Happy NCS Day!

Today is National Cancer Survivors Day, which I would never have dreamed to note with more than a passing glance. Now I am wishing myself and all a happy and thankful day!

with love,
Elizabeth

Ditto here!

I must say that after last week's chemo treatment (my first) and my radiation simulation this past Wednesday, I really do feel like a "survivor". I like the moniker. I'll keep it.

Love to all.

I will be celebrating my three-year anniversary since surgery tomorrow. Last doc visit was good. Next one scheduled for November!

One of my National Cancer Survivors Celebrations was today at the local hospital cancer center. Governor McGreevey spoke and reiterated his commitment to cancer prevention, education, despite a continuing state budget deficit. He has a long-standing track record of putting his money where his mouth is as far as cancer is concerned. It was nice surprise as this is the first year that he has spoken at the Survivors' Day party.

The keynote speaker was Christine Clifford, an 8-year breast cancer survivor and author of "Not Now, I'm Having a No Hair Day," as well as numerous other cancer-related books, tapes, etc. She is the founder of the Cancer Club whose website is www.cancerclub.com in case anyone wants to check it out. She believes in incorporating humor in the cancer journey, and had a number of funny stories to tell.

It was a truly wonderful, inspirational day. Christine said she is so happy now when she can say, "I'm having a bad hair day" instead of "I'm having a no hair day!!"

Hope everyone is enjoying their NCS celebrations to the fullest!

MoeKay

In line 3 of my message above, I left out the words "and treatment" after "prevention and education." The governor would not be too happy with me if I were to misrepresent the content of his speech!

MoeKay

since 3/28/01. But...our ACS again did nothing here and were it not for the internet I would not know. Big big spread though on the Komen breast cancer race yesterday. I admit to getting upset and mad sometimes--women get gynecological cancers too, but as to awareness & publicity...zilch. Ellen

Happy Survivors Day All. Not even a mention in our local or regional newspapers. Perhaps some day that will change.

Ruth S

The Gathering Place, a cancer support center in the Eastern Cleveland Suburb of Beachwood, had a RACE FOR THE PLACE at Beachwood Mall, in conjunction with the American Cancer Society. Survivors were runners. I just saw it on the news. I have never been to The Gathering Place because it is too far to drive on a regular basis from where I live. I would like to go and see the center.

I attended the National Cancer Survivors' Day celebration at a Wellness Community here in So Cal. Though I've just completed three chemo treatments, I already consider myself a survivor. I'm responding to chemo, I feel totally healthy and strong, I'm hiking three miles a day, and I know -- with God's help -- that I will beat this thing.

Right when I got there, a woman rushed up to me to tell me how "glamorous" I looked. Since I have no hair, I was happy for the compliment. I guess black clothes, and black cap and some dark lipstick can do a lot for a bald girl. ;-)

It was wonderful to see all the "30-year survivor" and "5-year-survivor" groups stand up and be recognized. The final group was "currently undergoing treatment," and we got a nice round of applause when we stood up.

I agree with Ellen: It would be even more wonderful if gynecological cancers -- which seem to be on the rise -- got more publicity and attention. It did seem, though, that everyone I met at the celebration (with one exception) had struggled with breast cancer. I guess percentages drive involvement. But that doesn't mean we can't keep trying!

I did notice a letter from the president that had been enlarged and was hanging on a door inside. So at least there was some governmental recognition.

We are all survivors! Hugs to every cancer survivor on this board!

Happy Survivors Day to everyone!!

Next week I will be attending a "Celebration Of Life" party at the hospital where I had surgery and was treated with chemo. It is a special party for cancer survivors and I am looking forward to it.
My friend and her husband are also going. He just finished chemo and radiation for non hodgkins lymphoma.

Next year Maureenie will be coming with me!!!!!

Take care all..

Rosalie