Comments on: The Fear of Recurrence After 13 Years http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/ Thu, 09 Sep 2010 04:11:53 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Sarah "Tills" http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/#comment-6539 Sarah "Tills" Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:16:18 +0000 http://livestrongblog.org/?p=4086#comment-6539 Hey Chris! Long time no talk of course, but I read this and had to hold my breath. I was just telling some friends of mine how we met at Dragon Sports and how you introduced me to triathlon (still racing), so I looked you up. SO glad to hear you're strong and healthy albeit an inconvenient tummy pouch :) Take care and keep writing! Hey Chris! Long time no talk of course, but I read this and had to hold my breath. I was just telling some friends of mine how we met at Dragon Sports and how you introduced me to triathlon (still racing), so I looked you up. SO glad to hear you’re strong and healthy albeit an inconvenient tummy pouch :) Take care and keep writing!

]]> By: Vinny Marchionni http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/#comment-6538 Vinny Marchionni Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:01:26 +0000 http://livestrongblog.org/?p=4086#comment-6538 Chris, I'm a year out from a Stage 4 NHL diagnosis, I've been in remission since April. Just completed my scans and blood tests and everything is fine. You captured the CT scan experience perfectly. Cancer never leaves your life. I've learned that. I had hoped that I could just punt cancer out of my body and out of my mind. I wanted to go back to my life before I heard the words, "you have Lymphoma...we have a great hemotologist on staff that you should call." You can't go back, the fight never ends. We are constantly reminded and are constant reminders. That yellow band we wear says so much about us. Livestrong. Chris,

I’m a year out from a Stage 4 NHL diagnosis, I’ve been in remission since April. Just completed my scans and blood tests and everything is fine. You captured the CT scan experience perfectly.

Cancer never leaves your life. I’ve learned that. I had hoped that I could just punt cancer out of my body and out of my mind. I wanted to go back to my life before I heard the words, “you have Lymphoma…we have a great hemotologist on staff that you should call.” You can’t go back, the fight never ends. We are constantly reminded and are constant reminders. That yellow band we wear says so much about us.

Livestrong.

]]> By: Sandra Mitchelhill http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/#comment-6537 Sandra Mitchelhill Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:09:47 +0000 http://livestrongblog.org/?p=4086#comment-6537 Thanks for sharing Chris. I am a 5 year breast cancer survivor and recently had an irregular blood test result. The error was in the testing; nothing wrong with my blood values. However, something like this brings back that day when I was first diagnosed. You can recover, but you never forget a cancer diagnosis, the surgery, chemo, radiotherapy and tests,etc. Only those who have had cancer can really understand. All the best to you. Thanks for sharing Chris. I am a 5 year breast cancer survivor and recently had an irregular blood test result. The error was in the testing; nothing wrong with my blood values. However, something like this brings back that day when I was first diagnosed. You can recover, but you never forget a cancer diagnosis, the surgery, chemo, radiotherapy and tests,etc. Only those who have had cancer can really understand.
All the best to you.

]]> By: Facebook User http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/#comment-6536 Facebook User Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:17:56 +0000 http://livestrongblog.org/?p=4086#comment-6536 Thank you for sharing your story. I am very happy things worked out the way you hoped this time. I am currently waiting for the results of my most recent CT Scan...my first six month duration. My post treatment regimen started out as CT Scans and blood work every 3 months for 2 years. Then, every 4 months for another 2 years and now 1 every 6 months for a year and then annually after that. It has been almost 4 years since chemo and radiation and I cannot express how much I hate the week between my tests and the results. I feel fine and all tests post treatment have been good so far. Chemo is just one of those things you do and get it over with hoping you never have to do it again. Praying for a cure! Thank you for sharing your story. I am very happy things worked out the way you hoped this time. I am currently waiting for the results of my most recent CT Scan…my first six month duration. My post treatment regimen started out as CT Scans and blood work every 3 months for 2 years. Then, every 4 months for another 2 years and now 1 every 6 months for a year and then annually after that. It has been almost 4 years since chemo and radiation and I cannot express how much I hate the week between my tests and the results. I feel fine and all tests post treatment have been good so far. Chemo is just one of those things you do and get it over with hoping you never have to do it again.
Praying for a cure!

