September 10, 2013
Pastorgraphs: “C-Day”
[Pastorgraphs now online at ChristSD.com]
One of the
most significant milestones almost slipped by without my notice. (No, not my
wedding anniversary or Anita’s birthday.) This Sunday, September 15, will mark
the fifth anniversary of my prostate cancer (PC) surgery. The fact that my
“C-Day” almost slipped by is very good news. It means I’m not dwelling on
having had cancer. I have “moved on” with my life, and at five years
post-surgery am most blessed to have been touched by some great physicians and
The Great Physician.
I belong to
a prostate cancer support group, and know not all men are as fortunate or
blessed as I am. Two of my closest PC survivor-friends are in daily
hand-to-hand combat with this disease, and their long-term prognosis is not
good.
Prostate
cancer will strike 1 of 6 men. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths
in men. This year over 250,000 men in the USA will be newly diagnosed and
144,000 will died from the disease.
Take it
from me, PC (like any cancer) changes a person’s life. Having had radiation
following surgery, each day I deal with minor to moderate pain or complications
(especially fatigue). But it is my “new normal”, and I am so very thankful to
be alive and in remission.
My journal
contains this entry on September 2, 2008 as I prepared for PC surgery:
“Being born
on June 22 made me a “Cancer the Crab”. (No, I am not going New Age, and never
read my horoscope.) I never felt good saying “I am a Cancer” when on those rare
occasions someone asked me “What’s your sign?” But it is now a bit ironic. Why
couldn’t I have been born under the sign of the eagle, or a bulldog; or better
yet, a catfish or oriole?
Having
dealt with the knowledge I have cancer for a few months, a few things are
beginning to sink in.
1.
You
learn you have cancer, but cancer does not have you (unless you let it).
Self-pity isn’t worth the effort.
2.
You
learn getting cancer is not a death sentence; it is a declaration of war! I am
a survivor, not a victim.
3.
You
learn some folks are very uncomfortable and withdraw when they discover you
have cancer…and that’s OK.
4.
You
learn some folks (often the most unexpected ones) draw closer, and perform
amazing acts of grace and kindness.
5.
You
learn a cancer diagnosis allows you to reconnect with family and relatives,
childhood friends, classmates, and colleagues from the past in a way that might
otherwise have never happened.
6.
You
learn not to sweat the small stuff…even when your favorite football team starts
the season with a loss.
7.
You
learn to celebrate the milestones; even Flag Day, and the little reminders that
every day is a precious gift from God.
8.
You
learn it’s OK to cry; but even better to laugh. And you discover that there are
some funny things about cancer; as serious as it is. (Example: Now that I am on
hormone therapy, I will finally get to sing in the soprano section of the
choir!)
9.
You
learn that long range plans are necessary; but short term plans are essential. Get
on with doing those things you were saving up for retirement.
The
calendar has finally rolled over to September, and in a few days, with God’s
grace, I will fight and win an important battle in this war. With the help of
so many people, especially Anita, I am ready!
And
you know I cannot stop short with nine lessons. So here is the most important
of all:
10.You learn that you ARE NOT cancer; and that “your sign”
is an Empty Tomb, where Jesus so loved you, more than your closest friend or
brother, and won the ultimate victory over sin, sickness, suffering and even
death.”
My C-Day
came, and by God’s grace I fought and survived. Five years out, I do not dwell
on it. I’m too busy living, loving, and doing my best to serve the Lord.
Anything less would be wasting the precious gift of life that every day offers.
Devotedly, Bill
Jenkins
From the
Quote Garden:
“Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
~ Psalm 90:12 ~
Christ United Methodist Ministry
Center
“Christ
in the Heart of San Diego”
3295
Meade Avenue - San Diego, CA 92116 - (619) 284-9205
No comments:
Post a Comment