<p>Wow, I really admire you. Your outlook is surely inspiring. </p>
<p>I’m also relieved to hear that the prognosis/evaluation is more positive! Yay for that! </p>
<p>Hope each day you feel better and that you allow others to pamper you. You do deserve it. </p>
<p>Here’s to you, the outlier! We’re rooting for you!</p>
<p>You are wonderful. Your spirit is amazing. And yes, you will slay the dragon. Just take the chemo one day at a time because each moment brings you closer to the cure date.</p>
<p>Oh, Sunrise, there are no “shoulds” right now. I am certain that not one of us wants to be another obligation that you must fulfill. </p>
<p>Somewhere, you must realize that you are doing your friends a kindness by allowing them to help. Would you not want the opportunity to do the same for them if they needed it? When someone we care about is confronting a difficulty, the worst thing is to be powerless to help. By your gracious acceptance of their helpfulness, you are helping your friends to cope.</p>
<p>The piece of charcoal business: it makes sense to me. It is a terrific metaphor, visualization, expression, whatever. May that charcoal absorb the toxicity and then be expelled! </p>
<p>A toast to that wonderful husband of yours!!! I suspect he feels the same way about you.</p>
<p>Thank you for taking the time to post. My support continues, as does that of many others, I know.</p>
<p>With admiration.</p>
<p>Mafool</p>
<p>I should have come back to this thread and thank you earlier, but to be perfectly honest, I had a bit of inhibition to come back to “reality” for a while: I wanted to stay in a bubble for a few days after the surgery.</p>
<p>there are no shoulds- thank you for taking the time to check in when you are able-
you will be in our thoughts.</p>
<p>Sunrise - holding you and your family in prayer… two things from our family’s experience that might be helpful. Allowing people to help you gives them the opportunity to be helpful - something that most of us value and appreciate. Yes, indeed, it is very hard to become the recipient rather than the “doer” but when you realize it can be a gift, it is a little easier. And if you haven’t found this article already, it might be reassuring… [CancerGuide:</a> The Median Isn’t the Message](<a href=“http://www.cancerguide.org/median_not_msg.html]CancerGuide:”>http://www.cancerguide.org/median_not_msg.html) Sending lots of calm and healing thoughts…</p>
<p>Sunrise, I’m so happy to read your post and hear how you’re doing. Thank you for that!</p>
<p>The charcoal thing? I totally get it. Also love your petulant child being escorted to the exit image. That would work for me, too.</p>
<p>You’re taking wonderful care of your kids and I’m glad you have an outstanding husband who’s taking wonderful care of you.</p>
<p>Cheers to your victories thus far on your journey. Let us know how you’re doing with the chemo.</p>
<p>May 2011 be a year of healing and wonderful new beginnings for you.</p>
<p>With admiration and very best wishes,
Mosb</p>
<p>Sounds like everything is going great so far. I hope that in similar circumstances I could be as brave and capable. Best of luck and I will remember you and your family in my prayers. </p>
<p>People report such different experiences with the chemo. I hope you have an easy time with it.</p>
<p>Ahhh, so great to hear such encouraging news from you! Please know that, while of course we all were eagerly awaiting your next post, we all were FINE with you taking your time. Please post only when you feel like it and hopefully it will actually be a bit therapeutic for you. </p>
<p>Your outlook is fantastic and I do love the charcoal imagery. It seems to me that when we can look beyond the actual fact of any current trial or difficulty we might be facing to the potential for increased strength, refined outlook on life, and certainly to the appreciation of all our blessings, we do better in dealing with those really tough times. And, beyond a doubt, you are in the midst of one of the toughest of times. Thank goodness for your family and your friends and your willingness to let them help you out! You will continue to be lifted in prayer!!</p>
<p>Sunrise, I am very happy to see that you are feeling up to posting and to read that you have had such great support from your family and friends. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and pray for your ongoing recovery.</p>
<p>Inspiring Post, Sunriseeast-!
Your “charcoal” imagery is wonderful. Forget those “militaristic” metaphors, replacing them with positive chemical reactions -
So…to successful “Oxi- cleaning” your system—I see the bright, sparkling water, too.</p>
<p>What strength you have! This bodes well for you.</p>
<p>You will stay in my thoughts and prayers, as will your family.</p>
<p>Sunrise, it sounds great to hear the encouraging news. Best wishes to you and your family.</p>
<p>What a beautiful post, Sunrise-- your thoughtful intelligence will be a great asset as you deal with this. It made my day to read it–it’s an inspiration. Thank you, and I’m so glad to hear you’ve gotten through the surgery well. I hope you and your family have wonderful holidays and that the charcoal leaves you strong and vital in the new year.</p>
<p>It’s wonderful to hear from you, sunrise. You remain in my thoughts and I wish you a full, speedy recovery. :)</p>
<p>sunrise…late to this thread but so wonderful to read your post now home from hospital…thoughts are with you</p>
<p>sunrise - Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and feelings. So happy to hear the positive news. We will continue to pray for you and your loved ones. May you celebrate many more holiday seasons with them.</p>
<p>Sunrise–My thoughts are with you. I hope your holidays are wonderful! Your outlook is completely rational, as the statistics are by definition outdated, and don’t take into account the latest knowledge/treatments.</p>
<p>Having been diagnosed in error with a high grade type of cancer (6 years ago) with very poor odds, which when correctly diagnosed turned out to be medium grade, with medium survival odds, I have a bit of advice that comes from experience…</p>
<p>Sleep is really important. Don’t be afraid to ask for medication to help you sleep, if you need it. Even preventively, having medication already in your house in case you have trouble sleeping one night, can be incredibly helpful.</p>
<p>I’m so happy to hear the encouraging news, Sunrise. My thoughts are with you and your family, along with my very best wishes for a quick, uneventful recovery and a healthy New Year.</p>
<p>Sunrise— It is wonderful to hear from you. You have been in my thoughts and my prayers. I know someone who was diagnosed 8 years ago with very late stage liver cancer. The stats were indeed grim but he did as you are doing visualizing the cancer as something he would remove from his body. That was 8 years ago and he has been clean of the disease and living his life in a new and amazing way. He left his toxic job and opened a small cafe where he surrounds himself with people who are positive and engaging. He believes he owes his new lease on life to the changes he made in his lifestyle…peace in our lives brings peace to our body…I believe we can’t have one without the other. May this holiday season bring you all the peace and joy as you surround yourself with the love and kindness of your family and friends. Many blessings to you and wishing you a quick recovery. May this New Year bring you much health and and great joy. Your strength is an inspiration to those on this board so please know you are an inspiration to your children.</p>
<p>sunrise-while it was wonderful to read your update, I agree that you shouldn’t feel an “obligation” to post here. We can be patient, if need be. 
Wonderful imagery of your fight against this “invader.” Best wishes for a speedy recovery with minimal unpleasant side effects. Let your friends help! It will make THEM feel better. :)</p>