In my previous posts I have shared examples of people who have persevered in the face of difficulties and achieved success. I am ready to share with you now that I have experienced a brief period of difficulty myself during the past month.

I have lost quite a few family members and friends to cancer over the years. I have dear friends who have fought and overcome cancer and some who are currently fighting it. Even though this disease is all around us, there is no way to grasp the feeling of hearing those dreaded words until you have experienced it for yourself.

I was called back to Radiology for further examination following a routine test. This was not really surprising to me since it had happened four years ago. However, I was very surprised when I received the results on August 8th. “They found cancer cells” are the words I heard the radiologist say. She said I should receive a call soon with an appointment time to meet with the surgery team. I sat in my office just stunned. I had just received the cancer spiel. This just couldn’t be! The appointment was scheduled for Thursday, August 11th.

I shared this news with very few people and expected to be told by the surgical team that this was minor and the simple surgery would take care of it with no problem. The visit was very different from what I expected. I was presented with a packet of material about cancer, had all of my options explained to me and was told that radiation would be required – five days a week for six weeks. Additional medication therapy may also be necessary. The reality of the situation sunk in at this point.