Sometimes in life things happen that change the course of our lives in such a material way that we live our lives differently from that day forward. There is NO rhyme or reason for them, but they happen anyway and their impact sends a great ripple through us and those close (and sometimes those who are not that close) to us.
One of these events happened in my life last week. On Thursday, November 12, 2009 I was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer.
In case something like this has never happened to you or someone close to you, it is one of those pieces of news that never comes at a convenient time – and you are NEVER prepared to receive it.
There are so many emotions that are associated with this disease, but the one that always comes to the front when I think of my diagnosis was FEAR. The crippling, disorienting fear of the whole thing was the most prevalent theme for the whole thing. However, I do have to confess that it was not necessarily fear for my life, but mostly fear of the unknown and fear for my family and my fiance. See, when I was diagnosed, it was the first time anyone around me had to deal with anything like this on such an immediate level. No family history and no warning. So, I did what every normal person would do: I obsessed. In a matter of days, I was an expert in the field of testicular cancer and had over-diagnosed and even manifested symptoms that were not presenting (It’s true what they say, ignorance is bliss). Needless to say, I was an absolute wreck.
Last Thursday, November 19th, 2009, the doctors removed the cancer and all the blood work has come back negative. The fear is subsiding as the days move on and I am starting to feel normal again, but the simple fact is that what was normal will never be normal again. Even if everything is the same as it was before, the fact will remain that cancer is now a part of my life. I will live with the reminder that life is fragile and can change without warning, but one thing is for sure: everyday is a little sweeter.
I don’t believe that God causes bad things to happen in our lives, but I do believe that he allows them so that our faith is tested (see James 1:2-4).
In short, though the process may be painful and uncertain, it is still making me a better, more complete person with a greater story to tell.
Today, when there is so much to be thankful for, I am continually reminded of all the blessings in my life. So, tell someone you love them today. Don’t be shy or timid about it, life’s too short.
RCW
p.s. – Thank you for all the Love and support that you have shown me and my family through this difficult time. We appreciate it more than you can understand.
p.p.s. – The family was featured in the Marietta Daily Journal today click here to get the full story.
I’m thankful the tests are negative and grateful you are learning lessons you will use in positive ways. I’m glad to know you.
Big3! I had no idea this was going on. I did a double take after reading the first part of this post to make sure I was on the right blog. I can’t imagine what ya’ll have been going through the past few weeks, but I am so glad to hear the good reports after your surgery. Thanking God right now for bringing you, Callie, and your family through this, and I will be praying for you as you continue to recover and as ya’ll process all that has gone on, and as ya’ll continue on with life after such a traumatic event. This was an amazing post, and the article was awesome as well. Thank you for sharing all of that. Love you man! Happy Thanksgiving!
Not everyone could have handled this as well as you. I’m proud to know you, and glad my best friend found such a strong, humble, good-hearted person.
p.s. – in terms of sheer words, this is one of your best posts yet.