It has been fascinating watching the reactions of people when they learn I have cancer. Young people tend to be shocked and emotional because it is so foreign to them. People my own age (62) tend to become distraught realizing if it could happen to me it could happen to them. People over 70 tend to take it in stride because they have seen it so many times before.
I’ve been astounded by the number of people who have offered to provide transportation, food, or help with everyday chores. Some of these people have been relative strangers. You can’t imagine how good this makes me feel.
I’ve also been gratified by the support, concern, and humor of my many Facebook friends. By having reached out to hundreds of people from all over the world I’ve built an international network of support. The flood of encouraging messages has been wonderful.
Many people have been concerned about how I am holding up. Surprisingly, this hasn’t been an issue. With the exception of the scary parts, I have actually been quite happy. It is amazing how cancer focuses your attention on all the good things that are going on around you. It creates an uncommon appreciation for friends, family, and the simplest pleasures in life.
Cancer does have a remarkable ability to focus your attention on the good things in life. Whatever happens, it is obvious this is going to be a life changing experience. Though I am not looking forward to it, I am not dreading it either. It will be what it is going to be, and I will be a better person for having survived it.
you are an inspiration!
Gary,
I am truly impressed at your frank approach to your medical condition and your description, in such a creative and educational way through your web site, of it and how it is affecting you and others.
Now being 72 and having had a potentially serious medical situation arise a while back — which was certainly no fun — I found, as you apparently are, that the experience greatly enhanced my love and appreciation of those around me and what I have.
Please accept my best wishes for a full and speedy recovery from this illness which you are facing with such obvious human warmth and fortitude.
Phil
This “new media” is a wonderful tool for reaching out to people. In a situation like this keeping people updated, even with the wonders of email, would be very time consuming.
What is also nice is there are people who want to know what is going on, but aren’t comfortable asking. This way they can check out the web site when they are curious without feeling they are imposing.
It will be interesting to see how the site evolves over time. This is definitely one of those situations where it is difficult to anticipate what the future will bring.
Hi Gary,
Nice seeing you at the pool today. It is amazing that not so many years ago 70% of people with cancer did not survive and now 70% Do survive , so the stats are in your favor! It must be gratifying to see all your friends offer support.Let me know if there is anything I can do.
At 70 I am of course closer to the end than the beginning, and I find this makes me treasure each day and I do not waste days as I did in my twenties. I am glad to see you be so positive.
JOHN
Considering this form of cancer is treatable I’m assuming the statistics are even more in my side.
Yes. It is gratifying to see how many of my friends are offering support. I’ll keep your offer of assistance in mind, but at this time I have more offers of assistance than I know what to do with. It has been wonderful.
I think these things do get easier as you get older. They just seem more like a natural part of life.
Thanks for you comment.