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3 Christmases

Posted by northoftheborder @northoftheborder, Dec 25, 2023

Christmas 2021 was bitter. I had a new cancer diagnosis, was paralysed from the ribs down because of a tumour compressing my spinal cord, and couldn't see my family or leave my hospital bed (except to go to the bathroom) because of a COVID lockdown.

Christmas 2022 was emotional. I was back home with my family, and had had almost 15 months to get used to my diagnosis, I was walking again (usually with a cane), my meds were working at keeping my cancer in remission, and I broke down in tears in the middle of opening presents.

Christmas 2023 has been tentative. Sometimes I think about how uncertain my future is with stage 4 prostate cancer, but sometimes joy creeps back in, and I can see the possibility of many more Christmases still in front of me. I want to hope, and I'm afraid to hope.

Holidays can be a tough time for people living with cancer long-term, but they can be joyful as well. How are you all doing today?

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nana120 | @nana120 | Dec 25, 2023

This same time last year I had just been told I had stage 4 cancer. I did not know whether I would be here this year at all. After being referred to a NeuroEndocrine cancer specialist, I am now living with monthly lanreotide injections and a limited diet. It is my new ‘normal’ life, but it is a life even if not exactly what I would prefer. I try to find blessings in the small positive things each day and I feel so blessed to celebrate Christmas 2023 with my family.

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markymarkfl | @markymarkfl | Dec 25, 2023

Today is also my 3rd Christmas with cancer (pancreas). Diagnosed in October 2021 at Stage-2. Had surgery in June 2022, was basically considered clean for 4 months, then confirmed just before Christmas 2022 it was back, and in January 2023 confirmed Stage-4.

I am lucky and blessed and fortunate and grateful and joyful beyond words to still be here, with only minimal effects from the disease and slightly more noticeable effects from the chemo.

I hope and pray that everyone here finds some kind of peace, joy, and comfort amidst all the negativity that comes along with this dreaded disease. It's weird when the future is so tentative, but I'll take what I've got. 🙂

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northoftheborder | @northoftheborder | Dec 25, 2023

Thank you both for sharing. I'm so happy that all three of us have been able to enjoy another Christmas (hopefully just one of many, many more).

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Lynne Marie | @lbrockme | Dec 26, 2023

I had an amazing Christmas. Time with my family I never thought I'd have. Time with grandchildren I was told I'd never know. Cancer has been my background companion for over 30 yrs. Sometimes I can let Hope soar... other times I fight to keep Hope in the fore front when a new occurrence or side effect pushes its way forward in my life. But mostly I recognize that my cancer experiences shape me and grant me the blessing of appreciating every day and blessing I've had. My birthday is Christmas eve and I've had yet another birthday to take joy in! Counting and hoping On !!!

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1 reply
taken2011 Christopher Gregg | @taken2011 | Dec 27, 2023
In reply to @lbrockme "I had an amazing Christmas. Time with my family I never thought I'd have. Time with..." + (show)
@lbrockme

I had an amazing Christmas. Time with my family I never thought I'd have. Time with grandchildren I was told I'd never know. Cancer has been my background companion for over 30 yrs. Sometimes I can let Hope soar... other times I fight to keep Hope in the fore front when a new occurrence or side effect pushes its way forward in my life. But mostly I recognize that my cancer experiences shape me and grant me the blessing of appreciating every day and blessing I've had. My birthday is Christmas eve and I've had yet another birthday to take joy in! Counting and hoping On !!!

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God Bless you and your family.

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amyb5 | @amyb5 | Dec 29, 2023

I also enjoyed my third Christmas since my diagnosis of Stage IV in 2021, with treatment again in 2023. The best thing about this Christmas was that my sister’s widower said it was his best Christmas since he lost her. She has been gone 5 long years. She passed after a 3-1/2 year battle. Every day is precious, even if they aren’t all good. ❤️

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taken2011 Christopher Gregg | @taken2011 | Dec 30, 2023
In reply to @amyb5 "I also enjoyed my third Christmas since my diagnosis of Stage IV in 2021, with treatment..." + (show)
@amyb5

I also enjoyed my third Christmas since my diagnosis of Stage IV in 2021, with treatment again in 2023. The best thing about this Christmas was that my sister’s widower said it was his best Christmas since he lost her. She has been gone 5 long years. She passed after a 3-1/2 year battle. Every day is precious, even if they aren’t all good. ❤️

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I still have alot of days lost to pain meds and medicine when I was sick in 2012.God is good always .

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sepdvm | Jan 1 8:37am

Each Christmas is one that celebrates another year of life. Perfect or not, I find all the joy I can with family and friends. This was my 11th Christmas since diagnosis and praying for many more.

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vinnie694 | @vinnie694 | Jan 3 6:29am

It definitely adds an element of emotion , celebrating holidays while living with a cancer diagnosis. In 2017, I was diagnosed with very early stages of prostate cancer, then December of 22 advanced stages of neuroendricine ,cancer with Carcinoid syndrome.. I’ve been on octreotide injections for almost a year.. I’ve been fortunate to not have any severe side effects from the cancer or the injections.. This year was the first year over the last 8 years my whole family was together for Christmas, 4 kids 2 son in laws, and 1 daughter in law , and 13 grandchildren.. I held it together for almost the whole evening, I broke down at the end.. Never lose hope.. Happy New year…

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