Matthew left us three years ago today. Matthew has given me many gifts throughout the years, but through his battle with colon cancer, he may have given me the biggest gift of all.
Matthew was diagnosed with Colon Cancer in May of 2011. He was 32 years old at the time. Since I was older, my doctor recommended a colonoscopy ASAP. So I had one in June of 2011. It came back clear, and I was told to return in 5 years. Five years have passed, as time does, and I thought about putting off my colonoscopy because--well they aren't the most fun. However, I went ahead and got it out of the way thinking that the doctor would say it was all clear, come back in 5 years.
This time however, the doctor found several polyps that were precancerous. For those that don't know, colon cancer can take about 10 years to develop from polyps. I am 40, and screenings don't usually start until 50. If it hadn't been for Matthew, my polyps most likely would not have been discovered until they had already become cancerous. So although it means more frequent colonoscopies, I am so very grateful for the gift Matthew gave me.
I say again, have your colonoscopies done!! The temporary discomfort is so worth it.
Our friend Taryn has been having a very rough time of it lately. She has been struggling with a lot of pain, and frequent hospitalizations. Please keep her and her family in your prayers. She desperately just wants to be home with her dogs and husband!
“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.
The Fighting Noodle has lost his fight against the colon cancer monster, be although his battle is over, the war wages on. Our friend Taryn, faces a big challenge tomorrow with her liver surgery. Please take a moment to keep her in your prayers. The surgery is long and difficult.
Taryn has been a brave warrior! But she is also awesome and kind. She even took the time to come to Matthew's services.
Thank you in advance for continuing to support and pray for others who fight this war. We're cheering for you Taryn!
This morning, around 9:30, you left us. We are going to miss you so much. I know that you did so many things in this life to try to protect us from hurt. This hurts, but we will be OK. Thank you for allowing us to share this journey with you.
This life wasn't the easiest for you. You faced many adversities, and your day-to-day as an adult was anything but easy or comfortable. Yet, you did it, and then you did more to help others. We knew that, but it was only through this journey, that we were able to see and share just HOW MANY people you made an impact on in this life.
I have faith that we will see you again. Until then, we will carry your memories with us as an inspiration and a reminder that we are here to help each other.
It is unbelievable...so many people know and love Matthew. So many of you don't know him, but have shared the journey, prayed for us and him, and loved us through the journey. I started this blog to keep family and friends updated on his status. To date, this blog has had more views than I would have ever thought possible...around 23,000. To know that Matthew's story has touched that many people is just awesome.
The time draws near for Matthew to leave us on his next great adventure. He has had several visitors today, but is unresponsive. His heart rate is high. Aunt Naomi and Uncle Vince are visiting this evening.
We pray that he is comfortable for the remainder of his time. I pray that my parents can feel God's presence and find some comfort in that.
Matthew was pretty unresponsive today. He was not interested in any fluids. He seems to be in pain when being moved around. He had some visitors yesterday and this morning. Jeffrey has been watching TV with him....lots of nature shows and documentaries, which were things Matthew always enjoyed growing up.
And now, the end is near And so I face the final curtain My friend, I'll say it clear I'll state my case, of which I'm certain I've lived a life that's full I traveled each and ev'ry highway And more, much more than this, I did it my way
Regrets, I've had a few But then again, too few to mention I did what I had to do , I saw it through without exemption I planned each charted course, each careful step along the highway And more, much more than this, I did it my way
Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew When I bit off more than I could chew And through it all, when there was doubt I ate it up and spit it out I faced it all and I stood tall and did it my way
I've loved, I've laughed and cried I've had my fill, my share of losing And now, as tears subside, I find it all so amusing To think I did all that And may I say, not in a shy way, "Oh, no, oh, no, not me, I did it my way"
For what is a man, what has he got? If not himself, then he has naught The right to say the things he feels and not the words of one who kneels The record shows I took the blows and did it my way!
We appreciate your prayers for peace and comfort during the final days.
