Yesterday was Valentine’s Day, and everyone was wearing something red (fitting for American Heart Month).  There were bunches of roses coming in and out of the building; there was also a lot of chocolate (dark only) to be eaten and champagne to be drunk (after work, of course).

Love was in the air – love songs played, sparkling jewelry lit up the night, glitz and glamour were everywhere and there wasn’t a seat to be had in any halfway decent restaurant.

But my Valentine’s Days for the past five years have been even better than that!

On Thursday, February 14, 2008, I underwent lung surgery to remove a cancerous lesion in my right node.  I know I am searching here, but do you think it’s a positive sign that history is repeating itself? Exactly five years ago ­–­ on Thursday on Valentine’s Day ­– I had surgery. Could that mean that I will be around for another five years to celebrate year #10?

I sure hope so.

In previous blogs I wrote about my personal story: I was diagnosed with breast cancer (on January 2 five years ago), and then right before I was to start chemo, I had a PET scan that showed that I also had lung cancer. The good news was that both were primary cancers, which meant that neither had spread to any other part of my body.

I do not really have a “Valentine” in the commercial sense of the word, so I look inward and find the spiritual part of the day and it gives me comfort.  I will always remember February 14 – Valentine’s Day – for as long as I live.  I could say “as long as we both live” – me and the remaining parts of my lung. The outpouring of love, affection, friends, chocolates, cards, phone calls and good wishes was amazing.  People came from out of the woodwork. People I haven’t seen or spoken with in many years were all offering their support.  I was truly blown away.

Today I look at February 14 as a new beginning and a huge anniversary celebration.

Hope you enjoyed your Valentine’s Day – I know I did!

Stay healthy,
Muriel, the editor, five-year survivor

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