"Since sarcoma, I have..."

[Mary]

Please name 3-5 good (hopeful, thrilling, interesting, joyful, or wacky) things that you have done or experience since you were diagnosed with sarcoma. Consider those things that are most meaningful to you, and also those things that might be most meaningful for new patients to know.

So for example, I might write:

Since my sarcoma diagnosis in 2003, I have adjusted to my body's new quirks. I've climbed mountains, danced the night away, and discovered a deep love for life.

If you have a picture that has anything to do with your "good things," please share it!

[Cari]

Since my diagnosis I have learned that my body will continue to surprise me in SO many ways--I have REALLY learned that even though a doc might tell me something there is always another side to it--and I have learned that miracles do happen and good thinkgs can still happen in my life(finding a loving husband and now expecting a baby)

[Billy]

I have also been surprised by how my body continues to adapt.  I was always an active person prior to surgery and I have returned to most of those activities like golf.  I have hopes of one day returning to the baseball field.  Walking up the stairs in the Statue of Liberty was a feat that I didn't think would be as easy as it was.  Even walking 20-30 blocks in Manhattan was something I didn't think I would be able to do but it turned out being fine.  I have returned to work in full capacity which is a small accomplishment considering I work on construction sites regularly.  But who wouldn't get excited about going to construction sites when they have views like this:

This is a site I visited in Princeville, Kauai where we are in the process of designing a $10MM custom home.  This is the view from their future back yard.

[Mary]

Does anybody have something to add to this discussion? This is the place where visitors look to find out what our experiences are like. Please share!

Please name 3-5 good (hopeful, thrilling, interesting, joyful, or wacky) things that you have done or experience since you were diagnosed with sarcoma. Consider those things that are most meaningful to you, and also those things that might be most meaningful for new patients to know.

[Tara]

I have:
Had 18 more months of LIVING
Watched my son start preschool, perform in school programs and gotten to be 'room mother'
Ridden most of the roller coasters at Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH (check out the travel channell.... you'll understand why this was such a great feat )
Gotten accustomed to my new normal and amazingly can go days without even remembering that I had cancer
Made the decision to add a new addition to the family.  Working with a reproductive endocrinologist to do that.


On the down side:
I have learned that I will probably always have an aversion to certain smells.  Some antiseptic cleansers, big red and extra peppermint flavored gum **I can smell those from across a room.  I have also learned that I CANNOT make a pitcher of red kool aid either.

[Mariya Jo M]

sarcoma made me redefine what, i thought, courage means.

courage also means:
- being able to cry
- being able to ask for help and assistance and leaning on your loved ones
- letting yourself feel weak and vulnerable, being very true to what you are feeling at that moment
- striving to find the best possible solutions for any of lifes curve balls
- never giving up hope


this quote has gotten me through some very difficult days.... i hope it will help you in some way as well

Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow." ~ Mary Anne Radmacher


sincerely,
maria

[Garret]

I have also learned that I CANNOT make a pitcher of red kool aid either.

I hear ya on that one!!

[Dick]

Since my diagnosis with sarcoma, I have gone on a cruise, learned to take time to enjoy my family, and have learned what great family and friends I have.  I have also learned to use my situation to try to help others through their battles in life, whether it is cancer, or another challenge.  I try to draw parallels and look at the upside of the situation, no matter what it is.  We are dealt a hand of cards to play in life, and it is up to us to make the most of that hand and decide whether we will fold, or go all in.....I elect to go ALL IN.

Dick