After Holly’s diagnosis in January, I, of course, began to scour the web for bloggers going through a similar situation. I was lucky enough to find Derek K. Miller’s Penmachine. Derek is a prolific writer, funny & smart and extraordinarily detailed on his decision making throughout his new life with cancer. He was incredibly motivational in me starting this site. Reading his site has allowed me to recognize that we aren’t the only ones going through this.
Sadly, Derek found out the other day that his cancer had spread to his lungs. His post, Dead Man Walking?, is heart wrenching and inspirational at the same time. Despite the bad news, his resolve to beat cancer doesn’t waiver.
Our thoughts are with Derek and his family during this difficult time.
Wow!!! Very intense and well written. I will add Derek and his family to my prayers and hope that he beats this awful disease. I loved how he said he was tired of people saying he was brave, when the real person he thought was brave, was his wife. I think the same of about you, Scott. I know Holly is brave in trying to fight this, but your bravery is immense. You have done what few men could do…take over the home and aid your wife with her struggles.
I commend you on your bravery and strength!! I am proud of the man you have become.
I was quite deliberate in titling my post “Dead Man Walking?”, with the question mark. My two-year and five-year survival prognoses are not statistically good, for sure, and I’m not in denial about that. But having a hard diagnosis like that also brings a stark clarity: enjoy my birthday tomorrow, have fun with my band on Sunday (Canada Day), march purposefully into colon surgery on Friday, and try to enjoy all the days I can.
If I end up living a long time, I will not regret having fun now. And if I don’t, having fun now is what I *must* do.
Thanks for the link.