October 20, 2008

A Day of Reflection

Today is a Day of Reflection for me. After a routine colonoscopy, I heard those dreaded words "You have cancer." I'll never forget it as long as I live. I was numb. All I could think about was my husband and how he was going to react. How did he react? (You see, prior associations with family/friends who was diagnosed with cancer died within months.) He said that "WE have cancer" not just me! He has been my rock thru it all. That was five years ago today. The prognosis wasn't real good. I had surgery where a section of my colon was removed. Today, I am cancer free. I have my regular appointment with my Oncologist this coming Thursday. If all is well (and I pray it will be), I will only have to go see him annually from this point forward. This is a major milestone! I am my own Hero. I know this sounds vain, but hey I kicked cancer's butt I have a right to celebrate!

I look at life differently now and do not take anything for granted. Life can change quicker than the blink of an eye. I'm so thankful and grateful to God as I know it was His healing powers that saved me. I often think "what if" they had told me I only had 5 years to live? What would I have missed?

I was around to see my husband retire after working for over 33 years at the power plant; my third grandchild was born; my youngest son got married and blessed me with a wonderful daughter-in-law; I retired from my 20+ year job as office manager; I have renewed relationships with some old friends; I have a wonderful group of quilting buddies -- the Wacky Pack that I LOVE to be with; I spent an entire month in Europe visiting several countries; I went on a quilting cruise in the Caribbean with the Wacky Pack Quilters; I did the 'zip-line thing' in Honduras and just "knew" I was going to die!; I've witnessed healing in sibling relationships in my DH's family; I watched my oldest son make a career change that required sacrifices on the part of his family and himself -- he is now a Fireman in Houston, TX, and found his calling. I have witnessed my youngest son graduating from Texas A&M and watched his career SOAR and him become so successful! I am so proud of both of my sons. I have started another career as the Director of Senior Services/Transit in Freestone County. It is a great job and one where I truly feel I make a difference in lives. As a result of this job, I have a new set of friends that I consider a true blessing in my life. I have won a couple of awards with my quilts. I have made quilts for both sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren plus other friends. I was so scared I wouldn't get this accomplished. I could go on and on, but I'll stop now. I am just so happy and proud on this 5th anniversary of a very life-changing event.

15 comments:

QuiltedSimple said...

Oh what a wonderful post - and yes, you kicked cancer's BUTT clear out the door! I'll be praying that your appt. on Thursday is EXCELLENT!
Kris

Marla said...

Wow! WOW! and WOW! I am so glad you "kicked butt!" We sometimes forget about the good things. It is humbling when we list them out and discover how fortunate we are. Really great post!

Not Lucy said...

WooHoo! You are awesome for kicking cancer's butt. Oh, that all could make that claim.

Rhonda said...

Kathy, you and Jerri are my heroes because you live your lives to the fullest, always with a smile here, a laugh there and comforting words to others. You bring sunshine whereever you go. God has blessed you and I'm very happy to be your friend.

Monica at Buttoncounter said...

Kathy,
I can't express how much of a profound effect that you Wackies have had on my life. I am so grateful for you all. I could not and can not imagine what it would be like without one of you there. Thank God for you tenacity and good humor, both of which are requirements in a battle with cancer. You did it. What great role models I have. I will pray that your appointment goes very well.

Love, Monica

Teresa said...

A great big Texas YeeeHaw! You have every right to be proud and excited and everything other emotion you are experience right now!!! You could have given up, had a pity party and died, but you chose to LIVE and we are all so glad you did!

Browndirtcottage said...

...... (( sigh ))....just tears...

Anonymous said...

What an inspirational post! Sometimes its hard to concentrate on the good things-this proves I should try harder!

Congrats to you!!

StitchinByTheLake said...

What a wonderful testimony to the joy you have found in life after cancer. So many people haven't embraced this attitude and they miss so much. God has truly blessed you. blessings, marlene

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your five year anniversary! So inspirational and just what I needed. I just found your blog today and it is ironic that my 21-year-old son will have his first recheck Thursday since being diagnosed with testicular cancer in June. Docs are 99% sure surgery cured him but we still have to check. We will keep you in our prayers and hope you will do the same for us.

Gale, Kentucky quilter

Busy Little Quilter said...

Hi, Kathy! I saw that you were following my blog so I had to come and visit you.

What an inspirational post! Congratulations for being cancer free for 5 years. I will keep you in my prayers that you will continue to be cancer free.

Thanks for following my blog! I'll be back to visit you.

Amanda

Barefoot Quilter said...

I am so glad you are cancer free! Those routine colonoscopies are so important. My father and grandmother did not get checked in time. I will keep yuou in my prayers. I am so happy for you. I am glad you've had the chance to do so much since you kicked the cancer's BUTT!!! I love your positive attitude. p.s. Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Kath said...

May God continue to Bless you, my friend! I remember the day you called me at work and told me. There is no way to describe how I felt! You and the Wackies are my Texas sisters! And I love you all as much as I do my "blood" sister, Jan. So praise the Lord! You just keep on kickin' butt, girl!

Hugs - Kathleen

Messy Karen said...

thank you for sharing your story.

Molly Mandeville Fryer said...

Kathy--God knows we cannot live without you. You are----everything I am not. You are an inspiration to us all. I love you. Be sure to report back as soon as you can. I know it will be positive. We have lots more laughin to do. M