Estrea, Am so happy to see a post from you. I just read one of your other post and am so happy you are safe from this wicked disease. Five years is a great accomplishment. I sure hope you have 55 more... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debi Posted October 7, 2003 Share Posted October 7, 2003 Estrea... I am so glad that you posted. Thanks for being here and for being an example that we CAN make it!! Congratulations!!!!!! Debi 47 years old stage 1a-nsclc Surgery June 16, 2003- Mid & Upper lobe removed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted October 7, 2003 Share Posted October 7, 2003 Estrea , love all that good news! I am so happy for you. Donna G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gina D. Posted October 7, 2003 Share Posted October 7, 2003 WOOO HOO! You give the rest of us such hopes with this! Doesn't this make you officially CURED, instead of in remission???? Oh what a wonderful thought..I know you are floating sky high right now! Do you mind if I ask what your treatment was..it doesn't say in your signature. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Posted October 7, 2003 Share Posted October 7, 2003 Estrea, CONGRATULATIONS on the coveted 5-year anniversary!!! How special that you took an exciting trip to mark the moment. May you celebrate many more mileposts!!!! Hug those kids for us all. We are eternally grateful to you for having begun this marvelous board and to all the others who are essential to its continuance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remembering Dave Posted October 7, 2003 Share Posted October 7, 2003 Estrea, what wonderful news. I am sure you did have a good time, I used to play music on cruise ships and that is a nice cruise line you went on. 5 YEARS!!! What an accomplishment and a perfect reward for yourself. Here's to many, many more 5 year anniversaries!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for this site. David C Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karen335 Posted October 7, 2003 Share Posted October 7, 2003 Estrea, A huge "CONGRATS" is in order..... Thank you for all the you do for this forum. Without the dedication of all involved (Rick, Katie, Connie B., Dave G.and all others), this site may not even exist. Speaking for myself and I am sure all others on here, we are truly grateful. You are truly a survivor. God Bless and praying for a "Cure" for all of us......... Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Estrea Posted October 7, 2003 Share Posted October 7, 2003 Thanks...it feels real somehow now that I have shared it with you all! Gina, I had the same dx and treatment as you -- lobectomy (left lower) and no follow-up. And, I for one, am glad I had no chemo and radiation now that I made it to five years! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobmc Posted October 7, 2003 Share Posted October 7, 2003 Hi Estrea; A great BIG CONGRATULATIONS to you, How absolutely wonderfull, and yes there certainly is life after Lung Cancer. Thanks for the inspiration and the example and may you continue to have many, many more anniversaries all celebrated in the same manner. God bless and be well, and yep - Good to be a survivor today! Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted October 7, 2003 Share Posted October 7, 2003 Estrea, You have certainly been blessed! Coming through cancer and then having twins, unbelieveable! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy RN Posted October 8, 2003 Share Posted October 8, 2003 5 years! Oh what a feeling!!! When I was diagnosed I did not have too much life ins. So I took out 2 policies that say you must live 2 years to get the full amount of the policy upon the death. I hit those 2 years this month! We all love those ann. dates! CONGRATS!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest canuckwebgrrl Posted October 8, 2003 Share Posted October 8, 2003 Congrats Estrea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAY A Posted October 11, 2003 Share Posted October 11, 2003 Bless you And thank you for starting this support group which is now 500+ strong did you ever think it would get this big Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandyS Posted October 11, 2003 Share Posted October 11, 2003 Absolutely AWESOME! Not just your 5 year anniversay..........or your twin cuties...just YOU! Hugs and prayers, SandyS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David P Posted October 14, 2003 Share Posted October 14, 2003 Congratulations Estrea. You're catching up me! Sounds like your trip was a well deserved break. Thanks for everything, and take care. David P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracy Posted October 14, 2003 Share Posted October 14, 2003 Truly inspirational!!! Congrats on the fabulous news!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharyn Posted October 18, 2003 Share Posted October 18, 2003 I am so very happy for you and your beautiful family. The trip sounds wonderful and you deserved every relaxing minute of it (as well as your husband did because we all know that caregivers need a break too) Many more anniversaries to come for us all. Love and Prayers, Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anniemac Posted October 19, 2003 Share Posted October 19, 2003 The trip sounds wonderful, and what a awesome thing to celebrate!! Your an inspiration to all of us and we owe you more than we can say for helping to start this board. You should feel very proud that you are helping so many people deal with this horrible disease by being able to help and support each other. I don't think I could have dealt as well as I have without the help of everyone here. Annie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted October 19, 2003 Share Posted October 19, 2003 Five years is truly amazing and inspirational. Congratulations!! Blessings to you and your wonderful family, Peg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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