Tuesday, March 26, 2013

This Is Cancer

It's not a pretty word. It doesn't conjure nice images in your head. Depending on your experience, you probably don't like to talk about it. It's scary. It's deadly. Even if you have no experience with it, you probably view cancer negatively. I get it. Three weeks ago, I felt the same way. Until my husband called me from the ship. "I'm being medivac'd from the ship... I will be home by the end of the week... They think I have cancer."

Life changer.

No one likes the word cancer. And no one wants to hear that word. If you are a young thirty-something family with three kids, you don't expect to be confronted with it. However, sometimes life throws you a curve ball and you just have to adapt.



My husband has changed my way of thinking about this disease. He has approached his diagnosis with such positivity, optimism, and bravery. I'm learning to follow his lead. 

I always viewed cancer as a private battle. I didn't want to pry or overwhelm. Battling something like this is when you need others the most. I got over my pride real quickly when Darin came home. When a friend or neighbor offered help, I accepted. When our friends, neighbors, and family hesitated to call or stop by, I assured them their company was welcomed. In fact, they help keep our minds occupied while we wait.




We are two weeks into this medical diagnosis. My husband has had the spot or tumor removed. In the next week, we will meet with the doctor and there will be more tests. We don't know if he will need further treatment. We imagine there will be. Radiation or chemo? Not sure. We try not to think too much about it. Those thoughts consume a person quickly and lead down a dark path.

I don't want to mislead or worry anyone about my husband's condition. The doctors are completely optimistic. The surgeon told me of all the cancers, seminoma has one of the best prognosis. Positive stuff to keep us moving forward. I'm confident we will get from point A to point B. However, the road getting there might be a little bumpy. I'll share as we go along.



Nicole
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22 comments:

  1. My goodness....what a shocking phone call that must have been. I'm thinking of you guys as you work though this challenge. Your attitude is great though!

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  2. Sending prayers and positive thoughts your way.

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  3. I love how strong and positive you are. I pray that you'll stay that way no matter the outcome. It truly helps tremendously.

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  4. I can't even imagine. Prayers and positive vibes are being sent your way. Your positive attitude definitely is inspiring.

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  5. I can only imagine how hard it was to hear that word.... I am keeping you and your husband in my thoughts and prayers. I am really admiring how you are taking this on.

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  6. Prayers for your entire family! I can't begin to imagine what that phone call must have been like. Hoping for a speedy recovery!

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  7. Praying for your whole family...having been affected my cancer I know how hard it can be.

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  8. Praying for your husband and entire family. I know how hard these diagnoses can be on the whole family, and I pray you, your husband, and your children will be strong through all of this.

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  9. I read this with tears in my eyes. I'm so sorry :( I know you have a positive attitude and I will personally send prayers your way! Xoxo

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  10. Praying for y'all. I couldn't even begin to imagine how y'all must feel! Your positivity is truly inspiring!

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  11. Sending love and hugs! You of course are always welcome to come down and hang out if you need a getaway. Ok, so NE is a loooong ways away but you know what I mean! I'm always a text, phone call or email away! If there's ANYTHING you need don't hesitate, if talking or hearing from others helps, then by all means I'll annoy you! :)

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  12. I'm so sorry you all are going through this. Homecomings are such a happy occasion and it sucks to have that clouded by cancer. But, I am so proud of you all for your incredible bravery through all of this. I'll be praying for you all and hope a speedy recovery.

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  13. OH my word! I am sorry you are going through this, but so glad he is HOME where he can receive much better care (I say that as a Marine Corps spouse who had a husband on a ship). Prayers are going up for you, and praying blessings and healing for your family. Please remember your "family" is huge - from your Marine Corps family to your blogging family, we are ALL here for you.

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  14. Oh my! I can't even imagine what it must have felt like to get that phone call. Prayers to you and your family. Hoping for a very speedy recovery!

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  15. Good luck to you all! I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and hoping for an extremely positive diagnosis! My aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and beat it in 3 months! Early detection is definitely key!!

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  16. Thinking of you guys. How did they figure out he was sick?

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  17. Very heart touching. We just found out my best friends dad has cancer in his throat.
    It's definitely a very scary thing to hear and have to deal with. Bless you and your family.
    You guys will be in my prayers!

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  18. Praying for you and your family. Cancer is my very least favorite word in the entire world, I hate it so so much and it hurts my heart every single time I hear anyone having to deal with it. What a blessing that the prognosis is a positive one, though!! I'm sure your husband will fight this thing off!! And it's so great that you are so open and accepting of everyone's help!

    xo

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  19. Wow. I can't believe the news. I'm so glad that they sent him home so soon so that he could get some treatment. I have 2 brothers who are testicular cancers survivors (25 years & 10 years since diagnosis). They are doing well. Treatments can be tough depending on what is going on. You have such a great attitude right now. Accepting help from friends & family. There will be many stresses & worries. Let those that can help, even if only a dinner, do that so that your husband can focus on being well & you can take care of him, yourself & the family. We are praying for your family. I hope that the treatment goes well. Please know that many of us are thinking about you.

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  20. Oh my goodness! Sending prayers your way. The perspective you've shared on cancer is such a positive one. Keep the level head and stay strong thru the next few weeks!!

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  21. Thinking of you guys in this tough time!

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  22. How awful! I know how difficult and taxing cancer can be on the whole family. Sending lots of prayers and positive thoughts for all of you.

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