Bob is a retired Catholic Principal and his story is very inspiring. In the doctor’s office Bob heard the word “cancer”.
He said, “You have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma”. He went on to describe it and the treatment. He is a chemotherapy oncologist and he is looking at me. I remember thinking, “I know nothing about cancer, or its treatment, and I didn’t even know chemotherapy was spelled with a “C”.
That was just over a year ago. What started out as a growth the size of a pea at the top of my chest grew to the size of a softball in less than two months. These are simply reflections of this journey with family and friends and the vital importance of their prayers and support.
From the beginning my own Doctor was quick to arrange tests to confirm what was happening with this odd growth. Incredibly, the first four professionals I met for various tests and biopsy were men and women I already knew. Their patience, professionalism and willingness to answer all my questions, was very comforting. It was after the Doctor, who performed the biopsy to confirm this growth was cancerous, had left, that I learned he was going to his father’s wake.
The evening before the first chemo, Father Leo offered to come to our home and with a few friends we shared a healing liturgy. For me, the prayer, the support of their touch, I felt the healing had already begun. Prayer and support were an important part of this journey. To former colleagues, Linda & Carole attended the liturgy and brought a monarch butterfly chrysalis, mounted on a branch. Over the next few days, watching that miracle unfurl and watching the butterfly hatch, spread its wings and take flight, was a beautiful distraction from what I was feeling. They helped me see my own journey as a parallel to the monarch’s. When they gave it to me, they said, “You have to admire them…setting off on a journey of a thousand miles and on only a wing and a prayer. Yet they make it and so will you.”
Throughout, I was deeply humbled by the generosity and support and prayers of family and friends. My wife, Mary Jane, was there every step of the way, with a strength I drew on often. Whether it was sitting through long chemo sessions, making sure I had enough rest and was eating correctly, she made me feel we would get through this, no matter what. Both our children, Mike and Sue, were the same…whatever it takes. Their love and support were a real inspiration as the weeks and months went by.
I have often been in the position of offering prayers and support for someone who was in a difficult situation. This is the first time I’d been on the receiving end. I can’t tell you how important that was to me to be able to face all of this with hope and to be able to share those feelings with friend throughout the year.
Each time before a chemo treatment, Father Leo would pray with Mary Jane and me and ask for God’s blessing and healing. It made going into those sessions more peaceful.
Many folks sent cards and e-mails as a sign of support. Many people made a point of stopping and asking how I was doing. It gave me a chance to share where I was at. Many shared deeply personal stories of their own journey that were truly inspirational and helped me see beyond my own situation.
Offers of prayer support came from many places. Friends and family certainly, but people I didn’t know that well assured me of their support. The Sisters of St. Joseph included me in their intentions. As did our local Council of the Knights of Columbus. If I am honest, I am not sure how prayer really works, but being on the receiving end I can say that it does manifest in signs of hope and a sense of the bigger picture, that there is more going on here than my illness. I am profoundly grateful to all who supported us throughout this.
Today, the chemo and radiation is behind me. I have had two check-ups and am clear of cancer. It is impossible to know what lies ahead. However I will face it with gratitude and hope.