The Storm of a Cancer Diagnosis

Whidbey Island is currently under a high wind warning. Damaging winds, gusting to 70mph are expected. Undoubtedly, we will lose power. It is not unusual for us to get stormy weather this time of year. To prepare, we fix a winter storm kit, keep gas in our car, charge up our cell phones, and "button down the hatches."  But there is no way to prepare for the storm of a Cancer diagnosis. In this video, a woman shares her experience:
 

Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis

The Emotional Impact of a Cancer Diagnosis

Preparing for Treatment

Warning Signs of Cancer

To remember the seven early warning signs of Cancer

(as designated by the American Cancer Society), think of the word CAUTION:

C hange in bowel or bladder habits.
A sore that does not heal.
U nusual bleeding or discharge.
T hickening or lump in the breast, testicles, or elsewhere.
I ndigestion or difficulty swallowing.
O bvious change in the size, color, shape, or thickness of a wart, mole, or mouth sore.
N agging cough or hoarseness.
The following symptoms may also signal the presence of some form of Cancer:  Persistent headaches, unexplained loss of weight or appetite, chronic pain in bones, persistent fatigue, nausea, or vomiting; persistent low-grade fever, either constant or intermittent; repeated instances of infection. How easy it is to blame these symptoms on something else, or disregard their significance!
COLON CANCER SYMPTOMS
Ron had no symptoms when he was diagnosed with Stage III-A Colon Cancer in 2005. It was caught as part of a routine physical. However, some people experience these symptoms:
Changes in bowel movements, including persistent constipation or diarrhea
A feeling of not being able to empty the bowel completely, or rectal bleeding
(don't assume bleeding is from hemorrhoids; get it checked out)
Dark patches of blood in or on stool; or long, thin, "pencil stools"
Abdominal discomfort or bloating
Unexplained fatigue, or loss of appetite or weight
Early intervention is the key to Cancer survival. So, keep up-to-date on your health screenings. Go to the doctor with any concerns. 

"In Sickness and in Health"

Our Wedding Day, 1983

When I said my marriage vows- "in sickness and in health," I had no idea that Cancer would enter our lives and have such a big impact. Ron has been sick for over four years now. It has not been easy. There have been multiple surgeries, complications, intense pain, Chemotherapy, Radiation, awful side effects, midnight trips to the ER, disability, financial losses, and more. The good news is: Love is stronger than Cancer, and I love Ron very, very much! Here are some links about the research done on marriage and cancer, as well as some coping strategies:
Cancer Can Strain Marriage to the Breaking Point

Marriage Helps Cancer Patients Survive
Empowering Your Relationship
Cancer Survival Kit
Cancer and Intimacy
Sexuality for the Woman with Cancer
Sexuality for the Man with Cancer
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. ~ Colossians 3:18-19