so lucky...

It is not Friday the 13th...just a regular old Friday, but I feel so darn lucky. I was catching up on Leroy Sievers' blog this morning and reading some of the comments. Such a community has evolved around his blog. Amazing to read. I was reading the comments on his July 18th entry, and feeling so lucky. The pain and struggles that folks have endured and triumphed over is inspiring and heartbreaking.
I understand the roller-coaster ride of each scan. The wondering, "is this my last Christmas?" and the middle of the night fears and demons...and the joy of a "stable" report, the joy of being here long after they thought I would not. But, I am so lucky-I have not had to endure the surgeries, the debilitating drugs... Here is one of the comments:

This is my 5th major chemo regimen. I've had 6 surgeries and a the full blown 35 radiation treatments over the past 2 years. One of the surgeries was mind blowing, moving body parts around, putting in a titanium jaw, replacing 50% of my throat with tissue from my leg, etc. It really is amazing. Other than the cancer, I'm in great shape (minus the chonic eating and speaking disabilities caused by the surgeries)

There are many more like that.... oh, I am so lucky.

I know that one of the reasons is that I have amazing family and friends that lift me up. Thank you so much.

hugs,
chris