Recently, when I was starting to write the rough draft of a new blog, I got interrupted by an alarming phone call. To make a long story short I found out that my dad has had part of a cyst removed from his bladder and that they found two different types of cancer cells. In addition to that, more extensive testing is required due to the previous test results being inconclusive. Cancer has decided to strike my family once again. This reminds of a time when I was in my teens and I found out that my maternal grandmother was diagnosed with colon cancer. She underwent aggressive chemo treatments and was able to beat cancer and became a cancer survivor. However due to high intensity of the chemo treatments the side effects were extremely harsh on her already weakened body. Sadly, she ultimately died of a heart attack as a result of the harsh chemo treatment received. I think she was in her 70’s when she passed. Now my dad is pending to get more testing done to determine the type of bladder cancer he has and what course of treatment (including operation) will be needed. At the present time from what he has been told, he will probably need to have another operation done to remove the remaining part of the cyst and then “some light chemo”. Yes, those were the exact words used, “some light chemo” as if he was choosing a diet coke, vs. a regular coke “some light chemo”. I know what the doctors mean because I had an aggressive chemo cocktail and some of my fellow cancer warriors had chemo for one or two one-hour sessions and that was all. At the moment, we don’t have all the details, once more testing is done, then the exact type of cancer will determine the course of action that will be taken. This sounds all too familiar to me. I told my dad that he will join me in the cancer warrior group. I also told him that he needs to take it one step at a time, to try really hard not to stress and to take care of his immune system because he will need to be in optimal shape if he does end up needing to undergo chemo treatments no matter how “light” they might be. My step-mother is trying to distract him so he can remain positive and not think too much about what is to come. I thank God that he has his wife who will be his caregiver in his cancer battle. I pray that all of our support will help him through the process.
Now, I use the phrase cancer survivor to describe my status in battling cancer, but cancer does not define me. Cancer will always be part of my life. Yes, the lingering side effects do like to not so kindly remind me on a daily basis of the difficult battle with cancer, but I must continue to live my life by moving forward. I cannot stand still or live in the past during the time of my cancer battle because life continues to move forward. Every day that I wake up, despite how challenging it may be, is another day that I am blessed to be alive. It is also another opportunity to make my hopes, dreams, and goals become a reality or just simply enjoy precious moments with the people you love.
We must remember that life like so many other things is unpredictable, we may here one minute and gone the next. Therefore, I must continue to try to live the best life I can today. I know we are living in very difficult times and some days, we just want all the pain and suffering to end, but we can’t give up. We must try to wake up each day and focus on all the positive things in our life and be thankful for today because tomorrow is uncertain.
#BeThankful
Cancer: The Upside 
Oh, Kelly, I am SO sorry!!! It is wonderful that you can cheer him on and that he has a new wife to be his caretaker. I do hope that the light chemo will truly be light chemo and that he can fight this and pull through like you did. Cancer took way too many people that I loved. I remember when I found out that my father had colon cancer. He lasted 3 years and did have light chemo. It was like a powerful gut punch to the stomach and, a few years later, another gut punch with my mother. There is no way to prepare for these events. I will definitely pray for the whole situation and for you!!! May God bless you all!!! 💖💖💖💖🙏🙏🙏🙏❗❗❗😢😢
LikeLiked by 4 people
Oh Ellen thank you so much for your kind words of support and understanding. Prayers are all we can do while we wait on the test results. I’m So sorry to learn that in addition to your best friend you have also lost both your parents and other loved ones to cancer. Loosing a parent or a loved one is a great emotional pain that never goes away. May God bless you always 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤😥
LikeLiked by 2 people
May God bless YOU… especially at this difficult time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Ellen 🙏🙏🙏♥️♥️😔
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh Kelly your Dad has such a lovely daughter in you to talk him through this all and a care giver in his wife too. My prayers will include him and you as you talk him through it. Such good advice already. 🤗🤗🙏🏻🙏🏻❤
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi Sandy thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement and support. Prayers is all we can do. The more prayers the better. 🙏🙏🙏❤❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes they certainly are🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Prayed for your dad
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you very much 🙏🙏🙏
LikeLiked by 2 people
Absolutely terrifying, I’m so sorry to hear such heartbreaking news. Sending lots of love and prayers your way ❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Susie thank you so much for all the love, prayers and support. I truly appreciate it. Prayers are the best thing we can do. 🙏🙏😥❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sending you and your family my very best wishes to overcome these health challenges that you must now face, once again. Thanks for the follow 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Rosaliene thank you so much for all your support and best wishes very much appreciated. 🙏😥♥️
LikeLiked by 2 people
oh no Kelly… I do hope he is ok. Sending love and prayers!
