A Life's Walk with Cancer

4TH ROUND OF INFUSIONS (WEEK 4 OF 52)

 

Today marks the last week (4th Round) of my daily infusions. I must admit, it has been quite a difficult and rough experience. I’m not too sure which was worse: the surgery or the infusions. In either case, I hope and pray the intensive treatment eradicates all the cancer cells within me. I do not want to to go through this again.

3RD ROUND OF INFUSIONS (WEEK 3 OF 52)

Today marks the beginning of the third week of infusions of Interferon. The intense side effects have waned, however, the treatments have significantly reduced my energy. Further, I’ve dropped about 15 pounds, which by the way, I’m not complaining about ;-)

This part of the treatment is halfway complete. After the infusions this month, I should regain most of my strength, and then hopefully get back to life and work, while I undergo 48 weeks of injections.

2ND ROUND BEGINS TODAY

Today marks the beginning of week 2 of my treatment. Counting today, I have 15 infusions left!

FREEDOM TO CRY

 

A colleague from my office visited me yesterday during my infusion. Her visit definitely allowed the time to pass by quickly. But the best part of her visit was something that she said:

"Alex, it doesn't matter what attitude you have or how you handle it as you go through this, but what really matters is that you make it to the end...you finish it...you get better...[we get our Alex back]."

She is absolutely right.

I have been trying to walk this trial in an honorable way...maybe because I know people are reading this journal, or because I do not want to dishonor the Marine Corps. Or quite possibly, I am trying to prove myself to others the same way I've tried with my father.

One thing for certain, I will continue to fight, for I have no other choice - my wife is counting on me...my family is counting on me...my friends are counting on me.

But, I have cancer. And while there will be days I feel strong and brave, surely there will be days that I just want to cry and feel like giving up. I think it's normal.

So, for those who are reading this, I am honored that you choose to follow me on this journey. But don't get disheartened or concerned by what you read. It is just my way of getting through this year-long treatment.

May God bless and protect you and your loved ones today.

ajh

NOT EASILY BROKEN

 

"A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:12b)

"A man without companions is like the left hand without the right." (Talmud)

I believe that a man who is poor in wealth, but is highly regarded by many is indeed far richer than a man who has everything, however, no one knows his name.

In my fight against cancer, I know for certain that I am not alone. Even though I have to endure the treatments and negative side effects alone physically, I have many companions who are constantly encouraging me on to ruthlessly continue this fight, and if required, they would command...

“PICK UP YOUR RUCK SACK MARINE AND MARCH ON!”

In spite of all the trials and hardships that I’ve had to endure in life, God has blessed me with many hands to help me along life's road, and He has made sure that my cord was not easily broken.

I don’t really know how people see me, or what they see in me. But the truth is they’re partly looking at themselves. What I mean is…I am like a mosaic, a blend of many loving and giving hands that have helped me along life’s road; a product of their selfless generosity and support.

So, in truth, no matter what happens at the end of this fight, I will never be broken – not because by my own strength, but because of the many companions that He has placed in my life. And more importantly, because of His strength (Psalm 55:22), for a good friend recently reminded me (thanks Jack).

ajh