Breast Cancer Journey
Viewing comments for Chapter 6 "Cured of Cancer?"My journey through breast cancer.
139 total reviews
Comment from Allezw2
Lady Barbara,
My aunt said that she always felt the presence. Her oncologist said much that same as your radiologist. It was first a year, as she worked to regain her energy and shape. Then the second anniversary of the absence of any visible cells.
Five years, the generally accepted point at which a survivor can feel that a battle has been truly won. Still the watch went on. They froze the errant cells that developed on her face, neck and arms.
A decade later, she felt more confident. She enjoyed her job and felt that life was working well.
Still she checked, her doctors tested, and more years went by. It was a part of her life, though not dominating every minute with dread. It was more akin to a sentry walking a post, ever vigilant for an invader from the outland.
She always said that she was stronger for having lived with that ever-present uncertainty. She dealt with it and made her life as nearly hers in every way that she could.
Her husband died of lung cancer at sixty-nine, as did his three younger brothers, all heavy smokers from an early age. She never knew if it was all of the cigarettes she smoked as a teen-ager until she was first diagnosed with breast cancer at thirty-seven.
At seventy-three, eight years after her husband, she died in her sleep. Her son had her neighbors check when she did not greet him with her usual morning check-up telephone call.
As you well know, the military sentry is guided by the General Orders. I learned the Navy version, not so different from the Army's. You are at war now.
1. To take charge of this post and all government property in view.
2. To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert, and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.
3. To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.
4. To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guard house than my own.
5. To quit my post only when properly relieved.
6. To receive, obey and pass on to the sentry who relieves me, all orders from the Commanding Officer, Command Duty Officer, Officer of the Deck, and Officers and Petty Officers of the Watch only.
7. To talk to no one except in the line of duty.
8. To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.
9. To call the Officer of the Deck in any case not covered by instructions.
10. To salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.
11. To be especially watchful at night, and, during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post and to allow no one to pass without proper authority.
Live long and write well,
Wayne.
PS - Attending the community college classes, usually, I am the oldest individual in the room; also one of the few who served in the military. One day, the history instructor discussed the continental army at Valley Forge and quoted the first general order.
I responded with the second, then he with the third. We continued, alternating the orders, a test--really, to see who didn't know all of them in sequence. Of course, since he was doing the odd ones, he did one more than I did.
However, the kids in the class hadn't the foggiest notion what was going on. He did explain what we were doing and why we had to learn them so carefully. He had to pull extra guard duty. A fire-watch or sentry in Navy boot camp that muffed a general order was assigned special duty; scrubbing the head's deck with a hand scrub brush, from one end to the other, once for every one he missed. If he didn't finish by the 2100 lights out, he had to finish in the dark before he could hit the rack. I was caught off guard since I learned the Army version in JROTC. I missed six and nine, using the Army ranks instead of the Navy's. The inspecting office marched me over to the bulkhead where they were posted and had me read them out loud.
Oh yes, I learned the difference in a hurry, too. They only caught me that one time.
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2011
  |
Lady Barbara,
My aunt said that she always felt the presence. Her oncologist said much that same as your radiologist. It was first a year, as she worked to regain her energy and shape. Then the second anniversary of the absence of any visible cells.
Five years, the generally accepted point at which a survivor can feel that a battle has been truly won. Still the watch went on. They froze the errant cells that developed on her face, neck and arms.
A decade later, she felt more confident. She enjoyed her job and felt that life was working well.
Still she checked, her doctors tested, and more years went by. It was a part of her life, though not dominating every minute with dread. It was more akin to a sentry walking a post, ever vigilant for an invader from the outland.
She always said that she was stronger for having lived with that ever-present uncertainty. She dealt with it and made her life as nearly hers in every way that she could.
Her husband died of lung cancer at sixty-nine, as did his three younger brothers, all heavy smokers from an early age. She never knew if it was all of the cigarettes she smoked as a teen-ager until she was first diagnosed with breast cancer at thirty-seven.
At seventy-three, eight years after her husband, she died in her sleep. Her son had her neighbors check when she did not greet him with her usual morning check-up telephone call.
As you well know, the military sentry is guided by the General Orders. I learned the Navy version, not so different from the Army's. You are at war now.
1. To take charge of this post and all government property in view.
2. To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert, and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.
3. To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.
4. To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guard house than my own.
5. To quit my post only when properly relieved.
6. To receive, obey and pass on to the sentry who relieves me, all orders from the Commanding Officer, Command Duty Officer, Officer of the Deck, and Officers and Petty Officers of the Watch only.
