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Enjoying some down time with four-day-old Emma in 2006.
I was diagnosed with cancer in May of 1982 – not long before my second birthday. I was enrolled in a clinical trial that was getting promising results, and after a few blood count hiccups, I completed treatment, went into remission, and stayed in remission. Next May will mark 30 years since that diagnosis. I’m sure I’ll enjoy my 32nd birthday in 2012, but I’m much more excited about that three decade mark!
Since my treatment was a clinical trial, nobody knew what the long-term effects would be. I was thrilled to have Emma, and having Johnny and Lily has been every bit as exciting. I still send in forms for a late effects study every year – and now my kids get forms as well. There are still unknowns, but overall it looks like people with my health history can live healthy lives, even if we get coverage requests turned down by life insurance companies.
It has been wonderful to see a lot of progress in cancer research and treatment over the course of my life. I also appreciate the greater public awareness there is about cancer. I can even say, that – at this point – I’m grateful I had cancer. Having cancer taught me to appreciate every single day, and not to get worked up over things that don’t really matter. It’s not a piece of my personal history that I have always embraced. I have friends who currently have cancer, friends who are cancer survivors, loved ones I’ve lost to cancer, friends watching loved ones struggle with cancer. It’s a cruel disease.
This post – my 1000th post – is sponsored by American Cancer Society – an organization I have worked with a lot, and that has done a great deal to fund cancer research, raise awareness, and provide a place for survivors and loved ones to find support and understanding. They asked that I include this video, which I’ll dedicate to Sandi, a three-year cancer survivor who went through chemo while pregnant with her now-three-year-old daughter and just completed training to be an oncology nurse. Congratulations, Sandi!
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I’m so happy you were able to survive cancer! I’m also grateful that we could have kids together. :-) Congratulations on your 1000th post! I love you!
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Mike’s comment is so sweet. Beautiful post. This is a wonderful story. We are big supporters of the ACS. Like most people, we have lost good friends and family members to cancer – it is a cruel disease.
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What a profound, touching story, my dear friend. I salute your courage, your spirit and the love you carry for your kids and family.
Mike’s comment is such a warm, sweet gesture…
Visit Rashmie @MommyLabs … Exploring the Art of Tie and Dye
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A very touching story! This is the first time in my life that I’ve had close friends who have had cancer or are going through treatment now, so it’s really amazing to hear your story! I feel very grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to get to know you and your family!!!
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Look at how tiny Emma is in that picture!
Cancer is such a horrid disease, and I’m happy you survived it too. Congratulations on 30 years of cancer free!
Visit Ticia … Vermont: Champy
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maryanne Reply:
December 14th, 2011 at 11:15 am
Thanks, Ticia!
Emma was very tiny! Johnny and Lily each weighed nearly 3lbs more than her at birth!
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This is an awesome way to celebrate 30 years of being cancer free and your 1000th post. Congratulations!
Visit Natalie … Week In Review–December 11, 2011
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Thanks for sharing such an amazing milestone! That’s awesome!
Visit Heather@Creative Family Moments … Singing
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That’s so cool that you’ll be celebrating 30 years in remission! Congrats! My best friend in high school got cancer when we were 15. She’s celebrating 20 years in remission, and I know she always cherishes that date, probably above her birthday, too!
Visit Jen … insane courage
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Did you have Wilm’s Tumor? I am also a survivor of Wilm’s Tumor!!! I also have been blessed with 2 healthy kids.
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maryanne Reply:
December 14th, 2011 at 9:20 pm
Yes – it’s neat to meet another survivor of the same cancer!
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Wow. So interesting! I’ve been a follower of your site for a long time. :) It’s amazing how many kids who had Wilm’s in the 70s and 80s were told that they were never going to be able to have children themselves. And here we are! I still get my children checked yearly just in case. But all is well. :) Cheers!
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Thank you for sharing. Congrats on this milestone in your life and for continuing to support an organization dear to your heart. May there continue to be many more “survivor” stories like yours and the one you posted. Cancer is a cruel disease.
Visit Amanda … Afterschool Express – Field Trips!
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What a wonderful post. I didn’t realize we were about the same age (I turned 32 yesterday).
I’m so happy for you to be celebrating this milestone.
Visit Jenny … Wordless Wednesday: Birthday Pic
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maryanne Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 8:55 am
I didn’t realize we were so close in age either – how fun!
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Wow! What a story!!! I’m so glad you’re better now and good luck to your friend, Sandi!!!
Visit crittersandcrayons … A Brief Conversation With A Cancer Patient
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30 years cancer-free is indeed a milestone to be celebrated!
Visit Mom and Kiddo … Lussekatter
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Making me teary today, congratulations on your post and on living and having those three cute kids!!
Visit Amber Liddle … The Party, and the Hospital.
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What a precious photo and a wonderful post to celebrate your life and the gift of children you’ve been given. I love how you’ve come to see the cancer with a new perspective, one that gives you joy and peace and gratitude. It’s a fabulous way to live, and it is evident in the way you write as well. Blessings.
Visit Elisa | blissfulE … Nikki plays “Click Go the Shears”
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What a celebration next year will be – your 32nd birthday and 30 years cancer free. It is inspiring to hear how you have chosen to let cancer shape your life in such a positive way. Can’t wait to hear what celebratory plans you have in store for such a special time in your life next year.
Visit Elise @ Inspiration Surrounds Creativity Abounds … More Of Clem’s (Our Elf On A Shelf) Antics
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Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your story and continuing to support ACS! My daughter was 2.5 when diagnosed with leukemia (just this past August). She went into immediate remission, but will continue treatment for two more years. Your story provides such inspiration!
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maryanne Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
Hi Julie! I’m so glad that your daughter is doing so well! I hope she tolerates her remaining treatment well, and stays in remission!
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I never knew you had cancer, congratulations on your wonderful life! What uncertainty to go through!
Visit Katherine … One Yard Wonders Fabric-By-Fabric (Rambling & Giveaway)
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You are AMAZING! Here’s to many more years of good health, healthy kiddos, and many more wonderful posts on your sweet blog!! xoxo
Visit Valerie @ Frugal Family Fun Blog … Celebrating PURPLE!!!
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maryanne Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 7:28 am
Thank you, Valerie!
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[...] was diagnosed at age 22 months and tells her story in National Cancer Survivors Day and in Marking Milestones. Stop by Small Hands Creating Hope, a Kid Blogger Network blog hop hosted by MamaSmiles to raise [...]
Oh Mary, I had no idea you were a cancer survivor! I lost my sister to cancer shortly after she turned 36, so I always try to bring awareness to people around me. Huge hugs
Visit Varya … Creative Tuesday: Rainbow cloud
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MaryAnne Reply:
April 24th, 2013 at 9:30 pm
I am so sorry about your sister. There is still a lot of research that needs to be done!
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