That was a question I was asked recently. I suppose there would be many who wouldn't be optimistic. I understand that. First, I was diagnosed with what is called, "the most lethal" cancer on the planet. I underwent the most invasive surgical procedure, the Whipple, & completed 6 months of chemotherapy. Fully believing that I would NOT have to face pancreatic cancer again. My Oncologist was so sure that I had beaten it also that he suggested I get my port removed within weeks of finishing chemo.
Unfortunately, that wasn't the end of my journey. I love the quote, "Man plans, God laughs."
It's NOT my plan, it's God's plan. The cancer has returned & I am undergoing chemotherapy, again. Fortunately, I am in a clinical trial and in a short amount of time, I am responding well to treatment and the tumors are shrinking. Yet again, I am breezing through without the need of Neupogen/Neulasta, NOR have I needed a transfusion. Friends jokingly call me, "Wonder Woman." I'm not sure about that, but I am certainly blessed.
Back to staying positive. Do I always? No. I have my down times, but the majority of the time, I am reminded of all the blessings in my life. IF I do not succeed in this battle, I will still have won! I believe the biggest reason I remain positive is that at the age of 3, my parents were burying my older sister. She was only 5 and a half. She died as the result of an auto accident in Corbin, KY. She was with a family friend who survived, but lost her son in the accident. Then at 20, one of my best friends died as the result of an aviation accident. She was beautiful! She was also a very talented singer who knew exactly WHAT she wanted in life. So, you see, I have lived a great life and have experienced so much more than my sister & my beautiful friend. Yes, I want more years to see my son graduate from college, marry and have children. Will I be here? I believe so. I have a great Oncologist who is a top researcher in the field of Pancreatic Cancer. However, IF I'm not, I've been blessed with 30 more years than my friend & 45 more than my sister. I've been married, divorced and privileged to be the Mom to a great young man. That ALONE is something I'm sure my sister & my friend would both have been great at...being a Mom.
So, when I start to get depressed, I look at my son and I thank God for each day. Because no one is guaranteed a tomorrow.
Man plans, God laughs.
TB2G for another day.
