Sp how would you react if a doctor said you had cancer? Would you be shocked, scared, or fatalistic? Would you become spiritual or philosophical? I had that conversation with my doctor this week. I had a biopsy done and the results won’t be known for another week for a 100% confirmation, but my doctor said she is 99% confident that she has seen enough of these cases ad that I have cancer. It is Stage 3 Melanoma.
My reaction? OK, I have a situation, let’s deal with it. I do not view this as a death sentence. I plan on being on this earth for at least another 20 or 25 years. We caught it early and there have been tremendous advancements dealing with Stage 3 Melanoma. I am scheduled to have a PET scan and an MRI to ensure it has not spread to other parts of my body and then treat the existing cancer with something called immunotherapy.
For me, I was not fearful. I am not saying I am a macho type of guy, but fear comes from the unknown and if you take away the unknown, you can take away the fear. Knowledge is power and when you have been given this diagnosis, I research this as much as possible. I have read everything on the internet about Stage 3 Melanoma and immunotherapy. The outlook is very positive as the results speak for itself.
Worry about what you can control, not what you cannot control. There is nothing you can do about this except going through the treatment. After that, your health is in the hands of the doctors and if it is beyond them too, then my fate is in God’s hands. Let go and let God. I am not there yet, but should my situation take a turn for the worse, then my spirituality will give me strength
What I did feel after hearing the news, was a sense of gratitude. I am very grateful for what I do have. An amazing wife, a great family, great friends and all the accomplishments I have made in my life. It has been a great life, and I still have a lot more living to do. It is a reminder to live life to the fullest. It is a reminder that we do not live forever and take action to do the thing s you have always wanted to do. If you have something you always wanted to do, what are you waiting for?
I also think about other people going through cancer whose outlook is not quite as positive. Their cancer may have attacked an organ such as the pancreas or liver that have lower survivor rates. They may be going through a regimen of chemotherapy and/or radiation that leaves them feeling so sick that they would rather meet their maker. My heart truly goes out to them and their families, and I send them my love.
This has also made me humble. It is a glaring reminder that you cannot control everything with your body and there are outside influences that you have no control over as well. You are not invincible. There is a God and I am not it.
I have cancer, let’s deal with it. Control what you can control and leave the rest to God. Be thankful for what you have. Live the Golden Rule and do the things you have always wanted to do. God bless you all.