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So it turns out . . . I'm still here!

Greta

By Greta,
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Greta

Greta

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Hello, all of you dear wonderful people whom I have missed so much!  Since it has been so very long, I wanted to check and let you know that I am still around, and doing exceptionally well considering my circumstances.

For those who are new and don't know what I'm talking about, or don't remember the details, in August of 2018 I got a most unexpected diagnosis:  lung cancer, stage 4, terminal.  It was a complete shock because I was in pretty good health except for a mild but persistent cough.  I'd never smoked a cigarette, been around second-hand smoke, or worked around volatile chemicals;  and our home tested negative for radon.  But by the time I experienced that first symptom, the cancer had already spread to my bones (vertebrae, hip, shoulder) and brain - multiple lesions in every part of my brain, so many they didn't bother to count.  Over the course of just a few days, I went from planning vacations and home improvements and retirement to planning my funeral and writing goodbye letters to all my loved ones.  My oncologist said that the average life expectancy after a diagnosis like mine was 12 months, but it could be anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

Now here we are, about 19 months later, and I'm doing better than we could have hoped.  My first course of treatment was radiation to my brain, and then I started chemotherapy and immune therapy.  The first four months or so I had to be on a fairly unpleasant chemo drug, but now I am on a milder one.  I receive it and an immune therapy drug every three weeks, indefinitely.  And the treatment is working!  My last brain scan showed only one lesion left!  Just one!  And my last body scan showed that the tumors in my bones are all either stable or shrinking, and the big nasty one in my lung that started it all is shrinking.  None of that is to say that I'm on my way to remission.  Unfortunately, that is not something I can expect.  My care is palliative, not curative, but it is giving me more time, and my quality of life is very good because I have had few complications or side-effects.  And the complications and side-effects that I've had have been very tolerable, though I admit I can get grumpy and frustrated at times.  When that happens, I try very hard to remind myself that at least I don't have to have a pleural catheter anymore - I hope that none of you even know what that means, just trust me, it isn't pretty!  😂

Truly, I have been so incredibly blessed and fortunate, in my life in general, and through this illness as well.  My husband and I are closer than ever.  My daughter is living at home, for which I am so glad, and attending her second year of university.  My mother came and cared for me during the worst times, in the way that only a mother can.  So many friends and family members have reached out to me in kindness and generosity.  And Christ has been my rock and my comfort.  My sanity, in fact.  Though I have certainly done nothing to deserve any of this, I am blessed beyond measure.

I know I am not the only board member here who is suffering with cancer or other illness, so I feel awkward that I've made this all about me.  But I wanted to give you all and update, and I'm going to browse the boards and look for updates on all of you.  I sincerely hope that those who are sick are finding healing and comfort, and that all of you are staying as protected and safe as possible in the midst of this pandemic.

With much love,

Greta

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JustEm

JustEm

Posted
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It makes me so happy to hear you are doing so well. It truly is amazing the advances that have been made in cancer treatments. I will pray for continued healing

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Greta

Greta

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Thank you all!  I really do appreciate the warm welcome back.  It's so nice to be here.

My avatar pic is a quick pencil sketch that my daughter did of me quite a number of years ago now.  Let's all just pretend that I still have the long, thick hair that I did when she drew that, okay?  🤣

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JennyD

JennyD

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Greta!  I am so happy to hear that you are doing so well!!  This is such a welcome shot of great news in an otherwise dismal time.  Thank you so much for posting.

 

  • Like 3
maize

maize

Posted
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Greta!

I'm so glad to hear from you! Thank you for the update, it is wonderful to know that your cancer has responded so well to treatment. It sounds like you and your family are making the best of a really difficult set of circumstances.

Sending many germ-free virtual hugs.

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Annie G

Annie G

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So happy that you came to share an update.  Today I find myself burdened with some family problems that leave my heart heavy, but your update put a much needed perspective into my stressed out brain. I needed that.  Continued prayers for you, Greta. 

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Guest

Guest

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Oh! My! Goooosh! I seriously screamed out loud to see your post, Greta! Oh my sweet merciful heavens! I have tears in my eyes reading a clear, intelligent, living, breathing post from you!!!! 

You amaze me. You are a light in dark times. May you continue to be blessed! 

💜-Danielle 

  • Like 8
mmasc

mmasc

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I’ve thought about you and prayed for you many times in the past year. Thank you so much for the update and I’m very, very happy that you are doing well. This good news has truly brought tears to my eyes! May God bless you and your family tenfold!

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Acadie

Acadie

Posted
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I always loved your kind and thoughtful posts, and that avatar! 

So glad to hear your update, Greta, and how much you're enjoying this time with your beloveds. 

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livetoread

livetoread

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One of my close friends was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer over three years ago. She was in her early 50s, very healthy, vegan, no risk factors. ALK+. She has done well with targeted therapy, and we are so grateful she is still with us, living a quality life. Your news is wonderful.

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Greta

Greta

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On 3/25/2020 at 3:50 PM, Quill said:

Oh! My! Goooosh! I seriously screamed out loud to see your post, Greta! Oh my sweet merciful heavens! I have tears in my eyes reading a clear, intelligent, living, breathing post from you!!!! 

You amaze me. You are a light in dark times. May you continue to be blessed! 

💜-Danielle 

 

On 3/25/2020 at 4:32 PM, peacelovehomeschooling said:

And I teared up just reading your reply.


And I’m crying now, which is lovely because you are all so lovely!  I truly can’t thank you all enough for the kindness, the prayers, and the shared joy!

  • Like 11
Liz CA

Liz CA

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This made my day! Thank you for posting, Greta!

I can't believe it's been 19 months - I remember reading the post that Joanna wrote with my head in my hands.

Doctors may give you time frames but they are not the arbiter of life or death.  Go ahead and beat their prognosis and surprise them all!!!!!

 

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