I finished treatments three weeks ago and have been slowly healing from the damages done by both the tumor and the ensuing treatments. Cancer is the combination of the two and it has left me changed. It would have been strange had it not. Some of those changes are physical. There will be side effects that linger.

There is also the emotional change. I have come through a battle and won. I am very aware how lucky that is. I think of so many who fight this battle valiantly only to lose in the end. That aspect leaves a sense of guilt whenever I talk about MY cancer. I know all the reasons that is foolish, but it is real, nonetheless.

A more positive change is a new respect for life. I will be more conscious of my body as I continue to heal and especially as I regain my weight. I will relish the flavor of food as I regain my sense of taste. Above all, I will forever be thankful for the army of people, medical, friends, and family, who helped out, supplied us with food, prayed for, and cared about Deb and I through this journey. I might of survived without it, Deb says no, but I certainly survived better with all of those thoughts and prayers for recovery.

The biggest change of all is that I have grown closer to Deb. Through this battle she was there by my side. She kept the records, got me to my treatments, and encouraged me every step of the way. She provided the nourishment, physical and emotional, that I needed to fight through to this point.

Cancer has changed me. I am committed to making that a positive.

After writing this, I felt it needed an addendum. Throughout this process, I have often been graciously credited with courage. From the moment of my diagnosis, I knew my cancer was going to require a rough treatment regimen, but I also knew it was curable. Courage should be reserved for those who do not get that same diagnosis. They fight the battle not knowing whether they will get a cure let alone even survive. That battle is courageous. Knowing I could get a cure if I just withstood the treatments, only required an act of bravery. I am thankful for that and will forever respect the courage of others facing their battle with cancer.