Now, my two-year diagnosis anniversary was a bit more complicated. Don’t get me wrong, I am so blessed and grateful to be 2 years “cancer free.” But in reaching this milestone it’s impossible to not remember those first few crazy days after diagnosis. I remember things just coming out of nowhere, feeling like I’d been hit with a ton of bricks. We weren’t sure if the cancer had spread, where I would get my treatment, what my life would look like, whether I’d be there for my wife to help bring our third child into the world in just a few short weeks, or if I’d be around to help raise any of my kids.
I’ve talked to several survivors, and I think this is fairly common, but I’m not sure anyone ever fully processes everything they go through during diagnosis, treatment and recovery. I just remember being so weak physical and drained emotionally during that time, it’s sometimes even hard to remember everything you’ve gone through. And now, just going back for testing and follow-ups brings back strange memories and emotions. And the time spent waiting to get those CT scan results…even after two years, seems to actually get more excruciating.
And make no mistake; I’m one of the VERY lucky ones. When it comes to gastric cancer, not many make it to two years. For this particular type of cancer, the three year mark is when the chance for reoccurrence drops significantly, so I’ve still got another tense year to sweat it out. But each clean test is a victory, a step in the right direction and something to cherish. It’s also another source of motivation to help work with researchers and hospitals to figure out a way to help others get to this place and beyond.
