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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Five Year Survivor!

In November of 2004 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. That thing that only happens to other people had happened to me. I can't even describe the feeling that ran though my body when my Dr. told me. I was sitting in the examining room looking at him while he started to explain things to me. All I heard was that sound that adults make in a Charlie Brown cartoon and I felt the tears roll down my cheek. I don't even remember how long I sat in my car before leaving.

The Dr. had already remove the lump but had to go in again to scrape around where the lump was and also remove lymph nodes from under my right arm to test for cancer. It all came back fine! By the middle of December I was having my first chemo treatment. That was the longest three hours of my life!

Then on Christmas day my parents took my husband and I to New Orleans and Bay St. Louis. It snowed in New Orleans on THAT Christmas Day!! Amazing.....or was it a sign? I didn't care I was with my family! I knew my hair would fall out while I was in New Orleans so I had a friend cut my hair really short and thinned it out so when it fell out it wouldn't be so hard to deal with.
I didn't think it would bother me but OMG, I broke down. I'm not sure if it was the hair or the fact that I really hadn't cried yet.

The treatments were long and tiring and I hit many bumps along the way, with a week long hospital stay and a couple of ER visits. But finally after chemo and radiation, in September of 2005 I was told I was cancer free!!!

The removal of lymph nodes from my right arm has left me with a bad case of Lympheda. I have swelling and pain in my arm and hand. I get so mad, as I am no longer able to do so many things that I use to do. And yes I get over being mad and think how grateful I am just to be here!

The pic below is the only picture taking of me during my treatments. With me are the two wonderful men who saved my life. My surgeon and my oncologist, God bless you both!



So I finally hit the big FIVE year anniversary that all breast cancer survivors strive for!

22 comments:

Beth from Texas said...

Congratulations Gourdie! We are all very glad.

Southern Fried Art said...

Congrats Gourdie and yes a beautiful thing you are still here, and sharing your wonderful personality and your beautiful creations. May you have many more Five year marks, what a wonderful milestone to share.

Unknown said...

Clap Clap Clap YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!

xoxoxoxox SCREAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMM

DVArtist said...

You brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart knowing you are at the five year mark.
Blessings
Nicole/Beadwright

Sharon Day said...

You were meant to be here, sweetie, meant to survive and make beautiful inspiring art. So much to do and so very many years to do it in! I'm 30 years cancer survivor, I can relate to the feeling when you get past that magical 5-year window.

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh Gourdie Sweetie...
CONGRATULATIONS... I am so thrilled that you are here to say you made it to (5). God has a BIG purpose for you and you have many people yet to bless with your love. You are such a blessing to my life.

I love to come and see what you have created. You have not let one day go by, you live each day to the fullest, and I can honestly say I don't think you have ever met a stranger.

I so love it here. Thank you for sharing this personal part of your life with me today sweetie.

Many hugs and so much love. Happy 5th birthday sweetie, Love, Sherry

Raggedy Old Souls said...

God Bless Gourdie! Wishing you continued health and happiness!
Hugs,
Megan

Cindy said...

Congratulations Gourdie on your 5 year Anniversary!!!!!! I'm so happy for you. You go girl!!!

Hugs XX
Barbara
Moore Whimsies

Sycamore Moon Studios said...

Congratulations on your milestone!

Julie Ferguson said...

Congrats! That is a major milestone to celebrate. You have many more fab art to create.

Lisa said...

It's late, and I'm sitting here tearing up...no, I haven't had the C, but when you mentioned your hair, I actually giggled, because when I washed my husbands hair, after days of radiation, it was coming out in clumps and I tried to pat it all back down so he wouldn't notice, but come on how could he not know? I'm a dork! Just remember the snow!
You are gorgeous
Honey b.

Shirley said...

Congratulations Gourdie on the five years! You have a wonderful heart.
You are here for a reason!!
God Bless You!!

Creepy Creations by Jamie Moore said...

Gourdie, Congratulations on your 5 year anniversary! Wishing you many many more!

Jamie

Unknown said...

Hooray Gourdie!!! Congrats! Hugs to ya!

Dana said...

Gourdie,

Congrats on your 5 year anniversary of being a cancer survivor... I had no idea. (((hugs))) Your post brought tears to my eyes as I have both survivors and those who've not survived in my family... and the victory is all yours my dear!!!

I'm so glad you're here...

Peace,
Dana

joanna bolton said...

Cogratulations Gourdie!
Wishing you great health!
Hugs!
Joanna

Dianie said...

I was sobbing through this post! Congratulations on your five year mark. I wished I could reach out and give you a big hug! You have enriched my life so much, through your art,compassion,number one personality and friendship!
here's to many wonderful years ahead :)

I love ya Gourdie :)

~Diane

Paint said...

5 years and counting! Wishing you at least 100 more, my sister, my friend.
That will teach the big C to mess with the Gourdqueen!
Love you, hag. X

twincapes said...

Congrats, that's super. On to the next 5!

dls said...

Good for you.... that is great news!

Your art is awesome..... would love to be so creative with whimsical scuplture! And your colors are so alive and fun.

Thanks for sharing your creations.

Holiday Sparkle - Cyndi LaChance said...

Congratulations!!!! I remember vividly when my Mom hit her 5 year mark and it was a truely exciting day!!! I am thrilled for you.

Sherry's Cabin said...

Congrats on 5 years! Mine is coming in February! God has taken good care of us!

Sister Survivor,
Sherry
Sherry's Cabin