“When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.”--Stuart Scott
Today, March 27th, marks one year since Matthew has left us. I have had thoughts tossing around in my head for weeks now, and I decided I needed to revisit this blog.....I apologize in advance if it is long.
I want to start with colon cancer. Colon cancer is the no. 2 cancer killer in the US. However, with screening it can actually be prevented. Yet so many of us are hesitant to go to the doctor about intestinal or bowel issues. They are easily written off as irritable bowel, bad diet, etc. However, the under 50 crowd (that doesn't have recommended screenings) is the largest growing group for colon cancer diagnosis. Colonoscopies are not fun, but they are preferable to cancer diagnosis and treatment. If you are having issues, no matter how young you are, go ahead and ask your doctor to have one done. Many times they are 100% covered by insurance if you have any kind of cancer history in your family, but either way, they are worth it.
This brings me to Taryn. I wrote about Taryn (my young coworker) and her battle with stage 4 colon cancer last year. After several months of no evidence of disease (NED), I am saddened to report that new tumors were discovered just last week. She is once again fighting that evil monster we know as colon cancer. Please offer her your prayers and thoughts as she fights anew. This brave young lady took the time out to support us, and attend Matthew's funeral last year when she was in town for her own surgery. I think of her and pray for her often, and I ask that you will too.
My friend and coworker Tammy was also battling colon cancer at this time last year. She has done well, but I ask that you continue to pray for her as well.
Which brings me to Matthew.... one year. I can't believe that one year is gone already. It doesn't seem that long ago that he was arguing with me about this or that. I have had time to reflect. Many times, when someone dies, the negative is never spoken of, and the deceased becomes somewhat of a saint. Matthew had his flaws, so I don't want to say that he didn't. At times, he could be one of the most frustrating people that I have ever met. However, he was also one of the most generous souls that I have ever known. At the end of Matthew's life, we were able to see and hear all of the stories about the ways that Matthew touched people's lives, and some even said changed their lives. It was truly a gift.
Which leads me to Being Brave...Be Brave is the motto for the fabulous line of bracelets called Bravelets. that you can purchase to support many different types of cancer. Jenny first shared these with me when Matthew was first diagnosed.
Being Brave has been on my mind lately. Matthew was Brave. Not just in the way that he fought cancer, but in the way he lived life. He never changed who he was or what he believed in for anybody. He lived in his own way, and made decisions that others didn't always agree with. Everything in life, he always did it his way, despite what others would say--despite adversity. He would speak up when he thought something was wrong. He never kept his mouth shut because he was afraid of the fall out.
I have thought about it a lot in the last couple of months, and it is one thing I wish for my children-- the ability to Be Brave, and to always stand up for what they believe is right, and never compromise who they are and what they stand for.
Facing Cancer takes bravery. I pray, hope, and wish every day for all those that I know that fight this battle, and others, whose stories I have heard. I pray for their loved ones that have to be brave as well.
Live every day... BE BRAVE!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUQsqBqxoR4
...Yes Emily...this may be the Disney version...but hey--people like Disney.
