Linda Cohen is a survivor of small lymphocytic lymphoma and was recognized in 2009. Make amends for all of Linda’s blogs right here!
At a latest dinner honoring a brand new president of a company, I used to be handed a cocktail in a lovely martini glass — a grapefruit vodka punch. Instinctively, I believed, “I can’t have this.” It had solely been per week since I had stopped my most cancers remedy that I took twice a day. For years, grapefruit was utterly off-limits as a result of its interplay with this tablet. However then, one thing clicked: “Wait… I’m off that remedy now.”
It’s been nearly three years since I tasted grapefruit, one in all my favourite fruits. And there I used to be, holding a glass stuffed with it, smiling from ear to ear. I couldn’t assist however inform everybody round me why this cocktail was such a giant deal. It could sound like a small factor to you, however to me, it was monumental.
After I advised my husband later, he stunned me after his subsequent grocery run with a contemporary grapefruit. That straightforward gesture introduced me a lot pleasure. As a result of it wasn’t simply in regards to the fruit — it was about freedom. It symbolized the tip of a protracted chapter of inflexible remedy schedules, the grapefruit restriction, and fixed reminders of my sickness. That’s what three years of taking most cancers meds each twelve hours with precisely eight ounces of water will do to you.
Sixteen years in the past, I used to be advised I had an incurable most cancers. And whereas it’s nonetheless technically incurable, at the moment I stand in a spot I by no means imagined doable. Due to rising therapies and compassionate, modern care, my future feels extra open than ever. I’ve discovered to reframe what it means to reside with a persistent sickness. Sure, it is going to finally come again, however as an alternative of specializing in that, I’m selecting to concentrate on the time I’ve already been given — and what nonetheless lies forward.
After I began a more moderen organic remedy, Calquence (acalabrutinib), a BTK inhibitor, a number of years in the past, I used to be advised I could also be taking these tablets for the remainder of my life. There was no long-term protocol as a result of the meds have been so new. Now, being off of them feels surreal and fills me with hope. Nobody is aware of after I’ll have to restart this remedy or what new medicine will probably be out there at the moment. The physician stated it’s doable that I could possibly be off of it for years.
Having most cancers can, in its unusual means, be a present. It makes you extra more likely to reside totally, to like deeply, and to rely each second that really issues.
By means of all of it, my religion has been my anchor. That, together with the unwavering assist of my household and the dedication of my physician, has saved me going.
Now, I simply need to be. I need to reside life with out most cancers continuously shadowing my ideas. It’s the closest feeling I’ve had or will ever must being cured — and it’s a freedom I by no means thought can be a part of my story.
We don’t understand how a lot time we have now. That is true for everybody, not simply most cancers survivors. What I do know is that I need to spend my time specializing in pleasure, which means, and the issues I really like.
A Thank You to a Fellow Survivor
I lately learn an article in CURE that jogged my memory why we share our tales. William Ramshaw’s piece, “Pancreatic Most cancers Tried to Crash My Three Daughters’ Weddings,” caught my eye with its highly effective title, nevertheless it stayed with me due to the hope he shared. His perception in miracles and the resilience in his journey jogged my memory that whereas our tales are completely different, our feelings are sometimes the identical.
Studying his story made me pause and mirror on how far I’ve come. It gave me power and gratitude. As a result of irrespective of the analysis, once you’re the one going by means of it, the journey is rarely simple, nevertheless it’s at all times yours.
Right here’s what I’ve discovered:
- Analysis and discover the perfect physician for you and your particular most cancers.
- Do all the things you’ll be able to to remain optimistic — it makes a distinction.
- And above all, have religion and be pleased about every day.
Having most cancers can, in its unusual means, be a present. It makes you extra more likely to reside totally, to like deeply, and to rely each second that really issues. And typically, it makes a grapefruit cocktail really feel like a triumph!
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