Friday, January 18, 2013

happy birthday to me

One year ago today I was waiting for a phone call.  That phone call told me that my melanoma was showing up in my liver, bones, and under the skin in lots of places. 

My doctor's last words after we had discussed stage IV and its treatments at length:  "The median survival from a stage IV diagnosis is one year."  And I had the bad prognostic factors that could put me leaving possibly much quicker.  "I think you'll still be fighting."

Last year on my birthday we were waiting in the mall for our buzzer to go off to get my favorite appetizer.  I got the dreaded phone call right outside of H&M.  It was one of those moments where I physically couldn't stand.  They scheduled me immediately for a brain MRI.  We gave the buzzer back to the Cheesecake Factory and took off.  Today on the way home from the hospital I said..."I think I'll have those avocado egg rolls."

 I love that the American Cancer Society calls themselves the official sponsor of birthdays.  “Happy Birthday” is a victory song for the 11 million cancer survivors celebrating birthdays this year.  

 And so it was for me tonight as my beautiful boys sang it to me.  This year they even included the "happy."

12 comments:

  1. Happy birthday, Alisa! I'm so glad you got to celebrate this year. What a year it has been and you continue to amaze me with your strenght. Here is to many more birthdays!

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  2. happy happy Alisa!!!! you are amazing and glad you had wonderful day to celebrate!! to many more birthdays!!!!

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  3. That's awesome Alisa! So glad it's been a happy birthday this year, and wishing you many more!

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  4. Happy Birthday! I know I'm a stranger and our situations are different but I find such hope in your blog. I want to wish you joy today and everyday. Thanks for putting your story out here.

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  5. This is a wonderful post Alisa. I'm so glad you had a happy Birthday. I'm singing it for you in my office and I'm including the "happy" with emphasis! Love you...and those avocado egg rolls!

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  6. Yes, happy, happy, HAPPY birthday!

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  7. May you never have another birthday without the happy. :) xo

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  8. What a beautiful post! Happy Birthday to you! My wonderful hubby has stage 4 melanoma also (treated at the Huntsman) and I've followed your blog a bit and so happy for your great news you've been having. Best to you.

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  9. HAPPY Birthday Alisa! And may there be many more to come.

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  10. Happy Birthday, Alisa. The avocado rolls at The Cheesecake Factory are our favorite too! You are inspiring - thank you for never quiting your fight! We still pray for you every day.
    (Brittany's brother)

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  11. Love this post- we pray for many birthdays to come for you!

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  12. I love everything about this post. Strong woman, such an inspiration!!!

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