On December 17, 2024 I had my colonoscopy. The next day the doctor called me to confirm the large mass he found was cancerous. Surgery was scheduled and on January 23, 2025 the mass was successfully removed along with 10 inches of my colon and 18 lymph nodes for testing. Since two of the lymph nodes were found to have cancer,  this meant it was very possible that the cancer was spreading. The doctors determined I was in stage 3 colon cancer, and, to target any cancerous cells that may have spread throughout my body, my treatment plan consisted of oral and iv. chemo therapy. 

I've always worked hard and taken pride in providing for my household. Being the one who supports us means a lot to me. I've also never had surgery until now and I underestimated how big of a deal the surgery and treatment would be. I thought I'd be just fine and could return to work within a few days but when I realized that wasn't the case, I was devastated. The toll this cancer journey took on me, on my wife and family, physically, mentally, emotionally and financially was more than I ever thought and at times it seemed unbearable. It tore me up inside not to go to work. Not only could I not work, my government employer doesn't offer short/long term disability benefits so while I was on FMLA I only had enough sick and vacation time to be paid one month's salary. 

Even though this burden is overwhelming, I praise God that slowly but surely I'm getting stronger each day. After not working for four months I keep wanting to hit the ground running but I have to remind myself to pace myself and not over do it. My first check since being back to work can't come fast enough. It'll be gone as soon as I receive it because of course the bills haven't stopped. Still, I'm grateful to not have to get any more chemo treatments and to be moving toward coming out on the other side of this struggle.