The Start of Something
You know life is strange and complicated enough… then throw on top of it a demanding job, a busy family that you already miss more than you should…. it becomes a press like no other…..Until you get CANCER….See when you hear that word everything stands still. All the effort you gave to others means nothing, all your hopes and dreams, sacrifices. Putting business above everything seems like a waste of time…Oh then there is time…Time to finish, Time to raising my children, limited time left with my wife. All of those questions and more immediately rush through your mind yet none of it matters now because now you have to Fight the Fight.
I knew when I had a lump in my neck it wasn’t good and like always I waited too long hoping it would go away. It wasn’t until I meet a doctor, who at that time told me my blood pressure was so high I was going to die that I really started to get a grip on what was happening. James Bhaskar, the first doctor ever to push me. Thank God for that. After a scan we knew it was something. After a biopsy we knew it was CANCER. However, little did I know that CANCER was about to face the Cape. It all started while on the daily lower the blood pressure walks with my wife. She was so strong and amazing to this point and I looked at her and at that time she was so scared. I don’t know how or why I simply said, “Do you know who Superman is”? She replied , yes Jim, I know who Superman is. I then explained in any old comic or movie was there anything that ever beat Superman? No…. Even Kryptonite couldn’t stop Superman…Just like Cancer couldn’t stop me.
The Birth of THE CAPE
The next day my family left for a trip. I was home alone and my wife had left notes all over the house about Superman, she even left me a Superman t-shirt. I was so overcome by her faith, I put it on and went for a run. I decided while running to send her a video just so she knew I had this. I never thought it would ever progress to the level it did. See when I needed it, when she needed it, the lord sent us a sign. The S on my neck that I wear every day is a reminder of that sign.
Someone always has it worse
I never had a case of the why me. I was incredibly sad that I had worked so long and given so much to my company that all of it would end up for nothing. How would my wife survive without my income? How would my teenage boys finish learning how to be men? Then I was reminded by Nick Magnotti that God has a plan. Nick had a brand new baby girl, was in his twenty’s and got the devastating news that he had CANCER. He fought and fought and told the whole world GOD HAS A PLAN. His strength during the toughest time made me realize that my CANCER was nothing compared to Nick. Yet Nick wanted to know if I was ok… Crazy, a man half my age lying on a hospice bed was worried about me. GOD does have a plan and maybe you can’t cheat fate…..but you can fight the fight and ride the cape.
FMLA or leave
Everyone is different, for me I couldn’t take leave. I knew if I took anytime my job would be in jeopardy and the fact of sitting around with nothing to do was worse. Don’t get me wrong, I saved all my vacation days and would have taken the time. I think sometimes having a reason to get up and a responsibility helps your mind. In your time, your body will tell you when you need rest, no one else.
Super Hero
You can become any hero you want. You don’t need a cape or special powers but you need to fight the fight. Fight the Fight is simple. Keep moving, never give in, feed yourself, love yourself, and believe no matter what………… your only job now is to kick CANCER right in the face. Cancer can’t define you, cancer can’t control you. Celebrate every positive victory you have. From walking a mile, eating protein, drinking water, to even taking a nap. You must find the strength inside and from your family to FIGHT THE FIGHT!
Treatment
My fears about the journey were way worse than the actual trip. My wife would always say don’t borrow trouble or dry your tears and get back in the game. Your body will change but trust that the doctors know what they are doing. Drink water, eat protein, keep moving, you deserve it and are worth it. I laugh about sports figures and what they have to endure throughout a season. The pain and abuse they put their bodies through. Give me a break that’s their choice. Cancer patients did not choose this. But make no mistake, you can and will fight. It’s your time to dig deep and show cancer it will not define you.
After treatment
Just so you know, you will see cancer everywhere. You will never be the same. Cancer, oddly enough saved my life. See most people will never endure what you will. There is no way to understand it unless you have lived it. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy. All of the effort that you made for other people, business associates, and work will not be realized or noticed. If in the end you need acknowledgement look in the mirror, look to your family and friends, look to your doctors and if you believe look to the Lord. I love my life and Love my journey. I married a woman who in my darkest hour, my time of need, stepped up to help carry me. I have two boys that are growing into men that are amazing. A network of real friends that will always be there regardless of my income, health or stature. I have only begun to live but this you can be certain of, no matter who you are, no matter where you are, if you need someone who knows the journey, if you need someone to talk to, if you need someone to force you to push yourself to the brink, I am here. Remember probability sucks Possibility, now anything can happen. I am here if you have questions or need to cry. Mostly I am here for cancer. Be on notice cancer THE CAPE will do whatever it can to smash you in the mouth.
Fight the Fight Be Super……….The Cape