RoseCity Quilter Posted February 1, 2013 Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 I am a Survivor! 5 years ago today I had the devastating news that the lump I had found in my breast was indeed Cancer. The kids were away at Youth Parliament at the time. The worst day of my life was on that Sunday when I had to tell my kids. But here I am 5 years later, healthy, happy and much more mellow about life! I was so lucky to find the lump when I did. I was so lucky to have such good health care, and to live in Canada with our health care system. I not only survived the disease, I survived it's crippling mental effects. I survived the changes to my body the 3 surgeries caused. I survived appearing in public with one breast until I was well enough healed to wear a prosthetic. I survived people staring at my pic line. I survived being bald. I survived chemically induced menopause. I came out the other side of this realizing what is important- my family who took such good care of me, my friends who stood by me, and my health. I do not stress over the small stuff as much (ok I still do a little), I do not pass up an opportunity to do something with my family or friends because I am too "busy." I do not rush through things as much, instead I enjoy the process! And I find myself helping other breast cancer patients in their journey. I will never forget: -Roger telling me he loved me for ever and for always. - Roger telling people the hardest thing he ever did was watch me being wheeled into O.R. -Kathleen and Rocky surprising me by coming home to see me. -Jennifer writing me a story -Victoria driving me where I needed to go and changing and cleaning the pic line dressings. -my friend Janice arriving the day I was having trouble coping with the makings for soup, staying with me and making soup for me -Mom for staying with me and helping around the house -my friend Susan for driving over from Wetaskiwin frequently just to see me. - the numerous people who sent me cards and messages. Most importantly, today I am remembering, but feel peaceful, happy and healthy... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witha'K'quilting Posted February 1, 2013 Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 sounds like quite the ordeal you endured. great that you are surrounded by loving family and friends. we, here, are happy and blessed to get to see your smiling face and hear your encouraging words and see your beautiful quilts! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oma Posted February 1, 2013 Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 Yay! It feels good to be on the other side of it doesn't it? And you sent me such encouraging words when I was going through my rough time. Congratulations! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted February 1, 2013 Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 Ardelle I'm glad you are a survivor and it is amazing how news like this can change your whole perspective! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bekah Posted February 1, 2013 Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 Ardelle, congratulations and happy anniversary. What you shared with us is very touching and beautiful. Thank you for reminding us all about the importance of our health and family and the not so important "small stuff." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancingraisin Posted February 1, 2013 Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 Feels good doesn't it? I am at 15 years now and still remember every detail with gratitude for survival! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustSewSimple Posted February 1, 2013 Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 Bless you! God is good and He is in control. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primitive1 Posted February 1, 2013 Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 Ardelle, Thanks for sharing your journey with us. I too am glad you are a survivor! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vtquilter52 Posted February 1, 2013 Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 You are very blessed for sure with all your family and friends, I understand every thing you went though and want you to know that people like us (9 years for me this past October) how this changes how we look at life and just the little thing that make us happy. Congratulations for the good work, and god bless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enchanted Quilting Posted February 1, 2013 Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 What a happy story...enjoy your day and many more to come! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Grammy Posted February 1, 2013 Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 Congrats on your 5 years. Your story really touched my heart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delld Posted February 1, 2013 Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 Thanks for sharing! Have a very blesses day and future!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeatherH Posted February 1, 2013 Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 Thank you for reminding all of us of the "fragility" of life and what a wonderful God we have .I have my own story and am thankful for every new day and the many blessings we enjoy . congratulations and God Bless! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWBowser Posted February 1, 2013 Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 Congratulations Ardelle, 5 years is great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
srichardson Posted February 1, 2013 Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 Congratulations Ardelle. May you have many more anniversaries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apylinski Posted February 1, 2013 Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 So great to hear a success story instead of a sad one. Two of my sisters have had breast cancer, two of us have not. One has celebrated 20 years and the other 15. I thank God everyday that I still have them both in my life and that I have not had to endure what they and you have gone through. So happy for you Ardelle...and it sounds like you had a great attitude, which is in MHO the most important part. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudithWashburnQuiltStudo Posted February 1, 2013 Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 Ardelle and all Survivors, I am so glad you are here with us. Knowing what you all had to go through - makes me count mine and your blessings. Thank you for sharing your journeys and memories. May you have the rest of your life free. Best Wishes to you all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liam Posted February 1, 2013 Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 Congratulations Ardelle on Five years!!! I personally know how that six letter work (cancer) turns a person's world upside down. I am a 11 year survivor myself. I'm glad to hear you had the Love and Support of Family and Friends; that is very important. I didn't have that during my process and treatment (by my own choice). I pray you add many more anniversaries to your five year milestone! I also pray that if anyone else here has to go through that horrible process that they have the same outcome as you have had. God Bless you!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heritage Keepsakes Posted February 1, 2013 Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 Congratulations Ardelle, (and Liam too!) Wishing you many many more anniversary dates to come. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestieMom Posted February 1, 2013 Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 Wishing all of the survivors out there a happy and healthy future! Ardelle thanks for sharing your story and congratulations on the five year anniversary! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ffq-lar Posted February 1, 2013 Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 Fabulous milestone--and such a relief to reach it, though you'll be ever-vigilant. I'm so glad to have met you and Roger. Blessings! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaC Posted February 2, 2013 Report Share Posted February 2, 2013 Congratulations Ardelle and to all you Survivors! A great reminder to do self exams, ladies! My Mother in law is a 5 year survivor too! Praise God! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iedquilts Posted February 2, 2013 Report Share Posted February 2, 2013 Congratulation Ardelle. thanks for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrandmaLKB Posted February 2, 2013 Report Share Posted February 2, 2013 CONGRATULATIONS ...............good for you ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charmaine Posted February 2, 2013 Report Share Posted February 2, 2013 Wow! Cancer has touched so many lives. I am coming up to 2 years since my diagnosis with breast cancer and am wishing continued good health for all of us! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.