7. To talk to no one except in the line of duty.
8. To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.
9. To call the Officer of the Deck in any case not covered by instructions.
10. To salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.
11. To be especially watchful at night, and, during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post and to allow no one to pass without proper authority.
Live long and write well,
Wayne.
PS - Attending the community college classes, usually, I am the oldest individual in the room; also one of the few who served in the military. One day, the history instructor discussed the continental army at Valley Forge and quoted the first general order.
I responded with the second, then he with the third. We continued, alternating the orders, a test--really, to see who didn't know all of them in sequence. Of course, since he was doing the odd ones, he did one more than I did.
However, the kids in the class hadn't the foggiest notion what was going on. He did explain what we were doing and why we had to learn them so carefully. He had to pull extra guard duty. A fire-watch or sentry in Navy boot camp that muffed a general order was assigned special duty; scrubbing the head's deck with a hand scrub brush, from one end to the other, once for every one he missed. If he didn't finish by the 2100 lights out, he had to finish in the dark before he could hit the rack. I was caught off guard since I learned the Army version in JROTC. I missed six and nine, using the Army ranks instead of the Navy's. The inspecting office marched me over to the bulkhead where they were posted and had me read them out loud.
Oh yes, I learned the difference in a hurry, too. They only caught me that one time.
Comment Written 29-Jun-2011
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2011
-
I hope you don't mind that I made a hard copy of review so I can hang it up on my desk. It touched my heart. Virtual hugs coming your way.
-
You're most welcome. Fair winds and a following sea.
Comment from Mara del Mar
It is a written that makes me mourn at the same time feel the smallness of my own problems. There before me a courageous woman, who does not lose his sense of humor in adversity and that is willing to fight to the end. My greatest admiration, my respect and my embrace stronger.
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2011
|
It is a written that makes me mourn at the same time feel the smallness of my own problems. There before me a courageous woman, who does not lose his sense of humor in adversity and that is willing to fight to the end. My greatest admiration, my respect and my embrace stronger.
Comment Written 29-Jun-2011
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2011
-
Thank you for your kindness.
Comment from Jen Gentry
Darn doctors they always beat around the bush and never say exactly what yo want to here, I am praying for you and I am so glad you gave this update
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2011
|
Darn doctors they always beat around the bush and never say exactly what yo want to here, I am praying for you and I am so glad you gave this update
Comment Written 29-Jun-2011
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2011
-
Thank you for your kindness.
Comment from Readywriter52
I heard you can never get a straight answer from a doctor. The best you can get is you're doing well. I happy your cancer is in remission. I hope it stays that way for a long time.
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
|
I heard you can never get a straight answer from a doctor. The best you can get is you're doing well. I happy your cancer is in remission. I hope it stays that way for a long time.
Comment Written 29-Jun-2011
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
-
Thank you for your kindness.
Comment from mountainwriter49
Hi Barbara,
I was eager to read your update, and thank you for having the courage to publish this--to reach out and to accept our deepest support, feelings and love for your continued recovery from this damnable scourge.
The humour injected within the lines of your journal added much joy to my read of your fight. I CAN RELATE! And, it also shows you're coming off the harsh treatments and getting back to being yourself. I liked sensing that.
I'll be tested every six months for 10 years. (Only 19 more to go!) I've decided it is like loosing weight. It is like getting on the scales periodically. We just have to learn to tolerate the wait and live with the good answers and not let the fear and frustration overtake us in the process. We are now on the next highway of our journey.
Keep yourself in good cheer and continue to fight. Continue to celebrate each and every day. Take the wild side when your heart says to do so. If you're hot and it starts raining, strip and go dancing naked in the rain. Afterall, it will serve to cool you down and is something you'd enjoy. lol. (At least I would).
All this is to say I'm so pleased you at this juncture and pray that you continue to receive good, positive news.
Thanks for sharing.
And, you'll continue to stay in my thoughts and prayers.
-Ray
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
 |
Hi Barbara,
I was eager to read your update, and thank you for having the courage to publish this--to reach out and to accept our deepest support, feelings and love for your continued recovery from this damnable scourge.
The humour injected within the lines of your journal added much joy to my read of your fight. I CAN RELATE! And, it also shows you're coming off the harsh treatments and getting back to being yourself. I liked sensing that.
I'll be tested every six months for 10 years. (Only 19 more to go!) I've decided it is like loosing weight. It is like getting on the scales periodically. We just have to learn to tolerate the wait and live with the good answers and not let the fear and frustration overtake us in the process. We are now on the next highway of our journey.
