DeanCarl Posted September 26, 2004 Share Posted September 26, 2004 It was Sept. 26, 2003 when I first heard the words "there is something else in there" from a doctor looking at my x-rays we'd had taken looking for pnuemonia which, at the time, we thought was causeing my muscle weakness and general malaise. A month later, due to having to deal with the VA and being surrounded by a major fire, I had my full diagnosis and had decided on the treatment option I would follow. I really had no expectations, at the time, of being alive this long. I remember telling Gay after the Super Bowl last year I was glad it was a good game because I probably wouldn't get to see another pro football game. And yet, here I am wondering just how badly the Chargers will do THIS week. A quick update: Everything is pretty much the same as a posted a couple of weeks ago except for a worsening cough and more weakness in my legs. Good news is I started on Megace for my appitite and it's working quite well. It's nice to be able to want to eat again! I was thinking about the "glass half full" reply I got to my last message. I took it as the compliment I knew it was ment to be, but for some reason it didn't seem to quite fit. After thinking about my life (especially this last year) I came to realize that I am blessed beyond belief that my glass (life) is never "half" anything. No matter how much I drink of that glass it always seems to be full to brim and just waiting for me to drink some more. So much I've learned this last year. I guess the biggest lesson learned was that I CAN live a full life no matter what the situation might be. I also learned that I can NOT do it alone. And I've learned just how lucky I am in that, thanks to you folks here, I don't have to do it alone. Dean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeTaa Posted September 26, 2004 Share Posted September 26, 2004 Your "full to the brim" comment put a smile on my face and in my heart. We love you, DeanCarl. Don't ever forget that. Praying for us all, TeeTaa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowflake Posted September 26, 2004 Share Posted September 26, 2004 Dean, You will never walk...er, SCOOT, alone. Your good sense and plain old-fashioned courage are an inspiration to many here - and I just love you dearly! May you have many more days in front of the tube watching tight ends and men slapping each others' butts! xxoo, Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisaRN Posted September 26, 2004 Share Posted September 26, 2004 Dear Dean, Perhaps we can all learn a thing or two from you..... your attitude is inspiring..... many thoughts and prayers coming your way..... WITH EVERY DIFFICULTY ~ THERE IS RELIEF ..................LISA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail p-m Posted September 26, 2004 Share Posted September 26, 2004 So glad to hear that this was a wonderful year for you, one in which you really appreciated your blessings. So many people never realize all they have. Keep enjoying that cupful. Gail P-M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAnn Posted September 26, 2004 Share Posted September 26, 2004 One year.... Way to go Dean! Your words are always an inspiration to me. I am glad that you are doing ok. Glad you are eating too! Keep up the good work and it was wonderful to hear from you. TAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NellW Posted September 26, 2004 Share Posted September 26, 2004 DeanCarl, You are always an attitude adjuster for me! Thank you so very much for sharing your outlook on life here. We are blessed by your presence, and you help me to see my "full to the brim" cup too. So glad you are enjoying eating and football, and that you have your wonderful Gay by your side! Love, Nell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharyn Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 Dean, It is always so nice to see a post from you. Glad to hear things are still "status quo" and sorry about the Chargers!!! Love, Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 Congratulations, Dean! One year is a milestone in this arena. Glad to see you posting and appreciate the update. Blessings. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stand4hope Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 Dean, There's just something really wonderful about hitting that one-year mark, isn't there? We just had ours in early August. Just an overwhelming sense of gratitude that kind of sweeps you off your feet. So glad you got that one-year anniversary and I'll be praying for many more. Love, Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elnodel Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 Dear Dean, You've become a staple here on the board, someone who can be counted upon to level with the rest of us and put things in perspective. A year...that's such a milestone in all our lives - something none of us ever thought of before Lung Cancer became a reality in our lives. Thank you for everything -- for responding when I first signed in on the board with little idea of what was going to happen, for keeping us focused on the little things that still mean everything despite this awful disease. I may not share your enthusiasm for football but Len sure does -- but he has hopes for the Giants - now THERE'S an optimist! Keep coming back to us, please, when you can. And I'll even try to get Len to root for the Chargers in your honour. Ellen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MayFrog Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 So glad to see you, DeanCarl.....and may you be with us to see the Pats win another SuperBowl.......this year, and next, and next, and........ Love ya, Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 Here's to more enjoyment of life...one renewable sip at a time! Good to hear from you and always enjoy your positive slant on living life to the fullest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJAS Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 Dean Carl, Your anniversary marks a special time for all of us who have had the pleasure of sharing your incredible insight and caring. Talk about who's the real "Super Bowl" hero.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nushka Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 Dean Carl, As always, I was glad to see your post. I look forward to reading any and everything you post. It sorta centers me. I love the idea of the full glass....always ready to take another sip. You are an inspiration for all of us and we love you for it. Nina P.S. So glad you have an appetite and are enjoying eating. Here's to many more super bowls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 I printed out your last message, Dean, and it hangs above my desk at school, besides pictures of Becky and Katie. It reminds me each day of why I get out of bed each morning. It reminds me to take my girl to the swimming pool; it reminds me to take my troubles less seriously than my blessings; it reminds me to drink deeply from this cup of life that runs over the brim. Amen, my friend, a thousand times amen. Thank you for checking in. Curtis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fall54 Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 Dean, What an inspiring guy you are. Reading your post has helped me to remember a lot of things I just have let slide and how very important they all are. How grateful I am for that cup of life and my ability to share with the likes of wonderful people like all of you. Thank you again for another life lesson. Congrats on the 1 yr. and wishing you many, many more!!! You are in my prayers. God Bless You, Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melinda Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 Dean, Congratulations to you and Gay on your one year anniversary. Just reading one of your posts always makes my day; you are always in my thoughts--whether you post or not. Thank you just seems inadequate... Fondly, Melinda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa O Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 Dean, I know how many moments of that past year you have spent sharing your time with others so that we have not had to walk alone either. Keep on keeping on Dean and I hope your teams don't disappoint you too much this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 Dean,congratulations on the 1 year mark.Also glad your able to eat more now.I think a celebration is in order.Mabe a nice steak (i know you like steaks just like i do) and afterward a delicious little cake w/1 candle in it for first year of survivorship.You and Gay deserve it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 Congratulations on your one year mark. I remember your very first post here. Time has flown by. I wish you all the best Dean. Rochelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laberl Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 Congrats on the one year anniversary! I find myself always checking to see if you have posted, so thanks for letting us all know how you are doing. You are truly an inspiration Dean! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 Congratulations Dean on being a (ONE YEAR LUNG CANCER SURVIVOR)! You have touched my heart in more ways then I can ever tell you. You are a Wonderful person!!! Thank you for being YOU! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remembering Dave Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 You are truly a survivor, because you are LIVING! And you make my glass full just by knowing you. God Bless, Karen C. (p.s. you're one of those people who, I think, truly live the phrase "What Would Jesus Do?") Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kim Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 Congratulations Dean!!!!!! You are an inspiration to all you have touched! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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