]]> By: Ron Bye http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/#comment-6535 Ron Bye Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:50:25 +0000 http://livestrongblog.org/?p=4086#comment-6535 Chris I am now over 34 years out and can unfortunately fully attest to the fact cancer never leaves our lives......... and to the fact of certain "triggers" which bring it all flooding back....... I have lived an incredibly healthy life since my cancer experience... until the last few months... I have now seen more doctors and had more tests (the CT scanner and I have gotten quite well re-aquainted) in the last 4 months than I saw in 30+ years previously and still no answers........ Next round of tests in a few days.......... Hopefully I will have some answers soon.. good or bad... I will at least then be able to start dealing with what ever... I can't help but wonder if it is all now catching back up with me............. Best of luck to you Chris Chris

I am now over 34 years out and can unfortunately fully attest to the fact cancer never leaves our lives……… and to the fact of certain “triggers” which bring it all flooding back…….

I have lived an incredibly healthy life since my cancer experience… until the last few months… I have now seen more doctors and had more tests (the CT scanner and I have gotten quite well re-aquainted) in the last 4 months than I saw in 30+ years previously and still no answers……..

Next round of tests in a few days……….

Hopefully I will have some answers soon.. good or bad… I will at least then be able to start dealing with what ever… I can’t help but wonder if it is all now catching back up with me………….

Best of luck to you Chris

]]> By: hahnfeld http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/#comment-6534 hahnfeld Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:03:45 +0000 http://livestrongblog.org/?p=4086#comment-6534 Clue #327 that you've gone through cancer treatment: You know just what clothes to wear on CT scan day to avoid the need to change into a hospital gown. Clue #327 that you’ve gone through cancer treatment:

You know just what clothes to wear on CT scan day to avoid the need to change into a hospital gown.

]]> By: Ron Kolenic http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/#comment-6533 Ron Kolenic Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:43:07 +0000 http://livestrongblog.org/?p=4086#comment-6533 CB,you rock man...keep kicking cancer's ass and ride-on! CB,you rock man…keep kicking cancer’s ass and ride-on!

]]> By: Paul Newman http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/#comment-6532 Paul Newman Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:01:55 +0000 http://livestrongblog.org/?p=4086#comment-6532 Chris, I'm not sure if I actually came up with this myself but when I lecture on cancer, I always say that once you've had cancer, nothing is ever just again. The stomach pain isn't a result of eating 3 dozen hot wings, its stomach cancer, the headache after a night of drinking is a brain tumor, etc. You're right, the fear never goes away. Back in the early 60's, we had a neighbor who was a holocaust survivor. One day a air raid alarm went off (not uncommon back then). She flashed back and came flying out of her apartment screaming for her son's name. I think traumatic events stay with us either consciously or unconsciously forever. Chris, I’m not sure if I actually came up with this myself but when I lecture on cancer, I always say that once you’ve had cancer, nothing is ever just again. The stomach pain isn’t a result of eating 3 dozen hot wings, its stomach cancer, the headache after a night of drinking is a brain tumor, etc. You’re right, the fear never goes away.

Back in the early 60′s, we had a neighbor who was a holocaust survivor. One day a air raid alarm went off (not uncommon back then). She flashed back and came flying out of her apartment screaming for her son’s name.

I think traumatic events stay with us either consciously or unconsciously forever.

]]> By: Ian Devan http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/#comment-6531 Ian Devan Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:34:06 +0000 http://livestrongblog.org/?p=4086#comment-6531 Chris, Glad to hear things are not as serious as they might have been, still a nasty scare and no doubt some sleepless nights. You sure did not seem your usual self during Austin LAF weekend, and now it obvious why. Best wishes from the regulars here in the UK, look forward to seeing you and having a few beers in 2010. Ian.D & Darren.J Continue to Livestrong, my friend. Chris,
Glad to hear things are not as serious as they might have been, still a nasty scare and no doubt some sleepless nights. You sure did not seem your usual self during Austin LAF weekend, and now it obvious why. Best wishes from the regulars here in the UK, look forward to seeing you and having a few beers in 2010.
Ian.D & Darren.J Continue to Livestrong, my friend.

]]> By: Jennifer Smith http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/#comment-6530 Jennifer Smith Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:44:45 +0000 http://livestrongblog.org/?p=4086#comment-6530 Chris, Congratulations on your benign results, something we all love to hear. I love your story and can so identify with all that you say. I'm normally very positive, live life strong everyday, but had my own scare over the last couple months. I am a four year breast cancer survivor and was highly offended when a suspicious area showed up on an MRI. My "good" breast was misbehaving! Finally, biopsy last week, which proved B-9! Did my happy dance. Want to live my life to the fullest, but think I will always be aware of the "what ifs". Thank you for telling your story and validating what so many of us feel. Chris,
Congratulations on your benign results, something we all love to hear. I love your story and can so identify with all that you say. I’m normally very positive, live life strong everyday, but had my own scare over the last couple months. I am a four year breast cancer survivor and was highly offended when a suspicious area showed up on an MRI. My “good” breast was misbehaving! Finally, biopsy last week, which proved B-9! Did my happy dance. Want to live my life to the fullest, but think I will always be aware of the “what ifs”. Thank you for telling your story and validating what so many of us feel.

