Watch and Wonder, but Do-no matter what stage!!!

[Chic789]

Time to post the wondrous things! The gratitude for all the new treatments out there, the friendship we discover on the website and the support we find with each other. I know that I am one of the lucky ones and still in the watch and wait but my husband and I just completed a great accomplishment on our bucket list! We just returned home after an 8 1/2 week, 10,000 mile trip on our Harley Davidson Triglide. We traveled the entire United States and even into Canada and attended Sturgis SD- one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the world. We toured every National Park on our path and went coast to coast on all secondary roads enjoying the beauty of America. Visiting family along the way added to the special memories. We’re also Grateful to have met so many wonderful people along the way who took interest in us and our adventures. We just arrived home, wondering if we can return to our “normal lives” and will surely miss the sound of thunder and freedom our Harley has provided. We are 72 and 67. So please-rejoice In all your goals you dream, try, complete or even partially complete!!!! Dream big, go for it and do not fear CLL. It is not a hidden disease, but a reality for us. Like the sea, I shall fear and respect it, but will learn to live along side it. Love and hope to all!! You are all my heroes!

[seelel]

Glad to hear that you are able to live a full and active life.

I too am untreated after 13 years since diagnosis (also 72 years old).

After 2 years of research after diagnosis, I decided I was going to be in the 'never needing treatment' bucket. Time will tell of course. But I'm lucky that my CLL has remained numbers on paper and hasn't impeded my life in any way.

I don't have a Harley, but I'll be in my garden today laying bricks.

Stay well..........

[Chic789 in reply to seelel]

Thanks for your message seelel-love my gardening too! Nothing better than getting your hands in the dirt- good for the soul. I was lucky to be the passenger on the back with my trusty husband as the driver (he’s 72). Initially, i had my doubts that I could complete this physically demanding trip, but we took our time and rested when we could. We traveled the back roads and enjoyed the people and scenery. I guess the important thing was to go for it-if we couldn’t complete the entire trip-can’t feel like a failure...just celebrate each day completed.

[Sucee]

I love your story and attitude! Thank you for sharing. If you want to come to New Zealand and ride a Harley around our country, you can use our home as your base! Wishing you the very best xx

[Chic789 in reply to Sucee]

Thanks Sucee!

[Kokobean]

That trip sounds amazing! Memories are priceless.👍🏼

[cllady01 Former Volunteer]

Wow, that is some ride! Did you see Frank Fritz of American Pickers at Sturgis? : )

I appreciate the thrill of the open road--but in a car--and the back roads are the only way to see this country to get the feel of there still being so much beauty to behold in the earth as well as in the small-town flavors and friendliness and even quirkiness.

[carol_h]

Awesome! Great to hear you’re enjoying your life. What a fantastic road trip. Why wait? It’s about (enjoying) the journey not the destination. Sounds much better to me than watch and wait, lol

[Ellieoak]

Chic789. Great going! Good to hear you are doing so well. Keep going! Anna

[Rose_fancier]

What a wonderful trip! It does feel good to conquer the big and little goals. May you have many more big and little adventures in your future.

I, like you, love to travel and dig in the dirt. I also have 13q mutation. Diagnosed 2 years ago. Still watch and wait. Not likely to need treatment per my doctors.

This summer, my husband and I fulfilled a lifelong dream to go on a cruise and see the glaciers in Alaska! And I completed a two mile hike to see a glacier close up. After two knee replacements, the last a little over a year ago that was for me, a celebration worthy achievement.

The CLL reminds me it is there every day. I do have days where energy is low and I struggle through the day. But I live for the challenges and achievements, no matter how small. It does keep the joy in my life as it does in yours.

[country76]

What a lovely and inspiring post!!!

[josephinef]

What a beautiful inspirational post. Thanks very much for sharing with us dear Chic789. May all your days be filled with happy “Harley” thoughts.

Take care.

Kind regards,

Josephine from Australia 😊

[Chic789]

Thanks for all your kind responses! Perfect example of why the folks on our site are the best ever