"14-19 months. That is the median survival range for those diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. Here I sit 15 months after my diagnosis, taking in my 29th round of chemotherapy. I feel blessed that I am still here and doing so well.
Many of the side effects of chemotherapy are cumulative and become worse and worse the more infusions you receive. Every other week of my life is a non-stop battle against fatigue, nausea, and a lack of taste and appetite. Sometimes, just getting off the couch can feel like a monumental task. And yet there are so many others out there who have it much worse than me - struggling just to be able to get out of bed, and be able to function or just breath on their own.
A cancer diagnosis can mess with your mental state like none other. However, having a strong support system can make all the difference. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my amazing wife @amandajanebeau , and my incredible family and friends. They are all the motivation I need to continue my fight.
My journey continues, and no matter what the future may hold for me, I will never give up. But, for now, I’m just thankful to still be here and be able to enjoy all that life has to offer."
Many of the side effects of chemotherapy are cumulative and become worse and worse the more infusions you receive. Every other week of my life is a non-stop battle against fatigue, nausea, and a lack of taste and appetite. Sometimes, just getting off the couch can feel like a monumental task. And yet there are so many others out there who have it much worse than me - struggling just to be able to get out of bed, and be able to function or just breath on their own.
A cancer diagnosis can mess with your mental state like none other. However, having a strong support system can make all the difference. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my amazing wife @amandajanebeau , and my incredible family and friends. They are all the motivation I need to continue my fight.
My journey continues, and no matter what the future may hold for me, I will never give up. But, for now, I’m just thankful to still be here and be able to enjoy all that life has to offer."
"It’s all to easy nowadays to get caught up in day-to-day bull****, trivial thoughts, and issues. When life throws you adversity, I always find it best to take a minute and step back. Take a deep breath and think on all the positives in your life. Bad news and adversity can wreak havoc on your mind; yet we have the choice to allow this or not.
When I was first diagnosed, I was crushed beyond words could ever explain. When I got home from the hospital, I took a look around my apartment and realized so many things that had previously been stressing me out meant absolutely nothing. The most important things in life (family, friends, Faith, love, etc.) are all around us, and yet it often takes a tragic event for us to truly realize this.
I now like to think of adversity as an opportunity. Will you allow it to consume you and go down into that dark hole? Will you think “why me?” Or will you see this as an opportunity to grow and develop? If you are religious, I hope you find this passage as fulfilling as I did:
“Dear Brothers and sister, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For when you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:2-4)
Regardless of your religious beliefs, I hope you find the following speech beneficial. It is perhaps my favorite speech to listen to when I am feeling down:
https://youtu.be/Bg_Q7KYWG1g
Just stand. Never back down. Never give up and never give in."
When I was first diagnosed, I was crushed beyond words could ever explain. When I got home from the hospital, I took a look around my apartment and realized so many things that had previously been stressing me out meant absolutely nothing. The most important things in life (family, friends, Faith, love, etc.) are all around us, and yet it often takes a tragic event for us to truly realize this.
I now like to think of adversity as an opportunity. Will you allow it to consume you and go down into that dark hole? Will you think “why me?” Or will you see this as an opportunity to grow and develop? If you are religious, I hope you find this passage as fulfilling as I did:
“Dear Brothers and sister, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For when you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:2-4)
Regardless of your religious beliefs, I hope you find the following speech beneficial. It is perhaps my favorite speech to listen to when I am feeling down:
https://youtu.be/Bg_Q7KYWG1g
Just stand. Never back down. Never give up and never give in."
"Becoming a Marine, they preach the importance of physical fitness and discipline. When I’m struggling, whether it be with side effects or working out, I tend to think of those who have suffered much greater than I. Troops who have served our nation, or are currently serving overseas, and the sacrifices they make. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice in order for me and all of us to sleep safely at night. Never forget them."