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WW Jones * Celebration *
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WW Jones * Celebration *

by Wayne Jones

Gallery: NPN PhotographersPosted October 2, 2012244 views10 comments
This is how I celebrate. Last week I took a solo canoe trip for some happy reflection, and this is a picture of me getting ready to leave camp for a sunrise shoot. (See Sunrise Through The Pass in the Landscape Gallery.)

I think this is a good time to update my NPN picture because it's an anniversary of sorts. It was just four years ago that Jim asked NPN members to keep me in your thoughts and prayers to help me through a health crisis. I am more than happy to say THANK YOU for helping me through some very difficult chemotherapy.

Another reason that four years is significant is that when I was first diagnosed with an incurable form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, I read that the life expectancy for people with this disease was 2.5 to 4 years. Well, it's four years later, and I'm still here! I believe that I will continue to beat the odds and enjoy life for some time to come. Actually, "the odds" are getting better, thanks to new treatments being developed. I am now going through mild "maintenance" chemotherapy for a month twice each year, and it has kept the cancer in remission now for two years since my last major chemotherapy -- a new record for me.

So THANK YOU, NPN members, for your honest and constructive image critiques and inspiration from your photography; and thanks also for your prayers and good wishes. You have made a tremendously positive impact on my life!

Comments

10 comments
Comment posted by Ken Smith on October 2, 2012 at 11:39 PM
What a fitting photo to celebrate the journey behind and the days ahead. Your words were good to read. I am glad you have survived and thrived. Some things in life are not measured by length of days, months or years....but by the attitude of the heart. Thanks for sharing.
Registered on September 5, 2008, 449 Posts, 2444 Comments
Comment posted by Peter Cross on October 3, 2012 at 12:13 AM
Well, Wayne, a positive attitude is certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself. It sounds like you're there. I hope that you get to wear out the "new" camera you got last year and have to upgrade again. I think you should celebrate this every year. Certainly is a wonderful season to be out and about.
Registered on April 3, 2010, 271 Posts, 1342 Comments
Comment posted by Wayne Bartz on October 3, 2012 at 1:45 PM
From one cancer survior to another, it is great to be alive.
Registered on May 12, 2007, 56 Posts, 92 Comments
Comment posted by Gary McGhee on October 3, 2012 at 6:36 PM
It looks like you are really enjoying life too Wayne, great news you are beating your cancer. It's a great self shot. Happy anniversary. We do have something in common though, I had Hodgkins lymphoma (not the non) over 30 years ago and beat it too.

Best wishes, Gary.
Registered on April 15, 2010, 142 Posts, 2416 Comments
Comment posted by Morris McClung on October 5, 2012 at 3:42 PM
Congratulations on the great progress you have made. I remember when you posted after you took your first short walk after chemo. And, now you are doing solo canoe trips. Your images and comments are a constant inspiration for us, so keep them coming. Looking forward to many years of those to come! :toast:
Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments
Comment posted by Bill Chambers on October 24, 2012 at 2:36 PM
Wow, has it been 4 years! So happy that you're still amongst us and shooting better than ever. I love this image - it really tells a story and relates the true feeling of wilderness. You know, attitude counts for a lot both in life and when dealing with difficulty, and your attitude has been positive the entire time, even when the going was tough. I hope we (your NPN family) boosted your morale some, because your positive outlook certainly inspired us then and continues to do so today!
Registered on April 10, 2005, 753 Posts, 21216 Comments
Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on October 25, 2012 at 8:55 AM
Wayne, I recall the lengthy therapy process awhile back and I'm sincerely thankful your updates continue to be so VERY positive. You're an inspiration to many here at NPN for not only your fine photography but also for standing so tall during your illness.

This is truly a wonderful scene seeing you preparing to launch your canoe for yet another photo outing. Typically canoes are used for netting fish keepers, in your case it's no doubt seen more photo keepers over the years. :wavey:
Registered on February 25, 2006, 525 Posts, 8448 Comments
Comment posted by Eva McDermott on November 9, 2012 at 12:41 AM
Nice to meet you Wayne! Excellent news. All the best!
Registered on January 4, 2009, 1015 Posts, 13229 Comments
Comment posted by Nick Bristol on January 5, 2013 at 6:38 PM
Hi Wayne, It is great to see you here and in such a beautiful place. All the best to you! I love your photography and the wonderful connection with nature you have and capture in your images!

Nick
Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments
Comment posted by Igor Doncov on April 7, 2015 at 4:04 PM

The best of health to you, Wayne, in your fight against cancer. It makes you appreciate and value life more.

Registered on November 22, 2014, 189 Posts, 2733 Comments