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Two Years After They Told You It Was Cancer

Two years ago today it was a Friday. I know that because we had checked into the hospital on a Wednesday afternoon after my wife’s CT Scan showed a large soft tissue mass that pretty much covered her entire chest. We slept in the ER that night until they could transfer us to the CCU (that wouldn’t be until 2 or 3 am). We stayed there for three days before moving to the ICU for a day and a half until we were finally brought to Oncology for an additional two weeks. It was two years ago to the date and yet I can recall the events as if only minutes had passed.

The mass ended up being Stage 4 cancer. Large B Cell Lymphoma, to be exact, having spread from her lymph nodes to her kidneys, lungs and also causing a pleural effusion around her lungs and heart. It’s funny how grim our lives appeared to be just a mere 730 days ago, yet here we both still stand, two years later, revelling in the aftermath.

So what do I have to offer you today? What have I learned about life since my world inevitably caved in on itself at 6:15 pm on January 23, 2015? What changed? How did we overcome? What’s next?

Not really sure, to be honest, but I can tell you this: Whatever you think you have to do – you don’t. Whatever you think is really important – it isn’t. Whatever deadline you need to make – it’s not the end of the world. I guess I learned to slow down and relax, because life is just too short.

So here’s to two years of bliss; two years of smiles, laugher, hopes, dreams, heartaches and hangups. But most of all here’s to Sara Lewis. She’s a superhero because when cancer kicked her, she kicked back. Hard.

If you’d like more details on the specifics of our journey, you need only to browse through the ARTICLES section of this site to search, or to browse the related posts mentioned below.

12 Comments
  1. Jayme
    Oh my goodness. I will be keeping you and Sara in my prayers. My wife is a two time breast cancer survivor, and we take life one-day-at-a-time – not for philosophical reasons; but because of our love for each other after 38 years of marriage. God has been good to us. I know he has been, and will continue to be – good to you and Sara.
    Chris Wenkle
    Rathdrum ID

    • Thank you Chris, you have no idea how amazing it is (or perhaps you do!) to hear from people like you who went through this years ago. It’s one of the things that gives me hope and sometimes the strength to move on! Truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you!

  2. March 1997, we discovered my wife had breast cancer. 20 years later still going strong! Telling you even though I’m sure you already know you’re not alone. Also because I know exactly what you mean. Take care brother! -al

    • Thank you Al – it means a lot to hear things like this. Every time I hear a story with a 5 year, 10 year, 20 year success story it makes me wanna jump for joy. Truly, thank you!

  3. Wow, i have followed your bass vids for ages on YouTube and recently on your website, I even bought the “T” shirt – “JACO”. I love your playing style and how you pass your knowledge on but i never knew that behind the scenes you were experiencing such an ordeal.
    My very best wishes to you and Sara, i wish you the very best in health and happiness.
    Love Garry XXX (Birmingham, England)

    • Thank you Garry, I’m honored that you enjoy what I do and Sara and I are thankful to be where we are today. Thank you for the well wishes, and thank you for your support!

  4. On my prayerlist… Bless you both

    • Thank you Erwin 🙂

  5. God bless you and Sara. All my best to both of you. John

    • Thank you John!

  6. Much love from Colin the cabby in London.
    Your tour awaits xx

    • Thank you Colin! Next time I’m out there I’ll certainly let you know!

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