DaveGr Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 With the end of September, I am now a 3 year survivor of NSCLC. It has been an eventful 3 years. Surgery in October 2001, again in September 2002, re-staged to Stage IV April 2003 (mets to lymphatic system), chemo (carbo/taxol) from May-September 2003, liver mets in November 2003, clinical trial for 6 weeks December - January 2003 (terminated due to side effects), January 2004 - all is stable, stability from January - September 2004 (9 months and still counting). During this time I have met very wonderful people, through this website, face to face support groups, via email and phone calls, and through other websites. I have been involved in local news reports and made an ad for lung cancer last November along with other lc survivors. In November, I will be included in the lead story for Madison Magazine, Madison, WI. Three years ago, after investigating lung cancer on the internet, I never believed that I would be alive now. I never expected to be involved in news about lung cancer, nor was I ever seeking this type of notice. As things developed, I realized that I was better off than others, and because of so few people speaking up about lung cancer, I decide to take advantage of this and become a proactive advocate. I am a "charter member" of the Lung Cancer Support and Advocacy Group, University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center. I have started, along with the backing of the local hospital, a local lung cancer support group in the community in which I live. I played a role in this website, along with many other lung cancer survivors, and now co-own another for lung cancer support. I have made long time friends through several websites. I want to thank all the people who have offered support, when it was needed. I have done all the above for the sake of lung cancer and have acheived no personal gain out of any of this, other than the friends. To all those who are new to this disease, there are many here who are long term survivors, longer than I, especially Connie, who was, and still is (in the background), my lung cancer mentor. Connie was one of the first lung cancer survivors I becames friends with, shortly after my diagnosis and first surgery. Her phone calls and emails were greatly, and still are, appreciated. Her survivorship gave the much needed inspiration to survive. She continues to provide this same inspiration to many others. So, as Bob Hope used to sing "Thanks for the Memories". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Congratulations, Dave. It's good to see your post. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Congratulations on your third anniversary, David G., and it's good to hear that the sun still shines on your face. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hebbie Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Thanks for sharing the uplifting news Dave -- and it is so good to hear from you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marie Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 AS ALWAYS, I WILL ADD, WAY TO GO DAVE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chloesmom Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Dave, Congratulations, and I wish you many more anniversary celebrations of survivorship! Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowflake Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Here's to 30 more years! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathy Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 CONGRATULATIONS DAVE Your story brings hope to many who otherwise didnt have any....I remember searching the internet when my dear dad was first diagnosed and couldnt find anything until I stumbled on to your story..Although my dad lost his battle, having hope is what made the fight bearable for him... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karen335 Posted October 5, 2004 Share Posted October 5, 2004 Dvae, Congratulations!!!! Don't be such a stranger. Good to read you are doing well. Please visit often and let us know how you are doing. Thoughts and prayers... God Bless, Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mayos Posted October 5, 2004 Share Posted October 5, 2004 Your 3 yr struggle has been a brave one Dave. And your participation in these support groups warrants praise and lots of special thank you's!!! Congats to you for fighting the good fight!! Catch us again next year....same time/same place....same message!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paddy Posted October 6, 2004 Share Posted October 6, 2004 Congrats Dave, you are an inspiration! Paddy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remembering Dave Posted October 6, 2004 Share Posted October 6, 2004 Oh Dave!! A big huge Congrats to you!!!!! You have been a big support to me and to many and your efforts in raising the awareness of our situation has been far above and beyond anything most of us could ever dream of accomplishing. Heres to you and three cheers fo you-Hip, Hip Hip Hooray!!!!!! I hope and pray you have many more Three year anniversaries. David C Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhutch1366 Posted October 6, 2004 Share Posted October 6, 2004 Congratulations, DaveG. Hope this translates to many more years on the links.... XOXOXOX Prayers, always, MaryAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindseysmom Posted October 6, 2004 Share Posted October 6, 2004 CONGRATULATIONS DAVE!!! Best Wishes, Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted October 8, 2004 Share Posted October 8, 2004 Congratulation Dave! Best wishes to you and continued good health. We are all glad to hear your doing so well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJ Posted October 8, 2004 Share Posted October 8, 2004 hi dave, prayers for continued health and success. thanks for being such an active advocate for all of us. God bless, mj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Posted October 9, 2004 Share Posted October 9, 2004 Dave- Glad to hear of your continued progress. Looking forward to partying with you in 19 more years! (We'll be 80!). Keep on keepin' on! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nushka Posted October 9, 2004 Share Posted October 9, 2004 So glad to hear your great news. I wish you many more 3 year anniversaries. Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bucky Posted January 7, 2005 Share Posted January 7, 2005 I am so happy for you!!!!! You were my inspiration, and I always look to see if there is something writing from you. Best of luck!!!! bucky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted January 7, 2005 Share Posted January 7, 2005 Congratulations Dave on over 3 years and thanks for all you do for awareness & supporting others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaffie Posted January 13, 2005 Share Posted January 13, 2005 Your story is such an inspiration... Congratulations on a very sucessful 3 years and thank you for all you are doing for lung cancer awareness! Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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