]]> By: Julie Westcott http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/#comment-6529 Julie Westcott Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:24:09 +0000 http://livestrongblog.org/?p=4086#comment-6529 Chris, thanks for sharing this with us all. As a 3x cancer survivor, there's always that thought in my head about "if" and "when" it'll come back...and what each bruise or fever might be signaling. Your thoughts and feelings are ones we all experience, and while it's not probably easy putting private thoughts on the public web...the more we all talk and share, the more awareness and change happens. Kudos and thanks. We WILL find a cure...perhaps a gift from GenX to GenY. :) Chris, thanks for sharing this with us all. As a 3x cancer survivor, there’s always that thought in my head about “if” and “when” it’ll come back…and what each bruise or fever might be signaling. Your thoughts and feelings are ones we all experience, and while it’s not probably easy putting private thoughts on the public web…the more we all talk and share, the more awareness and change happens. Kudos and thanks. We WILL find a cure…perhaps a gift from GenX to GenY. :)

]]> By: Beth Hames http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/#comment-6528 Beth Hames Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:52:14 +0000 http://livestrongblog.org/?p=4086#comment-6528 Chris, I love reading your posts. Thanks for sharing your story...bh Chris, I love reading your posts. Thanks for sharing your story…bh

]]> By: EllyLou http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/#comment-6527 EllyLou Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:25:18 +0000 http://livestrongblog.org/?p=4086#comment-6527 Tomorrow is my one year in remission cancer-versary. It's one week, three days, seventeen hours and twenty minutes until my next scan. I'll think about your article to keep me distracted in the tube. Thanks, much. Tomorrow is my one year in remission cancer-versary. It’s one week, three days, seventeen hours and twenty minutes until my next scan. I’ll think about your article to keep me distracted in the tube. Thanks, much.

]]> By: Brooke McMillan (LAF Staff) http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/#comment-6526 Brooke McMillan (LAF Staff) Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:42:11 +0000 http://livestrongblog.org/?p=4086#comment-6526 So glad that Chris shared his story. Fear of Recurrence is a prevalent concern amongst cancer survivors. That's why we put together a helpful article to help you deal with this concern. Go to the following link to read about fear of recurrence and how to deal: http://tinyurl.com/yze2gxp For more info call us at 1-866-673-7205 So glad that Chris shared his story. Fear of Recurrence is a prevalent concern amongst cancer survivors. That’s why we put together a helpful article to help you deal with this concern. Go to the following link to read about fear of recurrence and how to deal:

http://tinyurl.com/yze2gxp

For more info call us at 1-866-673-7205

]]> By: pdxknitterati http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/#comment-6525 pdxknitterati Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:35:17 +0000 http://livestrongblog.org/?p=4086#comment-6525 Constant vigilance. You're doing well. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Constant vigilance. You’re doing well. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

]]> By: joaon http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/#comment-6524 joaon Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:11:24 +0000 http://livestrongblog.org/?p=4086#comment-6524 I could have written this, just replace 13 for 10 years... Hang on and livestrong, Chris! I could have written this, just replace 13 for 10 years… Hang on and livestrong, Chris!

]]> By: LIVESTRONG Blog » The Fear of Recurrence After 13 Years | The Ben Kruse 18 FORE Life Foundation http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/#comment-6523 LIVESTRONG Blog » The Fear of Recurrence After 13 Years | The Ben Kruse 18 FORE Life Foundation Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:02:43 +0000 http://livestrongblog.org/?p=4086#comment-6523 [...] LIVESTRONG Blog  » The Fear of Recurrence After 13 Years. [...] [...] LIVESTRONG Blog  » The Fear of Recurrence After 13 Years. [...]

]]> By: Marc Livolsi http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/#comment-6522 Marc Livolsi Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:32:31 +0000 http://livestrongblog.org/?p=4086#comment-6522 Chris, Thanks for sharing that with us. You took me places I dread visit even now after 20 years, and the taste of the IV popped into my mouth at reading your words. I'm so glad your news wasn't what you feared, but it doesn't take much to pull us back to that dire time. Amazing how well we block it out of our thoughts and how vividly it comes back when we have to look it in the eye again. Live Strong, Chris. Marc Chris,

Thanks for sharing that with us. You took me places I dread visit even now after 20 years, and the taste of the IV popped into my mouth at reading your words. I’m so glad your news wasn’t what you feared, but it doesn’t take much to pull us back to that dire time. Amazing how well we block it out of our thoughts and how vividly it comes back when we have to look it in the eye again.

