‘It’s worse than we thought.’

I had come to the brain surgeon’s office to get staples removed a week after having a brain

tumor removed. After listening to these words, the first thing that came to mind was disbelief.

‘It’s worse than we thought’ I repeated to myself.

As he continued to talk, I quickly shook that news off in order to pay attention to what he was

now saying. I listened as he explained how a second surgery to remove any more potentially

cancerous tissue would be the best course of action. We discussed the procedure and decided on 2/18/04 for the surgery.

That was five years ago. Today. continue reading…

In those five years, I have experienced the reality of having those two surgeries,

radiation, several MRI=s and most importantly, seeing the words >No Evidence of Disease= jump from the doctor’s notes.

This may sound crazy but it has been an incredible and positive journey.

I feel fortunate on so many levels. By having a seizure to alert me to the tumor, I didn’t have to try to figure out what, or if something was wrong with me. That probably saved my life.

The ease of the surgeries and the following treatments have allowed me to realize that ‘cancer survivor’ has many levels.

It is as if I am a person that just happens to be in the process of surviving cancer. Treatments

ending quickly and painlessly, while others are facing it as a chronic disease.

These people are the ‘cancer warriors’. I have friends that were diagnosed after I was that will most likely be receiving ongoing treatment therapy for the rest of their lives. They have great

outlooks on how they live their lives. They continue on with an internal power and a hope for the

future.

One such friend lost the battle on Friday night. Peggy Coment was diagnosed with ovarian cancer shortly after I had surgery. This is a difficult version of cancer to deal with. But from the

very beginning she took the beast on like a fighter.

She went through different types of chemo-therapy almost continually for the entire five years.

Always moving forward. Making decisions that would lead to a better outcome and a longer, stronger life.

She continued to travel to visit friends and family. Seeking out treatment in those locations

rather than resigning herself to staying next to the Seattle facilities. She continued to work in her beautiful garden and to rock

climb with her husband, Kevin Rose, as it was something they enjoyed together.

She lived the last five years with cancer. Not for it. She has been a role model for all of us

whether we have been diagnosed with cancer or not.

My path has been smoother that Peggy’s and I realize how lucky I have been.

My journey over the past five years has allowed me to see the many faces of my comrades in the fight against this potentially deadly disease. As I embark on the next five year chapter of my life,I plan to bring those faces along for the ride.