talkingaboutcancer.com

As we deal with the all the crap that cancer throws at us, it’s easy to focus on ourselves, on how we feel, on what we worry about, on how invasive the latest test was, etc.  It is so easy to forget those others who travel this journey right alongside us, uncomplaining, and always there.  In my case, it is my wife Dianne.  While a couple of my friends will pitch in occasionally to take me down for a test or appointment, it is Dianne who shares this with me every minute of every day.  She is the one who really understands what I am going through and how hard it is on me.  She is the one that dealt with the hospital pharmacy when I was in for my last hormone injection (no mean feat!).

Well, I know how hard it is on her too as she watches me wrestle with all of the direct effects of my cancer and the side effects of the meds and treatments.  I don’t think I could do it without her and I try to tell her that as often as I can.  We are in this together and, while I carry the physical side of this disease, she carries the emotional side that is is just as hard and painful.  I am the third cancer patient lucky enough to have Dianne as a caregiver (her sister died of melanoma and her sister-in-law survived a terrible battle with breast cancer).  She was always there for them (more than their immediate families realized) as she is always there for me.

People like Dianne are the true heroes of these battles, no matter how courageous people think we, who have cancer, are (I sure don’t feel courageous!).  I would be lost without her and I feel terrible for those who have to go through this alone.  So don’t forget the heroes in your own lives and feel blessed that you have them.  Hang on tight!

Dianne.  I will always love you and you will always be my hero.

Posted by Doug

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