stage4's Cancer Blog

November 17, 2009

I haven’t posted in awhile, I have been pretty sick and in quite a bit of pain.
I am still wondering why I am still alive, doctors are baffled and interested.

I keep thinking God is trying to tell me what I am suppose to do before I get to go home. One thing keeps popping up over and over and that is public speaking. (which I hate because I get nervous and shake) I have been asked to or had it at least mentioned to me so many times in the last few months. I am guessing it is some sort of sign. My Hospice social worker said she would like to do this with me and I drafted one of the breast cancer survivors in my support group so now we just need to find venues.

If anyone has experience or ideas on how to start finding venues that would welcome us I would love to hear it.
It has been 4 1/2 years since I was diagnosed stage 4. I quit chemo about 2 years ago. It has now spread to my lungs and bones but I do pretty well at least 3 or 4 hours a day.

My next book title or (working title) is:
Living While Dying, Laughing While Crying-/or laughing and crying. can’t decide.
I don’t want it to be a downer. Some funny parts would be nice. I would also like to include stories from other people facing the same thing. If anyone has any suggestions or know someone that would be willing to share their blog or writing something for it I would love to hear about it.

I don’t know how easy it will be to find terminal cancer patients that are still trying to make the most out of their lives. Being upbeat etc. I have a sarcastic humor when it comes to dying that puts some people off if they don’t know me well.
The cancer support group I belong to has seen 3 women die doing chemo up until the day they die.

I am in the other category that chose quality over quantity of life when I quit chemo. But the surprise was on me, I have outlived all “experts” predictions.

I am going on a cruise with my sister Dec 7-11th. Can’t wait. It will be the first time we have went anywhere together without 10 other people in tow.
Hope to hear from you
Donna Richno

Posted on November 17, 2009 at 11:30:15 PM by Donna Richno ( Link to this post.

Hi Everyone - Working on another book., Post a comment.

6 comments)

texcin likes this.

What a great idea to cruise with your sister.

Posted on November 18, 2009 at 10:24:10 AM by andreaj

Donna – I just read your post now. I didn’t realize your latest situation. I was just looking at your membership date. You have been on here for 3 years. That is so amazing. You joined shortly after we launched. Congrats with writing another book and speaking. Enjoy your cruise. Take some photos and post when you get back. ;-)

Posted on November 19, 2009 at 6:39:54 AM by jill

Donna; you have amazed everyone and we are inspired by your candour and ability to rise above every obstacle. I hope your cruise turns out to be the best ever and hoping you will take some pictures and post them here. Yes another book! Good grief you really don’t waste any time do you? I haven’t had a chance to read your first book, what is the title again?
Take care of yourself but live wildly.

Posted on November 28, 2009 at 11:31:56 AM by weezie

Hey Donna I wonder how your cruise was? I have been reading your blog since april 2007 when my sister in law was dx with colorectal cancer. I feel like I know you and we are also in Florida we live in Ocala. Since then I have been dx with Breast Cancer DCIS. But I am just wondering if you are doing ok. you and my sister in law are the strongest people I know I admire you both for your strength and fight. I wish I could get my sister in law to blog but she has no interest for some reason. Pauline is doing well she has been thru the wringer like you and she still gets up and goes every day. The dr has pretty much told her the only thing that is keepin her going is the Chemo, as long as her body can handle it she is living she looks wonderful she has only lost a small amount of weight and if you didnt know she was sick you would not be able to tell. I now on the other hand have not been able to make a decision on lumpectomy or mactectomy I pray to God that I make the right decision for myself and that I can be mentally satisifed because I have said I dont thing I could be as strong as Pauline I think she is rock solid and never want to be in her shoes. Donna I hope you are doing well I think of you often and I hope that you set a new record in this rotten field of Cancer. I hope you have a very Happy Holiday! Im looking foward to hearing from you.

Pat

Posted on December 19, 2009 at 9:27:40 AM by patm8848

Hi Donna-
God bless you- you are such an inspiration to me!
You took time to send me an email several months ago- when I had so many questions when my little sister was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Yes- you should listen to what God is telling you in regard to writing another book- if you have the time and energy to do so. You are truly using your life for good!
As I look ahead to this new year, and read your story- I reflect how much of this lifetime here on earth I have wasted on such petty and unimportant things- things that do not matter at all. All of us will pass over some day- we do not know when that day will come- none of us. My own mother left the house on April 26, 1973 (on her birthday) at age 45- and never returned- she was killed by a drunk driver. None of us knows how long we have- what will we do with the time we have left? This is the question I will ponder and do something about as 2010 arrives- just as you have.
Thank you, Donna- for the gift of kindness that you shown me and my family, even as you were battling your illness.
Wishing you peace in the New Year,
Lanie

Posted on December 30, 2009 at 9:05:32 AM by lanieobr

So glad you are still up & kicking. We had hoped to get to Fla, but that plan fell thru. I didn’t know you were in Palm Harbor. Is that off I-95 north of Daytona?? Also glad to hear about your new book. Let me know how it goes. My book has only sold about 45. Not many, but it is a start.
Take care & stay happy.
Sandy