Cindy's Personal Story as a Cancer Survivor - 1/16/2006

In 1995 I was blessed to find Jim, Kris, Evie, Anne, Maryann, and all the rest of the gang on Prodigy's Forum. I can still remember the day as I sat at home searching for any new treatment for my very rare type of cancer. I spotted something that said survivors and thought that perhaps since I was diagnosed in 1989 and given a maximum of five years to live and it had been six years....maybe I qualified. That day changed my life. There is no doubt God led me to that initial site and those wonderful people. It was a lifeline and I clung to it. People came and went. Some lives were cut short, some were victorious in their battle, but all were survivors.

I have survived 17 years with this stuff.

I have a very rare form of cancer known as Metastatic Pheochromocytoma. I still have metastases mostly to the bone and have just finished chemo and another round of radiation. I have had more operations than I can remember...... but here's the part that counts.

My husband, Rick and I raised our children. Ricky was 4 when I was diagnosed and I prayed everyday to live long enough for him to remember his Mom. He is now 20 and in his 2nd year of college. Kelley was 7 and she already knew everything so I mostly just wanted to be around to see what she could teach me. She is 23 and married with 2 beautiful babies. Rick also has a 30 year old daughter, Lisa, who has also blessed us with 2 beautiful grandchildren. I'm way too young to be a grandma - 4 times over.

This week, January 17, Rick and I will celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary. I could tell you about all the sacrifices he has made; all the vacations and trips he hasn't been on, about him carrying me when I was unable to walk, feeding me when I was unable to move, holding my head while I threw up. But anybody can do those thing, so I'll just tell you about the best thing he has done - everyday he has been there.

So I continue on. Refusing to give in to this disease. Refusing to give it one inch of my life. Getting up everyday and doing it over again. Good, bad and indifferent. Each day is a blessing and I'm having a ball!

I love you guys!

Cindy

e-mail Cindy Here