luvmydog2 Posted July 19, 2008 Share Posted July 19, 2008 It was a little over 5 years ago that I was diagnosed with NSCLC. I was not sick but merely went to the doctor for a check-up on April 13, 2003. The result of that visit turned my life around. My doctor saw a cloudy spot on my lung. A CT was ordered and then more tests and eventually on June 19, 2003 I had surgery to remove my left lung. My surgeon told me beforehand that it was not an easy ride but it was doable and WE would get through it. He was right. There was pain, restless nights and days that I got hungry because I could not eat. I was sore and I was weak. I left my job and went on SS Disability because I could no longer work at the job I had been doing. Due to me not working put me on the internet more... I then stumbled on this wonderful site. I was member number 441 to join. Today there are 4367 registered members. I would check it 1 time a day. Now I check it 4 or 5 times a day. Am I addicted or what? I don't post much but I do read all the posts. I mean ALL. I click on 'Read Post Since Last Visit" and that gives me all. When you laugh; I laugh. When you cry; I cry. When you grieve; I grieve. I pray for each of us daily. Cancer is rough and hard. As Norme used to say "buckle your belt, you are in for a rough ride." I am doing fine at the present time. But why do I keep coming here if I am doing good? I CARE ABOUT OTHERS. I look at posts sometimes 2 or 3 times. I could post reply but I know someone else has been there and will post. If not I will post in a day or 2. A lot of people have come and left since I joined. Some left because they no longer need the support that is offered here. A few have left because they were a caregiver and their loved one passed. And last but not least, some have lost their battle with the disease. I don't know how many of these 4367 are still with us. But I do know that there is more support here then ever. I truly am glad to be a part of this group. I want to think each of you for caring enough to want to share with others. I am blessed to have crossed paths with each and everyone of you. Some of you truly amaze me. I would never have the courage or strength that some have. I went to see my oncologist this week. He told me there was no need for me to see him anymore. I was shocked at first so I ask him to explain. He said as far as he was concerned, I was CURED. For the first time in 5 years I actually cried. I don't want to call names cause I'll leave someone out. Some have left us. No matter what has happened in a given day, you can be there to help others no matter what your day has been like. You all have been an inspiration to me and I wouldn‘t trade the memories for anything in the world.. Thanks Katie and Rick. You go above and beyond in keeping this site going. Said I would not mention names so I'll shut up. As long as you can put up with me, I intend to stick around. Thanks for reading this lengthy message and I hope it gives someone a ray of hope as to what the future may hold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted July 19, 2008 Share Posted July 19, 2008 A 5 year survivor!!!!! That 'C' word ~ CURED. Bruce, your post made me cry. I want to grow up to be YOU. When I came here it was folks like you who kept me going. That's why I''m still here. I'll toast many times those 5 years, Bruce. And here's to so many more 5 years that we all lose track of them. Bless you for being here. Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muriel Posted July 19, 2008 Share Posted July 19, 2008 CONGRATULATIONS! Muriel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Posted July 19, 2008 Share Posted July 19, 2008 Bruce, Cured!!!!! Ok - my eyes were watering along with Kasey. You have been a great contributor here on the board. Thank you for sticking around and given us hope. God bless you, Wendy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted July 19, 2008 Share Posted July 19, 2008 Bruce, I am so glad to see your post. Congratulations on such wonderful news. Rochelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrea Posted July 19, 2008 Share Posted July 19, 2008 Congratulations and t hank you for sharing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here is to many m any more anniversaries! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jang Posted July 20, 2008 Share Posted July 20, 2008 Congratulations Bruce and thank you for such a lovely post! I can't wait until I can say that I am "cured" ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted July 20, 2008 Share Posted July 20, 2008 Well Bruce, I am so glad to hear your SPRUNG from the Onc!!!! That's REALLY GOOD NEWS! (bittersweet, but good)! I know your having mixed feelings on that one, as we all do, but you'll get past that too! Congratulations on 5 YEARS!! Way to GO! I too am very VERY glad your here and that you've shared your journey with all of us. I just think it's so important for new members to see people like you, Barb, Snowflake, Jan, Alisa, etc., etc., etc, beating the odds. It does happen! I'm very happy for you, and I'm very happy we've gotten to know one another over the years!!!!! ((((((((((((((((((((((((BRUCE))))))))))))))))))))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted July 20, 2008 Share Posted July 20, 2008 WAY TO O BRUCE....... CONGRATUILATIONS on the new GREAT C word!!!!! To all the scared people out there.... see there is light at the end of a tunnel... Bruces's is shinning bright!! Thank you for keep coming on here and giving your support all these years. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chloesmom Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Hi Bruce, What exciting news1 I am so happy fo you that you heard the cured word! Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish2418 Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Congratulations, Bruce! What great news. Trish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 that is a great story...congrats..gotta like that #5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaminkw Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Bruce, Congratulations on the CURE word. They tell me I won't hear it but you never know. You are an inspiration. And thanks for sharing that you are there reading our posts and feeling for us even when you are not showing yourself. What a lovely thing it is to know you care enough to spend your time tuning in. Judy on Lake Whipporwill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandraL Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Thank you for posting Bruce and giving us all hope. Keep posting though okay. I am thrilled for you and very much enjoyed your post. Continued best wishes... Sandra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 Bruce, Thank you for an absolutely beautiful post and you have my heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS!!! You have certainly brought a message of hope which will be appreciated by many. Please keep in touch and enjoy the gift of life. God Bless, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coni Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 And they say lung cancer is NOT cureable?!! You have helped me so much with your story! That is such WONDERFUL news for you..CONGRAT'S and live on happy and blessed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lorrie Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Ya know....just when things were getting a little semi-gray and not the usual 'white,' along comes Bruce with his most electrifying post of hope shaking out that gray. Bruce, Congratulations on this journey's end. Now the tremendous upward journey keeps going but in a totally different light. Fantastic. Please keep up your posts, including your insights on your cure. Faith and hope abound. Congrats again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaroleHammett Posted July 26, 2008 Share Posted July 26, 2008 Congratulations, Bruce! Carole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 Great post Bruce and congratulations on your 5 years. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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