The legacy of cancer

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“Faith for Living and Dying” (Aug. 7) prompts me to write about my husband’s and my experience with cancer. After a summer of troublesome symptoms and many diagnostics, my 55-year-old husband was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in 2003. We learned the full extent of his illness sitting with a radio-oncologist, who said, “We will not be treating you; your cancer has spread to your bones.” We were stunned and grief-stricken.

For almost four years now, we have lived with lost hopes and grim prospects. Caleb spends his days against a background of unrelenting pain that is mostly managed with large doses of anti-inflammatory and narcotic drugs.
We could not have managed without the unflagging support we receive almost daily from our friends. This summer we left our home in the country and relocated to a house in town. Our small group at church and many other longtime friends and family helped us move. We have been encouraged and sustained by all these people who have been the embodiment of all the best Christian values.

I would not characterize our experience with cancer as a good thing. Caleb and I, with many others who live with illness or disability, keep moving forward because we have no other option. Our hope is for strength to live through whatever the future brings. Such is the legacy cancer has brought us.

Associated Issue: Facing illness and death - Aug. 7, 2007

Associated Article: Faith for living or dying

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