Driving home from a visit with my oncologist, I looked over at the car to my right while waiting for the light to turn green. In the sedan, an elderly woman stretched to see over the top of the steering wheel. My first thought was:
"Lucky you. You got to be old."
I admired her short stature, gray hair and knarled fingers. That she was still driving made the picture all the more beautiful.
That incident took place in 1993, when I did not expect to be so lucky. So far, my course had followed the textbook description of "shorter and shorter remissions that invariably lead to death."
But treatments I subsequently received in three clinical trials saved my life. I have continued to go in and out of treatment for another 19 years, and counting. The textbooks are being rewritten.
Today I am 58 years old. I can't think of a better way to honor this birthday than by delivering a keynote that -- I hope -- helps others. I'll celebrate with my family this weekend.
As I type this post, some of my fingers ache, especially the ones with joints that have become swollen and crooked from osteoarthritis. My hands remind me of the woman in the car.
Lucky, lucky me.
Happy Birthday Wendy!
I celebrate my 39th birthday tomorrow and 2 years ago, on my 37th birthday while undergoing chemo, I was wondering if it would be my last birthday since my FL was diagnosed in August 2010. But here I am, in remission, and thankful for every beautiful day with my husband, and my 8yr and 3yr daughters.
May God continue to Bless you. Your words are a great source of inspiration to many.
Posted by: Angeline Chen | October 18, 2012 at 09:25 AM
Happy Birthday, Wendy! May it be happy, healthy, and lucky (my 96-year-old mother's wishes for family and friends on birthdays.)
I recently turned 65. When a friend lamented reaching that same age, I was startled. Each birthday is a gift after a cancer diagnosis.
Posted by: Roz Zakheim | October 19, 2012 at 04:30 AM
Make today a special day of celebration!!! Thanks for shaing your wisdom with all of us in Blog For Healthy Survivors. The best gift we can give ourselves each day is gratitude for the gift of growing older. I'm with you, just celebrated 56 last week. Growing in age & wisdom is a gift not everyone receives. Happy Birthday Wendy ;~)
Posted by: Carol Ann Rice Rafferty | October 19, 2012 at 05:21 AM
Happy Birthday Wendy --
I always read your posts and love your positive attitude after all you have been through - you are certainly a role model!
I too will be celebrating my 75th birthday in November - I am a 6-1/2 year survivor of Stage IV lung cancer - have had 6 chemo drugs over the years, a clinical trial for 3 years, 6 weeks of radiation (30 zaps) along with carbo/taxol once a week. Just had surgery 1 month ago to remove the top lobe of my left lung which was riddled with scar tissue and lite up on a pet. I am told there is now no evidence of cancer and I hope and pray it stays that way! It's been a long haul, with radical treatments for my type of cancer, and I consider myself a walking miracle!
With prayers and hope for everyone who is battling this beast!!
Pat J.
Posted by: Patricia Johnson | October 19, 2012 at 05:46 AM
Wendy, A wonderful birthday message - congratulations on both the age and the wisdom. Kirk
Posted by: Kirk Hartley | October 19, 2012 at 06:12 AM
Happy Birthday, Wendy, and thank you for your help over so many years.
With love and hope,
Polly
Posted by: Polly Leshan | October 19, 2012 at 07:15 AM
Happy birthday, Wendy! And many many more.
With huge love and admiration ~
Joni
Posted by: Joni Rodgers | October 19, 2012 at 08:10 AM
Happy birthday, Wendy! I just turned sixty and feel lucky and blessed to be alive after two bouts with breast cancer. Enjoy the weekend with your family. From time to time I find myself envying the health of the elderly whom I see around town. But little by little I'm getting to that stage, and grateful. x
Posted by: Jan Baird Hasak | October 19, 2012 at 09:36 AM
Happy birthday, Wendy! I just turned sixty and feel lucky and blessed to be alive after two bouts with breast cancer. Enjoy the weekend with your family. From time to time I find myself envying the health of the elderly whom I see around town. But little by little I'm getting to that stage, and grateful. x
Posted by: Jan Baird Hasak | October 19, 2012 at 10:50 AM
Happy Birthday Wendy, my sister and birthday twin! As we celebrate our mutual birthday this week, I know you are surrounded by loving immediate family and many friends. Even though we are separated by miles, my best wishes are with you always on our special day.
Posted by: Donna | October 19, 2012 at 12:11 PM
Beautiful post, Aunt Wendy. A happy happy birthday to you. We are so blessed.
Posted by: Jackie | October 19, 2012 at 08:28 PM
Oh, my! Oh, my! Thank you for all these beautiful wishes that I didn't see until after the keynote on Friday. With joy, Wendy
Posted by: Wendy S. Harpham, MD | October 20, 2012 at 03:35 AM
Happy Birthday, Wendy! I just have to post today - ever since my diagnosis last year, just before my 32nd birthday, I've been following your posts - they give me hope that there is life with this diagnosis.
I recently turned to a colleague who was moaning "Oh my god, I'm turning 50, isn't that horrible, I'm sooo old" - saying: "Well, I'd be happy if I turned 50!"
People don't seem to appreciate life until they get reminded of their own mortality. Thanks for this wonderful post!
Posted by: Sophia | October 20, 2012 at 05:19 AM