Where my Mother's Journey ended -- Mine has just begun

August 31, 2011 is a day I will never forget. Since April of 2011 our family dealt with the cancer of our Mother Renee who battled esophageal/stomach cancer. My Mother's journey began when she experienced weight loss and difficulty swallowing. In April she was diagnosed with cancer and after a brief but courageous struggle she died on August 31, 2011. Our family was all very thankful that we had the opportunity to laugh, cry and share with her prior to her death -- but she still died and the world will forever be a little less bright as seen from my eyes.

On the same day (August 31), just 30 minutes prior to my Mother's death from cancer, I myself was diagnosed with locally advanced prostate cancer at age 46! What 46 year old gets advanced prostate cancer!! For a short while I wondered why God had chosen to make me bear the loss of my Mother and a diagnosis of cancer on the same day.

After attending the funeral of my Mother, and after a great reunion of our family, I attended my younger Brother's wedding in Ft. Saskatchewan. AB. Returning to Phoenix I concentrated on my own cancer journey - a journey that I never thought I would ever embark upon. Now, in mid-October, after numerous consultations, hours of research and prayer I have decided on a course of treatment that will hopefully give me the time to enjoy my life longer than my cancer would have otherwise allowed me.

My wife Cheryl where's the F-Cancer bracelet in remembrance of my Mother and in support of me. This disease needs to be eradicated. Its economic, social and psychological toll is unfathomable. For my part I intend to beat this cancer, and I take comfort in knowing that one day cancer will be a disease of the past. FUCK CANCER.