Just as nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition, I never expected cancer. I'm sure some people expect to be diagnosed with cancer, either because of a medical history in their family or work environment.
Not me. Not at the age of 44.
Yet in November, I was diagnosed with lymphoma, a blood cancer. This came from nowhere, rocking me and my family to our knees. In many ways, I am still in shock that I have suddenly become a cancer patient.
Looking at my family history, I can find only one case of cancer: My paternal grandmother died of leukemia in 1951, in a time when treating cancer was in its infancy. Is her cancer connected to mine? I'm not knowledgeable enough to know for sure, but I kind of doubt it, even though both are blood cancers.
This isn't a battle I anticipated, but I am up for the challenge. I am strong in mind and body, and I have a lot of reasons to beat the odds and live to be a cantankerous old man.
This blog will chronicle my fight to rid my body of cancer. I hope you will find it informational, interesting and perhaps even uplifting.
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Cancer stories inspire
Cancer stories inspire
Because October is Cancer Awareness Month, I just wanted to say how much I've enjoyed reading the "Faces of Cancer" stories written by Andy Perdue.
Thank you for finding such inspirational and realistic stories from citizens in our community, including Andy himself.
As cancer has recently affected my family, I have become an advocate for cancer awareness and would encourage everyone to become involved in events like the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life. Well done, Andy!
Faces of Cancer: Lymphoma diagnosis caught Richland man by surprise
Faces of Cancer: Lymphoma diagnosis caught Richland man by surprise
A study in the 1950s showed what many people today take for granted: Smoking can cause lung cancer.
Art King's father was a statistician on the study, and it left an impact on his perception of cancer.
"I thought cancer was caused by something you did or you were predisposed to it," he said. "My family had a history of heart disease, so I take care of myself. From my perspective, cancer was for others.
Fighting cancer
Fighting cancer
Thanks to continued breakthroughs in cancer research, millions of cancer patients have reached milestones in their lives they never thought possible. Families are full of hope to see more effective detection and treatments that can help end cancer as we know it.
Whether their milestone was to celebrate another birthday, reaching retirement age or simply enjoying one more holiday meal, these moments are how cancer patients and loved ones recount precious moments after a diagnosis.
As a volunteer with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, I know that continuing investments in research is critical to finding cures.
Cancer Society to hold Bark for Life on Saturday
Cancer Society to hold Bark for Life on Saturday
The American Cancer Society is sponsoring its "Bark for Life: A Canine Event to End Cancer" on Saturday.
The fundraising walk begins at 10:30 a.m. at Badger Mountain Park in Richland, and families are encouraged to bring their dogs. After the walk, there will be dog training demonstrations and a variety of doggie contests.
The cost to register a dog is $25 on the day of the event. Additional dogs are $5. Registration, check-in and formal pictures begin at 10 a.m.
Faces of Cancer: Program helps kids understand cancer
Faces of Cancer: Program helps kids understand cancer
"You have cancer" are three of the most disheartening words to hear. Explaining the disease to a child is nearly as difficult.
But a new program at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center in Kennewick can ease the task.
Bonnie Oneonta-Becraft, a cancer center chaplain, launched Kids Konnection this spring to help children whose lives have been touched by cancer -- whether it's a parent, a grandparent or other loved one.
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