Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Living Each Day

Me (L) and my husband E (R)
Two weeks ago I was given a surprise medical diagnosis. Colon cancer. I have no symptoms. In fact, I feel great. I don’t smoke; I eat a low fat/low salt diet with no beef; I get plenty of exercise; my weight is average; my age is relatively young at 51. It all started when a stool test showed positive for blood. That followed with my first colonoscopy. More tests and doctor visits followed. Surgery is still to come. The cancer appears to be caught early and is small enough that chemo and radiation isn’t necessary before surgery. The last couple of weeks have been a challenge to come to grips with this new reality. Fortunately my husband, E, has been so supportive. He has made the last couple weeks bearable while we deal with a lot of uncertainty.

This short nine-second video has been a reminder that we should live each day like it could be your last. There are also no guarantees even when you have the right of way.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO2rW1alVv8

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey. I've read your blog pretty regularly for, I guess, a couple of years now. I just wanted to say that I'm sorry to hear about your colon cancer diagnosis. I just lit a candle for you (citronella -- I hope you don't mind). It sounds like they caught this early, so I'm sure you have a favorable prognosis. I just wanted to let you know that one of your fans on "the interwebs" is thinking of you and sending healing vibes your way. Be well. ~Peter

Ken said...

I'm actually not a regular reader, but just happened upon this sight this morning and found your entry so deeply moving. I, too, am a 51 year old married gay man who dealt with surprising and serious health issues last year. It's a cliche, of course, but one day at a time is the only way I could do it. After my illness, I changed some major parts of my life and am now doing what I truly love.

The fact that it was caught early is hugely important, of course. I know a number of people who had colon cancer years ago and are fine now. I'm hoping this will be the same for you. Thanks also for the courage of telling us about yourself. Ken

Steve said...

Wow...that one caught me off guard. I'm so sorry to hear this and what you'll be going through. You both will be in my thoughts.

Not Important said...

I'll be thinking about you. Best of luck on the upcoming surgery.

Rob said...

I've been reading your blog for a long time now. Take care and I'm thinking of you. After reading your post, we scheduled screening tests. Aloha from Rob

Esther said...

This is such a shock. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. I'm so glad you have your loving, supportive husband.

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