Welcome

Hi Anniem, Great idea and look forward to "survivors" posting things on the site, Now there are two who have posted. Steve

Hi pinkeye, congrats on being a survivor!!! I think one of the things I have problems with is how do I move on from being a cancer sufferer to a cancer survivor?Part of me keeps waiting for the other shoe to drop!Hopefully, this too shall pass! I wish I could help with your question but it's all Greek to me. Keep posting,Margro

Hi Margo I recently went to a cancer council relay for life event.  That helps puts things in perspective as a survivor, and helped me move along a bit as a survivor.  I found it too easy to shove stuff under the carpet and not deal with it, as people are uneasy about talking about cancer experiences at work etc.  At the relay for life event you are there with a whole lot of other survivors and do the first lap of honour for the relay and then have an afternoon tea to meet some other survivors. John

Now we are four!  I'm a survivor of 14 years and have come to terms with the fact that although cancer may not be a death sentence, it IS a life sentence.  Annual check-ups with my oncologist remind me, as well as the surgical scars on my body that are with me daily.  Don't get me wrong, I don't live in fear and I've finally stopped waiting for the other shoe to drop, but I was only able to build a new 'normal' for myself once I realised that cancer could come back again and I can't change that.  I use this knowledge to live as fully as possible every day. Being human, of course sometimes I forget to do this, but I believe that I do my very best to make each day something to be celebrated.  Basically it's just a matter of keeping on keeping on - and no matter how far down the track you get, always have people to talk to who have been on the same journey.  Family and friends don't want to hear about it over and over again, but if you need to talk, then you need to.  Who better to do that with than other survivors?Jane

Hi everyone I will celebrate my 9th cancer birthday in July.  On being diagnosed with a squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary in July 1999 I had a pity party for 2 days then decided that this uninvited guest would not define who I was and control my life.  I still have blood tests and scans and see my oncologist every year but I choose to look on that as simply confirmation that I am doing well. Cancer changed my life bigtime, I found a person inside me I did not know was there.  I have since really lived my life, had some amazing experiences, met incredibly inspiring people, and learned some great life lessons.  It hasnt always been easy and my life is now vastly different from what I ever imagined it would be at 60 years young. I have been a support group facilitor for almost 7 years, have completed various training programs through the Cancer Council and other organisations, and have just begun to do a Diploma in counselling. We can learn from and support each other through our journey and while I fully accept that having had an "unknown primary" there is a possibility that this little rogue may surface again some time, I think in the meantime, I have other more exciting things to think about. I also want to say that having been honoured to read the Relay for Life oath in 2002 [central coast nsw] the importance of being able to attend this event is significant to many of us for different reasons.  We understand each other, we dont need to explain why this event is so special, why we are there, we just know.  I love relay, it is my personal reaffirmation time, and even though I think they make the track longer each year - lol, it is a wonderful time for renewal and reflection while raising funds for the Cancer Council. Finally, I was told I would probably not survive 5 years. Hope and humour - yep - I will take them anyday.  Best wishes with your continued journeys everyone. Lyn

Hi Jenny, Way to go...9yrs!!I was told I wouldn't last 6wks and in Sept it will be 3yrs! Aren't dogs the best thing ever invented?I walk my 2 babies every morning on the beach(off leash beach)and no matter how lousy I feel when I get up,that is one thing I know will make me feel better. Like you,I lost a lot of weight very quickly(14ks in 2wks and I was only 55k to start with)and because of the scar from surgery etc,I had a lot of body image issues.Walking everyday has helped with toning and that is an added bonus. Keep up the good work