ANA Discussion Forum

General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: Sue Vogel on October 13, 2009, 06:49:16 pm

Title: It's been a year.
Post by: Sue Vogel on October 13, 2009, 06:49:16 pm: I just read the thoughts from Pembo about our new AN friend with the 6 cm tumor who may have had surgery today. This is my surgery day, too,and I am celebrating my one year anniversary. I hope and pray that our new friend can enjoy the same celebration next year. This year long journey has been a learning experience for myself and my family. Though I do have some minor side effects/issues with balance, SSD, tinnitus, and "little nerve issues," I count my blessings daily and reflect on my new perspective on life that I have been afforded by facing AN surgery. We are a special club of individuals who have shared a traumatic and unique experience. I have a feeling that we are all better people for what we have endured. Perhaps there is a reason that we were chosen for this journey.

When I arrived at home late last evening from PT conferences at school, there was a very special card from my hubby on my computer desk accompanied by a small box. He wrote a note about the journey we have taken together and gave me a diamond "journey" pendant as a keepsake from our travels through AN. My daughters sent me flowers at school today. My MRI is in three weeks, and I am very confident that things are going to be OK. Life is good. Life goes on. And we are here. Thank you AN Friends, and especially Dog Lover Cathy, for all the love and support over the past year. You made a difference.

SUE :)
Title: Re: It's been a year.
Post by: another NY postie on October 14, 2009, 05:43:16 am: Sue, that is so beautiful what you wrote! I, at only 3 weeks post op, was just thinking this morning how blessed I am and the irony of how it took a tumor and major brain surgery to put things in perspective for me...I knew what counted intellectually but now I feel it to the core. A big difference from me. And you, being a felllow teacher, have helped me already in preparing for this journey/surgery, and now post-op and having SSD, I am sure I will ask you many "in the classroom" questions to come! :D

So congrats for this one year anniversary!!!! Enjoy it and I am confident that the MRI in 3 weeks will show nothing!!!

Cheryl
Title: Re: It's been a year.
Post by: wendysig on October 14, 2009, 07:17:54 am: Sue -

Congratulations on your one year anniversary. It sounds like this anniversary holds a special meaning to you and your family much as it did for me and I'm sure everyone else who has had surgery or treatment for an AN. I know what Cheryl meant when she said that it struck her as ironic that it took brain surgery to make her realize how truly blessed she is, I think that's a feeling we all share. May God less you and your wonderful family. Please let us know how things go with your MRI. May your scans show nothing but a brain and the other things that belong inside your head.

Best wishes,
Wendy
Title: Re: It's been a year.
Post by: epc1970 on October 14, 2009, 08:10:23 am: Happy Anniversary Sue! It is a very special day for you and I'm glad that your family was able to recognize that and were able to help you celebrate. I don't think that there will ever be a year that I do not celebrate my anniversary in some way. I think of it as a second birthday. Congratulations on your 1st year post op!
Erin
Title: Re: It's been a year.
Post by: Pooter on October 14, 2009, 01:10:59 pm: Happy Anniversary, Sue. What a great milestone capped with great rememberances from your loved ones. I trust the MRI will be uneventful and conclusive that everything is just peachy.

Regards,
Brian
Title: Re: It's been a year.
Post by: Jim Scott on October 14, 2009, 02:25:02 pm: Hi, Sue ~

Happy one-year surgery anniversary!

I believe that everything happens for a reason. I also believe that how we deal with adversity is both a learning experience as well as an opportunity for our true character to shine through. Yours is beaming brightly! May the next year bring continued healing and more good things to you.

Jim
Title: Re: It's been a year.
Post by: Cheryl R on October 14, 2009, 02:41:06 pm: Sue, Happy Anniversary to a fellow Dr Gantz alumni. There has been several on here over time and many are long gone from the forum!
Doesn't seem like should be a year already and said same to Cathy. I wish you many years of good non AN MRIs.
Cheryl R
Title: Re: It's been a year.
Post by: Adrienne on October 14, 2009, 02:45:58 pm: Yay! Happy One year!

What an awesome family you have there. Enjoy, and hold them near and dear!

Adrienne
Title: Re: It's been a year.
Post by: leapyrtwins on October 14, 2009, 08:51:21 pm: Congratulations, Sue! Great milestone! Here's to many more anniversaries with clean MRIs!

Jan
Title: Re: It's been a year.
Post by: alicia on October 14, 2009, 09:05:00 pm: You could not have described this journey any better. I completely agree with you and am happy that you are celebrating your life, relationships, and future! Cheers! Alicia
Title: Re: It's been a year.
Post by: Vivian B. on October 15, 2009, 07:56:02 am: Hi Sue,

Happy Anniverssary. Great news. I always remember your good humour on your previous post when you said you wanted to take the tumor home to show your students. I was actually thinking about it yesterday and thought to myself you need to have a sense of humor during this journey to survive. Best of luck.

Vivian