Cancer Calls
Five years ago yesterday, I was driving on the interstate when my cell phone rang. Cancer was calling. As I heard the doctor tell me that he suspected lymphoma, I remember wondering if I was hearing words or if the semi traveling next to me had just crashed into my car. We all remember where we were when we heard the words, "You have cancer," and I'll never pass that exact spot again without thinking about that call.
It sent me on a path I never wanted to travel. No one does. At first, I experienced the usual anger and denial, and I really wondered how a big chicken like me would ever find the strength to fight such a formidable foe. Clearly, my survival instincts had never been put to the test, but they soon kicked in and gave me strength I never knew I had. Survival is in all our genes and you, too, will find strength you never knew you had.
In the months that followed my diagnosis, there were setbacks and relapses. There were times that I was really scared and times that I sobbed. But somehow I always found a way to laugh, and it was laughter that kept me from wallowing in permanent despair.
Sometimes we think there is no laughter left, but there is. There are times you just have to look a little harder for it. Just keep looking, even if you have rent funny old movies. I actually did!
Five years ago, I never thought I could love or appreciate life more than I already did, but at the risk of sounding trite, cancer gave me an even greater appreciation. Now, nothing is taken for granted -- neither the little things nor the big things. Even life's challenges and disappointments are opportunities to find solutions -- opportunities I wouldn't have if I were not still alive.
I know how difficult this journey can be, but we must all hold on to the hope and belief that the disease is beatable. Mort and I are living proof, but we are only a small part of a much larger community of long term survivors who are enjoying healthy, normal lives, and in our upcoming entries, we plan to share stories of hope as well as real ideas that can help you join our growing, long-term survivor community.
Betsy