💖
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Cindy thank so much for all support the love and prayers. I really appreciate it. Prayers are all we can do right now. 🙏🙏😥❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re so welcome and do try to get sleep and take good care of you too!💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Cindy I will try but its difficult sometimes 🙏🙏😔
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re so welcome.. I am sooo sure of that!!
💖💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so sorry Kelly! I am praying for you father. Your strength is so damn unbelievable, I admire so much!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much Belladonna for all your prayers for my dad and all your kind words of encouragement and support. I truly appreciate you. Prayers are all we can do right now. The more the better. 🙏🙏🙏😥❤❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sorry to hear about your Pop. Hopefully, he can take a page from your book. Several pages, perhaps.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Spwilcen thank you so much for your kind words of comfort and support. I truly appreciate them.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m so sorry to read this. I’m sending all the best to you and your Dad.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Rachel thank you so much for all the support during this very difficult time. I truly appreciate it. 😔♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Prayers for your dad and hugs to you and your stepmother. My thoughts will be with all of you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Mike & Kellye thank you so much for the prayers for my dad and the hugs for me and my step mom. I truly appreciate all the support. Prayers are the best thing we can do right now. 😔♥️🙏
LikeLiked by 2 people
Your story is a lot like mine. We’ve recently learned that my husband has two kinds of prostate cancer. After living with my cancers for the past nine years, we’ve learned the importance of enjoying the moment, considering every day a gift, and trusting in the power of prayer. Hopefully, your Dad will soon have a definite treatment plan that results in complete healing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Elaine, thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement and support. Also I am very grateful for you sharing your cancer journey as well as your husband’s cancer journey. I know first hand how hard the cancer journey is. You and your husband have a lot of courage and strength. May you both continue your journey full of blessings and healing. I agree with you it allows us to learn to appreciate every moment and to focus on the blessings we have each day. Also that we must trust and experience the power of prayer in action. Thank you for your good wishes for my Dad. All we can do now is wait and pray.🙏🙏🙏♥️♥️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Kelly, I am sorry to hear about you dad. I pray for the very best for him, you, and your step-mom…along with the rest of your family. My mother passed away several years ago, primarily due to her cancer. It’s hard to find anyone who hasn’t had it in their circle of family and friends. My uncle is currently fighting the good fight against it also. Prayers go out to all of you. Best, Bruce
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Bruce, thank you so much for your kind words of support and prayers for my family. I’m so sorry about the loss of your mom to cancer. I know how difficult a loss of one’s mother is. I also lost my mom a few years ago right after my cancer battle and it is immense pain that I may never be able to overcome. I agree with you in that cancer is something that touches every person in one form or another. I’m sorry to learn about your uncle joining the fight against cancer as well. My prayers are also with you and your uncle for healing and strength during this difficult time. 🙏🙏🙏
LikeLiked by 2 people
A beautiful blog. Thank you for sharing this. I will be praying in the name of Jesus for your dad’s surgery to go well and for the “light” chemo to really be light. And God bless you for your positive forward moving attitude. You are amazing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Stephanie thank you so much for your kind words of support, encouragement and prayers for my dad. All we can do is wait and pray. Many blessings to you as well. 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for thanking me. My prayers continue for y’all. You are amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙏🙏❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sorry, Kelly! You’re such a brave person your dad must be proud of. God bless you all.🙏💐🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi KK, thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement, support and blessings. I truly appreciate it. Many blessings to you as well. 🙏🙏🙏💗
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome, Kelly, always 🙏💐
LikeLike
Wishing you and your family well. So many familiarities in your story. Keep up the positive vibes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Patricia thank you so much for your kind words of support and good wishes. I truly appreciate it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Best wishes for a return to good health for your father
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your support and good wishes for my dad. We really appreciate it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hurts my heart to read this
LikeLiked by 1 person