Its a good word- REMISSION

RedRoxx44 · Queen of the Walkabout Joined: 15 Jan 2004 Posts: 1167

This is a pretty personal topic but I feel so good I could shout it to the roof tops---

Two years ago I was diagnosed with cancer- lymphoma- and given the poor prognosis deal, had 6 wonderful months of chemotherapy, lost all my hair, eyebrows and lashes included- I looked like an alien, took all kinds of weird medication, worked and hiked some.

Today I got the good news I made the "cut " that I am in remission-- the standards for my kind of cancer is different than others.

I learned a few things that I would like to share. Some of value I think- and some not-

1. You get your priorities straight , really fast--family, friends, faith, life
I like my work but its not about that any more. Do you want to worry about the cost of gas or go see something special on a distant hike? Do you want to look back and wish you had done something but didn't because of "stuff" ? Guess what --- you might not be around or be able to do it. Don't wait-- do it now.

2.You find out who your friends really are-- some folks are nervous around sick people. That's cool-- I didn't want to be around me either.
A friend is someone who will drive 300 miles to spend a "chemo" weekend when you are half the time in the bed or the bathroom.

3. You can have fun and pretend to be someone else with a blond pageboy wig, high heels and a red dress.

4.You can do some normal things during treatment. Look at Lance Armstrong. I did some hiking; and actually did an overnight backpack in utah 5 days after my third cycle of chemo. My great good friend Jerry was with me and played it just right in Coyote Gulch- quietly supportive, let me be, and never asked me how I felt. He knew I would come to him if I needed help.

5. Just cause you feel bad and are under stress is no reason to be a jerk. Don't go in your CEO's office and tell him exactly what you think of him and the company--you'll eat crow later. Need that job and medical insurance.

6. Don't sweat the small stuff--- let it go. I tell myself this when I find myself getting irritated over something stupid. I could walk away from everything I have and be ok. So could you- not to say it would be easy.

7. To quote "Red" in Shawshank Redemption (I am not sure of the order)-" You need to get busy living; or get busy dying"--- I think I'll try the living part--who knows what I'll see and do in the next 5 or 10 years!!!

I don't think I'll go to the Gila this weekend-- I think I'll go to

DISNEYLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sande J · Posted: 7/1/2004, 5:51 pm Post subject:

Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

Wow. Congrats Letty!

I had no idea. Glad the odds fell your way. That's a real accomplishment.

Great news, and a great post.

mike · What box? Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 3134

That's awesome news, Letty, congratulations! And thanks for sharing the wisdom you gained, good stuff!
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Arizonaheat · Posted: 7/1/2004, 6:04 pm Post subject:

Congratulations. Your special attitude has shone through to me since I read your first trip log on this site. You certainly have your priorities straight and have a gift in your heart and soul, that will always be carried with you! ( I know I hardly know you and hope you don't think I'm stepping out of line here)

evenstar · Joined: 03 Jan 2003 Posts: 5548 Location: SCW by way of CA

Hikngrl · Posted: 7/1/2004, 6:21 pm Post subject:

What an inspitation you are to so many of us- even before this post. You are strong and couragous . Thank you for trusting us enough to share your news with us! God has blessed you. May he continue to do so!
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~~~Diane~~~

I want to shine!

Shihiyea · Joined: 20 Oct 2003 Posts: 1135

CatValet · Posted: 7/1/2004, 6:35 pm Post subject:

Congratulations, Attagirl and God Bless!

Hmmm....I thought Disneyland was cool when I was 13, but I thought the Gila was fantastic when I was 45! Chin Scratching

BoyNhisDog · Posted: 7/1/2004, 7:03 pm Post subject:

You show the incredible bravery and love for this earth that my mother did. I have never known anyone as brave as she was, ever. Dying is really not hard but living can be. You know what it is to live and to live good. Thank you for sharing your gift of life.
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Seize from every moment its unique novelty and do not prepare your joys
- Andre Gide

paintninaz · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 3515

Congratulations!!!! Wow...everyone else said it so well, I'm at a loss for words....That is great news, most deserving for someone with an appreciation for life such as yourself!! Applause

Continue to ENJOY!!!!!!!! Agree

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~Tracy

“Friends make the bad times good — and the good times unforgettable.”

RedRoxx44 · Queen of the Walkabout Joined: 15 Jan 2004 Posts: 1167

I'm not really going to Disneyland but to San Diego to celebrate with some good friends and walk on the beach at Coronado and get my Pacific Ocean fix. But the Gila---I shall return!!!

Trishness · Posted: 7/1/2004, 8:18 pm Post subject:

Letty,

Awesome post girl! The fact that you're able to share your personal feelings on a topic like this speaks volumes about you. Everything you posted about it is of value for others who have been through a health crisis of some sort or have been through it with loved ones.

Wonderful news about remission! I'm in awe of your strength and determination.

Mr. Green

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~~~Trish~~~

"Eastward the dawn rose, ridge behind ridge into the morning, and vanished out of eyesight into guess; it was no more than a glimmer blending with the hem of the sky, but it spoke to them, out of the memory and old tales, of the high and distant mountains." ï¿½ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of The Rings.

Daddee · Posted: 7/1/2004, 8:22 pm Post subject:

Wonderful news Letty - it's always good to hear the story of someone who beat the odds.

We're all admire you greatly.
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"Only small minds want always to be right."
- Louis XIV

"...haven't you lived long enough to know that two men may honestly differ about a question and both be right?"
- Abraham Lincoln

SUN_HIKER · Joined: 05 Dec 2003 Posts: 1057

Congratulations - your story brings tears to my eyes! You sifted through the priorities of life for us to take note. You are one special person forsure.

GB
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