Life Event

[Lopaka KaMars]

This thread reminds me I better go get my butthole checked.
Whatever that exam is called.

 

[Codechimp08]

This thread reminds me I better go get my butthole checked.
Whatever that exam is called.

do it, Colonoscopy, just had it, on the 3 year plan. It's a pleasant little nap but the prep/cleanout is not great.

 

[Medusa50]

January 19th 2023. I received the news nobody ever wants to hear. A vivid memory till this day. I often tell the story as it is as clear as if it was yesterday. I find myself here 3 years later still wondering how I managed to do it.

After hearing the doctors say they found a “mass” and that I needed to get to the hospital immediately, I put my hands behind my head, thought for a few moments and said, “Ok tell me what I gotta do” That was the beginning of a journey. Filled with lows and many dark moments I feared the worst could happen and I did the best I could to remain focused.

I began keeping a journal of my experience. Looking back through those entries I get to see where I came from. It helps realign my perspective. It all began here though I made similar entries with folks that knew what I was going through. It’s important to reflect on everything that has happened. For me, it helped shape my thoughts about what progress I had made.

Chemo, radiation, palliative treatment. I can remember being bent over in the kitchen wishing I wasn’t here. If only for a few true friends that helped me get through it. I knew I wasn’t alone. A number of people offered their ear to me when I needed to unload. One in particular on this forum did more than just listen. Nevertheless I am grateful to everyone who offered words of encouragement.

Throughout it all I’ve grown stronger, learned a lot about myself and managed to keep going despite the prognosis.

I will never forget how I felt using a walker. I could barely stand. A little less than 3 years later I was dragging myself up a steep trail that I wouldn’t have dreamed possible.

Life is hard at times. It’s easy to complain about things. I find myself complaining about lots of things but I always bring myself back to reality and I am thankful I’m still here to face all those little challenges.

I made some mistakes over the years. I made poor decisions and had to pay the price for much of it. Ultimately it made me a better person.

Today I still wake up with some pain. Certain days are harder than others. I still wake up with fear, though its grip on me isn’t as tight as it once was. I still wake up with uncertainty just like everyone does but I am continuing to steer so that I can achieve the best possible outcome.

I’ve said my circle grew smaller but it improved immeasurably. Anyone who “Follows the Green Dragon” was there when I was at my lowest point. I’ve come quite far since that time. Thank you.

Being diagnosed made me realize how much my wife means to me. The scare of cancer isn’t anything compared to the thought of not being with her. I’ve said it many times. She is my EVERYTHING.

Perhaps the most important thing I’ve come to appreciate is that I’m able to be here because I made a conscious decision to do whatever it took. I’ve been blessed. I’ve been lucky. I’ve been determined. I’ve been gifted in so many ways. But I’ve been driven too. I refuse to give up.

I look forward to waking up each day just to show folks I’m going to. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. I’m going to. Now you just watch me!

Peace everyone!

 

[tatt22er]

Keep up the fight brother!
Praying for you!

 

[karasugenji]

We are all with you . Each day is a battle that needs to be won

 

[kmbijit]

Great to see your recovery brother! Stay strong. Our prayers with you

 

[TravisCook]

Love you, O-Bro.
The prayers continue