Hello everyone!
It's been a while!! Having just had Thanksgiving, I wanted to again thank you for all have done for me, and how much I am thankful that all of you are there to provide so much help to others.
I just got back from going to my son and his family for Thanksgiving in Missouri, followed by a few days with my daughter and her family in Rhode Island.
It was so wonderful to be with them and with some of my son's friends.
I also should let you know that I have started dating someone. So strange to be in a wonderful relationship again after several years. So many emotions. But it is in no small part because of my family, friends, and groups like you that I am at a place where I feel comfortable in a new relationship. Healing happens so much better when you are held and embraced, both physically and virtually, by people who care.
Thanks again for all you do, and for just being the wonderful people you are.
I see I am still one of the only people in lung cancer member updates. Sorry there aren't more posting, but I do feel like it's a comfy private chat room for me! 😊
May you all have a wonderful holiday season full of peace, love, and joy. Best, Stan
Reply # - December 5, 2024, 11:52 AM
Hi Stan, It's so good to…
Hi Stan,
It's so good to hear you and yours are doing well and that you were able to spend time with both families for Thanksgiving. I know it meant a lot to them. Family and friends are the engines that give us courage and allow us grace to move forward in our ever-changing environment. I'm happy for you knowing you've taken that huge step toward a new relationship. Just writing that brings a smile to my face.
Jim has fully retired now and traveling with Lisa in their camper all over the place. They will be glad to hear from you.
We don't get a lot of traffic in our forums these days. Most questions come in our YT channel. Social media and patient groups have evolved so much since we started. Very specific patient communities continue to grow everywhere in SM, especially FB where dedicated advocates work daily to steer people in the right direction. We have an amazing staff of 5 (I think all full-time) and me (part-time) who procure funding and partner with like-minded orgs, produce a lot of video content, and produce free live forums several times a year all on a growing number of cancers. I do miss the personal connections our forums once had. Life moves fast online.
Thank you so much for your update. Enjoy and take care,
Janine
I joined GRACE as a caregiver for my husband who had a Pancoast tumor, NSCLC stage III in 2009. He had curative chemo/rads then it was believed he had a recurrence in the spine/oligometastasis that was radiated. He's 10 years out from treatment.
Reply # - December 5, 2024, 03:10 PM
So good to hear from you Stan
Operations Director, GRACE
Hi Stan! It is good to hear from you -- I am so very happy you are doing well. I agree with Janine that family and friends - our chosen family - give us courage and allow us the grace to move forward. You deserve that happiness, and I know that Sara would agree. I am proud and humbled that you consider GRACE a part of that - that we have had a part in your healing. You have also had a part in ours -- it is a continual journey.
We will always be here - and we think fondly of you. This labor of love is always here to be that comfy private chat room for you if you need us. And we love hearing from you so always feel free to reach out.
Happiest of Holidays to you and yours, Stan. Take good care.
Denise
Operations Director for GRACE. Have worked with cancerGRACE.org since July 2009. Became involved as a caregiver to my best friend, and quickly came to see that GRACE is filling a need in the area of cancer education.