I can still remember my conversation with my primary care doctor on Tuesday morning, November 5, 2013.

I was working when I received the phone call.

“Alex, this is Dr. Charalambopoulous. Do you have time to talk?”

“Sure,” I nervously said.

“I’m sorry to say, but your tests came back positive. You have cancer in the lymph nodes, and it may be the worst case scenario.”

Moments pass.

I tried remaining calm.

“Doctor, can I call you back on what to do next?”

“Sure Alex...and take your time. I know it is a shock.”

Moments pass.

Walked into my boss’s office....fell to the floor...started crying. “I have cancer...cancer!?” It was a genuine gut kick, followed by a knee plunge in the groan.

As someone who had just received news that they have cancer, you’re allotted a few days or so to be numb...cry....worry...cry some more.

But then your spirit takes over.

And you decide to fight.

If this cancer wants to take you down, you determine to fight like hell and make sure it has a hard time taking you down! Matter of fact, you decided to bring “hell to its doorsteps and disrupt its life.”

Why?!

Because you have been blessed by loved ones: a beautiful wife…a caring family…and good friends.

You fight for them.

And you fight with the strength provided by God.

What else can a former Marine do, but fight ;-)

ajh