OUT OF THE CLOSET...

A short story and a thanks... My surgery 11 months ago has given me yet another reason to be grateful. I am a 23 yr. cancer survivor. When I had thyroid cancer I did not have the ability to acknowledge my experience, just kept putting one foot in front of the other to move ahead and get healthy again. It has been a hard road at times and a lonely road. Thyroid cancer is known as the "good" cancer. THERE IS NO GOOD CANCER. You might ask, why am I talking about this on a weight loss site? I will tell you... It is BECAUSE of my weight loss and all the work I have done since my surgery that has given me the self esteem to finally give myself a day of pampering at the North Branford Relay for Life ( http://www northbranfordrelay.org/Survivorship.html ) today. It is my way of saying...YES to life with so much gratitude that I survived... I SURVIVED! I am really starting to feel as if it is OK to be me. As the weight goes..."I" appear more. I have and will continue to emerge and grow as the person I have alway been meant to be. This is greatly due to my recovery from morbid obesity and the support I have gotten along the journey. Thanks "We are such tender and fragile beings, yet such strong warriors." Towanda Strong

You GO girl!!!!! I'm so proud and happy for you!!! Many Hugs, Carla

Carla~ I am struck by all the stories that each of us bring forth as we journey with our individual recoveries from morbid obesity. What grabs me the most is the common thread that we are finally able to live our lives fully. No more hidding...possibly less fear. Who knew? You...Queen of the OH convention? You gorgeous babe! Me...able to acknowledge a past battle... So many have their stories...and...we don't do it alone...not any more. In part, this is why I chose the name Towanda... It represents a stand of victory against all odds. Thanks

"Towanda" I just looked at the link that you put in your post, you deserve all of that, and then some! It sounds like there's a lot of great activities planned for you. I hope that you really take advantage of it all and have a great day! Your spirit and determination are inspiration for many, you've worked hard for your success, as Mary would say, "Own it and embrace it". Looking forward to hearing all about it, All the best, Bob

Hey Bobby...you gorgeous hunk! It is by having friends like YOU that allows me to 'BE ABLE' to live my life 'OUT IN THE WORLD' now. It is by having friends like you...that all things are possible. And will Bette be soooo jealous! Elvis gave ME his scarf...oh yes! Photos OH SO to follow! Towanda

No, actually, I wouldn't be jealous. I can't STAND Elvis, nor his impersonators. Bette

I think you deserve every bit of that. I agree with you when you say there is no "good" cancer. Enjoy your day, you've earned it. Maggie

Thanks Maggie...I enjoyed the day for sure! Look for photos to come on my profile page when I get them back. T.

Towanda, Your post really touched me and reminded me of how greatful we should all be. You should be sooo proud of yourself. You have overcome many things in your life and you have turned out to be so much stronger for it. You go girl!! Enjoy life everyday...you deserve it!! Many HUGS, Nancy K

Nancy~ Thanks. As I said to Carla above...we all have a story...one that "is what it is"....each to be honored...and one, that if we have the courage, or feel the need, can be changed THROUGH the empowerment we gain from THIS journey we all share here. be well... Towanda