Julesss

Many Blessings to All!

........... wow.... seems like a lifetime ago I arrived here .... frightened, inquiring, leaning, learning and gaining powerful insight by all of your sharing. Collecting the necessary needed to get through the journey of rectal ca....dx April 2004. You all shared invaluable information, care and concern that made a cold, lonely journey one of bravery, strength, greater understanding and love.

I recently celebrated my one year anniversary ending ca treatment on New Years -- last chemo treatment being 12/31/04 (chemo/radiation; 5 weeks in 5/04, resection 7/04 and followup 4 mos. chemo beg. in 9/04). Can't believe its been a full year! It has taken that long to get back. I am fortunate in that a colostomy was not necessary, and I am abundantly gratefull to God that I have minimal residual issues that continue to improve.

As a bonus, DH became disenchanted, and we severed our 18-year union. It is a majorly difficult journey for spouses, no doubt. In our case, however, there were issues prior to the dx. My journey magnified those that already existed, and in fact, made my personal fight even more of a challenge. Furthermore, I believe that my ca was perhaps encouraged by emotional turmoil and depression. Although....., as we all know, one never knows true cause.

I have experienced a complete metamorphisis of life, and it is a really good thing. The residual chemo has finally subsided, and has left me with high energy levels and a paramount appreciation for tomorrow and of life on all planes. I make time for me now. I exercise and keep the heart pumping on a regular basis. Like the song says .... I love deeper, talk sweeter and sometimes laugh till it hurts.

Because I have such a belief that everything happens for a reason, I have actually been in a mindset to thank God for my journey. It has given me insight that I would not otherwise have today. There was a time when this idea was presented to me, and I considered it completely unreasonable.

Today is different.

I consistently pray for all of you (and others) who are fighting the fight and traveling a road that is, more-than-likely, more difficult than mine. I have many heros these days. Many, many of which reside here.

May you all be blessed with great strength. May your journey in whatever capacity you are traveling, be one of endurance and reward in health and love.

Thank you, thank you, thank you ! .............................. Don't ever give up. ..........

With Love......
God Bless All ~ Julesss


Angel of God, my Guardian Dear
to whom God's Love commits me here;
Ever this day, be at my side ....to light....to guard...to rule and guide
~Amen~

p.s. I truly owe tomorrow to Dr. David O ......... a great surgeon and a wonderful wonderful man!

p.p.s. Wendi, you are in my heart always ~~In love and friendship ........... xo