Live Strong, Chris.

Marc

]]> By: Ann Johns http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/#comment-6521 Ann Johns Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:16:05 +0000 http://livestrongblog.org/?p=4086#comment-6521 What a brilliantly-written article, Chris! I'm so sorry you've had to relive all of that recently but am very happy that the outcome was such a great relief! I can really relate to this as I'm going through a similar journey just now. My previous cancer and treatments were different from yours (thyroid cancer, 2 surgeries, 2 doses of radioactive iodine) but, my latest tests happily suggest that I'm free of it at the moment. However for the past couple of months I've been going through a whole range of procedures to try to diagnose a slight ache in my right side and with every different doctor, test and clear set of results come a whole range of emotions. They don't know exactly what it is yet but they don't believe it's cancer, so although the fear will always be there, I'm doing OK with it. I wanted to add that your Barium contrast comment made me laugh out loud - FYI, marketers, the "Banana Smoothie" one also could do with some banana and some smoothie in it! Your whole article just summed it all up so well for me, that I wanted to thank you for sharing your story. LIVESTRONG! What a brilliantly-written article, Chris! I’m so sorry you’ve had to relive all of that recently but am very happy that the outcome was such a great relief!
I can really relate to this as I’m going through a similar journey just now. My previous cancer and treatments were different from yours (thyroid cancer, 2 surgeries, 2 doses of radioactive iodine) but, my latest tests happily suggest that I’m free of it at the moment. However for the past couple of months I’ve been going through a whole range of procedures to try to diagnose a slight ache in my right side and with every different doctor, test and clear set of results come a whole range of emotions. They don’t know exactly what it is yet but they don’t believe it’s cancer, so although the fear will always be there, I’m doing OK with it.
I wanted to add that your Barium contrast comment made me laugh out loud – FYI, marketers, the “Banana Smoothie” one also could do with some banana and some smoothie in it!
Your whole article just summed it all up so well for me, that I wanted to thank you for sharing your story.
LIVESTRONG!

]]> By: Joe Schneider http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/#comment-6520 Joe Schneider Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:06:17 +0000 http://livestrongblog.org/?p=4086#comment-6520 Thanks for sharing my friend, I totally agree with you about the sites, sounds, smells, and tastes...definitely takes you back to a different time. Glad you are well buddy! Thanks for sharing my friend, I totally agree with you about the sites, sounds, smells, and tastes…definitely takes you back to a different time. Glad you are well buddy!

]]> By: Mike Nielsen http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/#comment-6519 Mike Nielsen Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:56:51 +0000 http://livestrongblog.org/?p=4086#comment-6519 Very revealing and interesting Chris! It's hard to know what a friend is feeling when they're going through such a scary period. Thanks for the insight, and I'm glad you're going to be OK. ~Mike Very revealing and interesting Chris! It’s hard to know what a friend is feeling when they’re going through such a scary period. Thanks for the insight, and I’m glad you’re going to be OK.
~Mike

]]> By: Peter Thomas http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/#comment-6518 Peter Thomas Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:55:27 +0000 http://livestrongblog.org/?p=4086#comment-6518 Dear Chris, Just read your entry with some trepidation. Been in complete remission since April this year and most of the thoughts you experienced during your wait came flooding back to me too. I still have them, and your right they will probably never leave you. Just makes you think how much of a serious journey you go through when your diagnosed. I'm so glad for you Take care and Livstrong Peter, Livestrong, Wales UK Dear Chris,

Just read your entry with some trepidation. Been in complete remission since April this year and most of the thoughts you experienced during your wait came flooding back to me too. I still have them, and your right they will probably never leave you. Just makes you think how much of a serious journey you go through when your diagnosed.
I’m so glad for you
Take care and Livstrong

Peter, Livestrong, Wales UK

]]> By: tom Jenning http://livestrongblog.org/2009/11/13/the-fear-of-recurrence-after-13-years/#comment-6517 tom Jenning Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:39:28 +0000 http://livestrongblog.org/?p=4086#comment-6517 Thanks for sharing Chris. Keep fighting the good fight. Livestrong. Thanks for sharing Chris. Keep fighting the good fight. Livestrong.

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