This is article is dedicated to our Dad and all other families who deal with cancer.

Our dad passed away 5 years ago from cancer. When we found out he had cancer and in the process of fighting for his life, I was amazed at all the intense emotions I had. I was angry, sad, confused, bewildered, determined, consumed and didn’t know how to deal with it or what I could learn from having both him and our family facing such an uncomfortable challenge. I wrote this at three in the morning one evening as I tried to describe the emotions that both I and my family were going thru, as well as see what we could learn from the experience. Since that time I have become aware of so many families who have had loved ones face cancer. It is extremely emotional and heartbreaking. I hoped that perhaps our experience could help you know that you are not alone and might help you in your own trials in dealing with this disease.

Upon hearing someone has cancer; we usually shake our heads in sorrow and feel pity for the victims and their families. Occasionally, we might read a statistic on how prevalent and common cancer is. One in every three men will have prostate cancer. We might react with shock or disbelief that such a scary disease can be so common and far reaching. We might hear warnings on how awful cancer is and all the precautionary steps we can take to try to avoid it. Don’t drink, don’t smoke and wear sunscreen. We hear words like chemo and radiation and shudder at the unpleasant images it conjures up, thankful that is something only other people experience. It is almost like reading about a foreign culture. It is interesting and sad but far away.

But you never really know what cancer is, until the statistic has a face. When someone you love has cancer you come face to face with this dreadful disease and the havoc it wrecks on those it strikes. All of a sudden it is personal. more…

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