Saturday, October 4, 2008

I think I underestimated this cancer thing

I look back at when my Aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer and I remember thinking ... ah she'll be fine. Kym is very strong and can overcome anything - and thinking of this makes me stronger. However, you can't imagine what it actually does to your psyche. It changes the way you think of everything...what you eat, where you're going, what you think of what people think of you, what you buy...is it good for me, will it be my last, is this important...it's really weird. Add to that, people look and talk to you different. I haven't experienced this too much...but I've had to say to people...don't look at me like that - I'll be fine. I, and everyone else, have to remember that this is not a death sentence. I was so uneducated about the psychology of cancer... going through it is changing that and I bet it is changing for everyone else that is reading this too. Chances are that if you haven't gone through this yet, you will. It may not be you, but someone close to you.

Speaking of which, I bet I have a mother and grandmother at home wishing, praying and being angry that they would have rather they get cancer than I. However, this is a the chance for them and my family to see how strong of a character I am and that I will beat this. I am a competitor and thrive at challenges on the course, court or field...the hospital is just turning into a place that I get to compete. I think this is a good outlook for me.

Don't be sorry for me. Encourage me.

4 comments:

Dora and Dave said...

Hi Jeff,

Yeah cancer sucks!! However, I think opening up is definitely a good healing mechanism for you and makes us appreciate what we have. One thing you might consider in the future is becoming an advocate. These people attend scientific conferences and tell their stories (which you are excellent at) and also sit on grant review boards and are part of the decision making team that determines which cancer research projects are funded. It's great for the advocate because it gives them a sense of empowerment and good for us researchers because it puts a human face on the disease. Something to think about.

Dora

Anonymous said...

Casey, keep the info & pics coming. I haven't done this much reading since you handed me the "Power of One" book back in university and made me read it.
All the best, stay positive, we'l talk soon.

Joe M

Anonymous said...

Jeff - Just finally found the blog and have read the whole thing up to now and the rollercoaster you've been on so far. Stay strong and keep talking - my friend, Kara, who's been through the almost identical illness said the best thing she ever did was talk about it and find people to talk to when she was going through her treatments. She's doing great now and you will too once you get through a few more hurdles. Take care and keep talking. We're all thinking of you and your wonderful family - thanks for sharing with us.
Linda Crombeen

Anonymous said...

Senor Casey...
Like I told you before...you're an inspiration to those around you. You ARE a fighter and a great competitor and you will continue to BATTLE until you kick this things A$$!!

“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.”
- LANCE ARMSTRONG

Keep fighting kid... everyone else will admire you for it.

MG