Keep yourself in good cheer and continue to fight. Continue to celebrate each and every day. Take the wild side when your heart says to do so. If you're hot and it starts raining, strip and go dancing naked in the rain. Afterall, it will serve to cool you down and is something you'd enjoy. lol. (At least I would).
All this is to say I'm so pleased you at this juncture and pray that you continue to receive good, positive news.
Thanks for sharing.
And, you'll continue to stay in my thoughts and prayers.
-Ray
Comment Written 29-Jun-2011
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
-
Thank you for your kindness, support, wisdom, and insight.
Comment from Charlene0513
To barbara.wilkey,
As a breast cancer survivor I can relate to you. Though, any type of treatment is not a 100% curable; it's the fact that your doing something about it and hopefully to a restored and renewed way of life.
But as you say, the rest is in God's hands when we surrender ourselves unto him when the going gets too tough for us to handle.
You are in good hands.
May God's grace and special blessings and loving prayers be yours led by His divine Angels.
Good Luck!
Charlene
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
|
To barbara.wilkey,
As a breast cancer survivor I can relate to you. Though, any type of treatment is not a 100% curable; it's the fact that your doing something about it and hopefully to a restored and renewed way of life.
But as you say, the rest is in God's hands when we surrender ourselves unto him when the going gets too tough for us to handle.
You are in good hands.
May God's grace and special blessings and loving prayers be yours led by His divine Angels.
Good Luck!
Charlene
Comment Written 29-Jun-2011
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
-
Thank you for your kindness.
Comment from Paradox Tremors
My prayers and best wishes will always go out to you my friend. Cancer isn't a easy battle to fight through. Just trust and believe in God and he will care for you.
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
|
My prayers and best wishes will always go out to you my friend. Cancer isn't a easy battle to fight through. Just trust and believe in God and he will care for you.
Comment Written 29-Jun-2011
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
-
Thank you for your kindness.
Comment from mshugh
I just signed in for the first time in a few months - and what do I see - the best news I could possibly wish for
Barbara - all the best to you and your family - I know doctors and they are always cautious, but have another ice cream - be you - and you will wok your ay through this
Michael
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
|
I just signed in for the first time in a few months - and what do I see - the best news I could possibly wish for
Barbara - all the best to you and your family - I know doctors and they are always cautious, but have another ice cream - be you - and you will wok your ay through this
Michael
Comment Written 29-Jun-2011
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
-
I truly miss you. I hope you stay around for awhile. Thank you for your kindness.
Comment from Idamarty
I am having trouble right now not knowing what to say to you...I admire you so much and your bravery through your battle...and it truly is a battle....I have been reading some of the reviews and one of them spoke to me because I am a believer in speaking out against what the doctors have told you....so many times in the bible when Jesus cures someone he always asks them if they believe that he can cure them or if they believe that they have been healed or He asks them what they want.....do not go along with what anyone says about your situation...only believe and speak out loud that Jesus has done what He promises in His word....when He died for us he took away all sickness and disease and so do not let anyone or anything mess with your mind....believe it has already been done for you....God bless you always.
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
|
I am having trouble right now not knowing what to say to you...I admire you so much and your bravery through your battle...and it truly is a battle....I have been reading some of the reviews and one of them spoke to me because I am a believer in speaking out against what the doctors have told you....so many times in the bible when Jesus cures someone he always asks them if they believe that he can cure them or if they believe that they have been healed or He asks them what they want.....do not go along with what anyone says about your situation...only believe and speak out loud that Jesus has done what He promises in His word....when He died for us he took away all sickness and disease and so do not let anyone or anything mess with your mind....believe it has already been done for you....God bless you always.
Comment Written 29-Jun-2011
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
-
I think I know which review you are talking about. I can't believe I received a four for relgious differences. Oh well, I appreciate your kindness.
Comment from RADIO
Very heart baring and positive and
as one who hasn't reviewed much lately
the word for me is timely and I embrace you
with holding on to the positive attitude.
I'm just back from my oncologist and I'm in
a control no cure situation for a long time.
I'm holding my own after more tests and that's fine
with me. I still hold the door open for God's
healing power. Good health to you Barbara Wilkey.
Radio
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
|
Very heart baring and positive and
as one who hasn't reviewed much lately
the word for me is timely and I embrace you
with holding on to the positive attitude.
I'm just back from my oncologist and I'm in
a control no cure situation for a long time.
I'm holding my own after more tests and that's fine
with me. I still hold the door open for God's
healing power. Good health to you Barbara Wilkey.
Radio
Comment Written 29-Jun-2011
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
-
Thank you for your kindness. I will pray for you.
