Lightening up
All through my earlier disease, I adopted a saying that showed me figuratively thumbing my nose at my pancreatic cancer. I have t-shirts that say it. I have rubber bracelets that say it. I’m not dead yet.
As I alluded to in the early stages of my disease, it was easy to flippant because and negative effects were down the road, far from being seen. Ever since the tumor has come back, I have been reluctant to use my motto; it just didn’t seem right; I didn’t feel comfortable saying it.
Let’s be honest, my treatments since September have been palliative — they have focused on trying to slow tumor growth while maintaining my quality of life. Well, we all know that the first back for chemo did just the opposite, so we are getting ready to try another regimen.
Funny thing is, I am starting to feel like I can say, “I’m Not Dead Yet.” again It is true, I am closer to dying now than I was last year. My tumor is almost as big as it was when I had the surgery, but today, right now, my spirits are high enough that the motto doesn’t seem so threatening. I wanted to share this revelation with those who have been supporting me for years. I’m in a good mood and I can truly say that I am not dead yet.
Cheers,
Merle
Cheers, Merle! Never underestimate the power of a good mood!
Best,
Amy
Having good mood is important – start with one day, remember today and then do it again tomorrow.
My friend is in good mood every time I see him. He passed the first three months then six, passed his birthday and then X’mas and New Year. He passed 2/8 which is the day I knew he was sick at last year. He was off and then back on Chemo again. But he is in good mood.
You can be too!!
Your positive post has brightened my day and reminds me to enjoy all the little things in my life and lessen the focus on the negative. Thank you.
I have seen how positive energy works wonders in healing and I am sending a whole bunch of positive energy your way.
You amaze me! When I grow up (hahaha) I want to be as courageous and intrepid as you are!!!! You set an example that inspires me to be a better person.
I love you,
Chris
I always love reading your posts…Your attitude is inspiring.
We love you bunches.
I don’t know you and actually came across your blog while looking for the Spamalot song but I see we have some things in common. My husband is 38 and has been fighting Colon cancer for two years. He like you has a great attitude. I truly believe that it makes a huge difference.
If you’re interested my husbands blog is http://www.judasforgiven.com
Know that you’re not alone and we will be praying for you.
God bless.
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company… a church… a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past… we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you… we are in charge of our Attitudes.”
I came upon your blog quite by mistake and I am just blown away at your precious personality, you have so much life in you dear Merle, I am a life coach and I do this for free because I love people!!!
I just wanted you to know that you are an awesome person and I will drop by often and leave my love and healing energy!!!
If there is anything this Angel can do please let me know Merle!!! Your family must be really fantastic to be there for you and you all still live your lives and you do it well!! Just Amazing!! <3 <3
Give your family hugs several times a day it helps to heal!! I would like to suggest a book called "You can heal your life" by Louise L. Hay!! It may or may not heal but you can sure take advantage of this book!!
“You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have truly lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love.”
{I am a two time cancer survivor} That is why I help people because I was given more time and when I help people I am helping myself and healing myself!!
In Love, Light, & Peace,
Angell:ll XO's!!!