On January 14, 2003 when I had surgery to remove my GIST I never dreamed I would still be here 14 years later! So little was known about this cancer, at that point the most important thing was to be C-Kit positive and hope that Gleevec worked! The tumor was positive and the Gleevec has! A lot of pills later, I can celebrate everyday with John, my husband of 43 years and my family. I am grateful to the many friends I share the raft with and to all the researchers who keep learning about GIST. I have learned to be my own advocate and to be grateful for all the things having cancer has taught me.