Cancer does not discriminate, it can hit anyone, at anytime. I lost a good friend to Throat Cancer three years ago this coming February. He was a typical guy that didn't want to see the doctor, and thought the tickle in his throat was simply a cold that was hanging around too long. He didn't smoke, so Cancer was the last thing from his mind. He was only 52 when he passed away.
My dad called me last month after leaving his doctor's office in the morning. I was in a meeting, and said I'd get back to him shortly. I forgot to call him, but finally followed up later that evening. Unbeknownst to me, he was calling to inform me that he'd been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, and his doctor suggested that I follow up with my physician, as my risk had now increased due to his diagnosis. Again, a typical guy that probably wouldn't have gone to the doctor if it hadn't been for a couple of his retired buddies. They had gone to breakfast one morning, and somehow the "Going Problem" came up in the conversation. My dad's neighbor had been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer three months earlier and stated that my dad's symptoms were close to his. Well, he listened to his neighbor's advice and visited his doctor. Typical blood tests were run, and he was later referred to a Urologist that confirmed the inevitable. He is 65 and in good spirits, but knows that he has a battle in front of him that can be won.
My wife and I own an insurance agency. She recently handled the insurance on a good friend from high school that she hadn't seen since their ten year reunion nearly fourteen years ago. They talked last week, and her good friend was diagnosed with Breast Cancer two weeks ago.
After reading TRhit's post regarding his multiple strokes over the last year, and his determination to continue to get stronger, it reminded me of my grandpa's fight after his stroke years ago. I took him to nearly all of his appointments for Physical and Speech Therapy. It was hard work and he went through some difficult times, so I have tremendous respect for TRhit and I appreciate that he's still on here contributing...although I miss some of the One on One battles that he and TPM used to have on here.
I truly hope the best for TPM's brother, 20dad, and pink lady as they fight this dreaded disease. I want to read on here a couple weeks from now that TRhit has thrown away his walker and is getting around with a cane. And I like hearing that CD feels the best he's felt in many years after major heart surgery!
What I'm trying to say as I ramble on, I'm thankful for my family first and foremost. I'm thankful for my health. I'm thankful that although the economy has affected my business, I still have a steady income and plenty to be grateful for. Lastly...I'm thankful for my friends; those that have been in my life for many years, and those that I've befriended here on the HSBBWeb.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
