Fifteen Years

It’s been fifteen years. It seems like a lifetime ago. We were just kids. Fifteen years ago today my husband Billy’s doctor said that dreadful word, “cancer”. It sometimes still echoes in my ears. I remember feeling frozen, unable to react. It felt like the wind was knocked out of me and I went numb. My sweet Billy, who’d just proposed marriage to me only six months prior, has cancer. I know it’s important not to dwell on negativity, but I don’t reflect on this part of our past to dwell, but to ruminate. Rather to take a moment and remember that each day we live is a gift. Each day we get to share with our loved ones is a gift. Billy’s cancer affected us is more ways than we’d imagine and no matter the obstacles we’ve faced, we’re still together. He’s still with us, smiling and chattering on as he so often does.

I had written a blog post about what I came to call “the situation” back in 2012. Feel free to check it out if you haven’t read it before: https://ourtimeintheforest.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-situation.html It was very therapeutic to write and share, as I don’t think I really every took the time to process what happened to us in 2004 and again in 2011. Indeed, words are magical.

Some photos from back in the day. I’m reminded of how incredibly lucky I am to have this man in my life.

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Not that it was life threatening…but as I sit here with stitches in my schnoz, I can relate.

I’m glad you could write about it with Billy at your side. Some are not that lucky as you know.

I love survivor stories, that is great news on the 15 years

Writing is very therapeutic. Glad Billy kicked cancers butt. It takes more than medicine, treatments and doctors to do that. Sounds like Billy is a strong and positive person. Proper doses of that and it really never had a chance.

Look at those youngsters!

Billy’s a good dude! I’m glad he kicked it to the curb.

Brian Klawitter wrote:

Not that it was life threatening…but as I sit here with stitches in my schnoz, I can relate.

I’m glad you could write about it with Billy at your side. Some are not that lucky as you know.

I hear ya… I got cleared after two years. Nothing more frightening than hearing that word. Especially at my age.

This story rings true for me.

Glad to hear he kicked it. These stories help me with anxiety I have had since..

Your story hits way close to home for me. I just finished my chemo therapy regimen to treat lymphoma 2 months ago. The doctor visits, chemo and surgeries alone make your head spin. It takes an incredibly strong woman to stay with and take care of a man who is going through cancer treatment. Cheers to you, Billy and the many years the two of you will enjoy together.

I am happy Billy and you are still together and he was able to beat it. Enjoy life and keep the stress down.

With an Oncology Nurse for a Wife, I hear far too many stories of the ones they couldn’t save. Glad I’m seeing one that turned out for the good!

Here’s to another 15 for you and Billy!

And BK glad you got yourself checked out, Melanoma can be a real b!tch if you ignore it.

Very cool and very happy for you guys!!

esoxrox wrote:

Your story hits way close to home for me. I just finished my chemo therapy regimen to treat lymphoma 2 months ago.

I hope the chemo did the trick, esoxrox, and that you’re feeling better from it all. And glad you’re still with us!

I had heard a few whispered mentions years ago about how people were commending me for staying with Billy through his illness. To be honest, I never saw another path. This is my Billy. The boy I chose when I was just 16 years old that I knew I would marry some day. And I absolutely would rather walk through fire with him beside me than stroll through a peaceful meadow without him.

He really knows how to make me laugh! This was last fall at the cabin. Making time to be silly – now that’s love.

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Congrats for kicking Cancers A$$! That took both of you to do it. Hope you get 50 more years together.

That’s awesome Sharon! I’ve had lymphoma & bone cancer.
Like you said, the meds are great but positive attitude, faith, great family support and a strong will to not die are very very powerful.

Here’s to a long healthy life!

Great story and milestone