My Husband's Video: "I Am a Cancer Survivor"

After my husband was declared cancer-free after the removal of a tumor in his colon, he told me he wanted to make a video about his experience. It's not long, but a good reminder to all of us as we grow older that certain medical tests and screenings really are a good idea.

When my husband turned 50, I remember asking him to get a colonoscopy. He brushed it off, saying he felt fine. I would have arguments with him over it. As much as he loves me, he would not go, even for me. It took a serious occurrence of rectal bleeding for him to finally relent and go the emergency room, where they kept him for observation, did a colonoscopy, and then, found a tumor.

We've been told that it was "lucky" that he bled, because usually this tumor was located was in a spot that typically didn't make itself known until it was much larger. I thank God because I know He showed mercy to us.

So, if you have a reluctant, stubborn man (or woman!) in your life who would rather sit through an entire season watching "Desperate Housewives" than visit a doctor and get a colonoscopy, please show him this video. I know my husband is really hoping it will change minds and save lives. God bless you. :-)

Update on Prayer Request: Fantastic News!

I am tired, but I felt that I had to update our situation because I am still on "cloud nine."

We had a miracle.

From my last post: A tumor was found in my husband's colon, discovered by an urgent colonoscopy. Mickey had some rectal bleeding that came suddenly and led to the emergency room. After the colonoscopy, tests were ordered; CAT scan, X-ray, bone scan. Thankfully, all came back negative regarding any metastasizing. Surgery was scheduled to remove part of Mickey's colon where the tumor resided. It went well and the surgeon also added that the lymph nodes were taken to be tested. My elation at the negative results from the other tests evaporated as I thought about the lymphatic system. What would we find?

The worst part is waiting... The surgery was Wednesday. It was only today, mid-morning when we found out the pathology of the tumor. It was a "baby" tumor, halfway between being a benign polyp and part of it turning into malignancy. It was caught early and all of it was removed, with no signs of other cancer cells being found in Mickey's system. And, the lymph nodes were clear.

I stayed overnight at the hospital, sleeping in one of those not-quite-comfortable chairs, next to Mickey's bed. I wanted to be there first thing in the morning for whatever news the doctors would give. I awoke at 4:30 AM and immediately started my morning prayers. I am praying a novena to St. Peregrine and also prayed prayers to St. Anthony, St. Padre Pio, our Blessed Virgin Mother, and of course, our Lord Jesus Christ. After my prayers, I felt at peace and filled with hope. I felt we would have good news this day. And we did.

There is so much running around my mind, right now. All day we've been spreading the good news to our families and friends. Mickey will be "under surveillance," having to visit several doctors to keep posted on his progress. He is healing wonderfully after a major surgery. I am thrilled beyond words that I have my husband back in our home and that tonight, after a week of him being in the hospital, we will once again share our bed and wake up in the morning next to one another.

Cancer is a very scary word. But today showed me that God is most definitely bigger. I told my father that I had already prayed for God's will to be done and understood that the news could have gone in another direction. As you may imagine, I am so very glad it went toward healing and recovery. Quite simply, our lives changed within a week's time. Our diets are going to change. We will start walking together or engage in some kind of exercise to keep active. Our holidays will be sweeter and I believe both of us will look at each day as a true gift given to us by God.

There is also another aspect of this trial. I leaned on our Mother Mary more than I ever have in my life. I really felt as though she cared and yes, petitioned for the prayers that were crying from my heart. I have always felt God's presence but Mary has been another matter. Today, I felt as though she was smiling down upon us.

My husband is going to do a video about the importance of colonoscopies and that everyone should be screened. If it weren't for the bleeding, I know he never would have done it on his own. He is one of the most stubborn men I've known when it comes to visiting a doctor. But now he is, in a sense, "born again" regarding medical testing. As one student-doctor said to us, Mickey "dodged a big bullet" on this one.

Thank you all for your prayers. There is really no way I can repay you except to express my gratitude. Your prayers not only affected Mickey's health, but mine. I felt strength and a great deal of encouragement. I posted on all the ukulele message boards about Mickey's news and was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support. Mickey and I are very, very blessed to have such friends in our lives.

Tonight, Mickey and I prayed a thanksgiving prayer for everything God has done and we asked that our heavenly Father blesses each and every one of you for your compassion. He is so good! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. :-)

My Crazy Day Yesterday: And A Word on Finding Your Passion

Yesterday was crazy.

I realized as I was ready to log off the computer last night that I had forgotten to post a Wednesday blog entry. Too tired to even think, I collapsed in bed, my mind filled with the events of the day.

I got up and took my shower a little earlier than usual because I was meeting someone at 6:45 AM for a "mentoring session." I met this man through a networking event and enjoyed his direct style of communication. Last week he called and wondered if I'd consider allowing him to use me as a "guinea pig"for his coaching ideas. I agreed. His three stipulations: 1) He got to pick the location 2) I pay for the coffee and 3) I agree to be on time.

Since he lives halfway across the city from me, I realized I'd be in for a drive. So I agreed to drive 35 minutes to meet him. We agreed on a Starbuck's location and I had my map ready, printed the day before. I meant to leave the house at 6 AM but forgot something, headed back inside and then took off. It was 6:09 AM. I still figured I had enough time to get to where I needed to be.

Long story short, I got confused with the location since the Starbuck's we agreed upon was inside of a Kroger's and I thought I was looking for an independent address. I ended up driving an extra mile or so down the road, putting me perilously close to our agreed meeting time. I finally called him at 6:45 AM to let him know what had happened. We agreed upon a McDonald's and after I turned around, was there within 5 minutes.

"Bob" is charismatic and a stellar salesman. He is out on his own and desires to help coach small businesses on the art of salesmanship. His communication style is very direct to the point of almost being intimidating, but I'm the sort who appreciates that type of approach. (I know it's not for everyone.) Bob spent most of the time, though, talking about himself so I knew more "about him." I agree that the person being coached needs to know the perspective of the coach, but a few minutes will suffice. Not almost 20 minutes. But still, I like Bob and understood that it was important to him that he shared the information.

After reflecting upon the morning's "mentoring session," I made the decision that I wasn't going to be his guinea pig, after all. There are a few reasons for this. First, I have a day job that I need to focus upon and simply enjoy. God gave me a great job that allows me to use my creativity. It's an answer to prayers I have prayed for years. Yes, I want to be on my own and be self-employed, but I still have lots of work to do to prepare myself for it.

Second, I am already engaged in preparation. I am "doing" it. I borrowed books from the library on graphic design, I have found websites that talk about being a freelance graphic designer and reading their content, and I even found a podcast for graphic designers that I will be listening to on a regular basis. In other words, I'm gleaning from those already in the industry I hope to eventually work within.

Third, and it goes along with the second point - I'm in the stage where I need mentoring first on honing my craft, not selling it. I don't really have anything to "sell" yet. This is Bob's specialty. In his view, everyone is a salesperson. I agree to a point. If you want to make money doing what you love, eventually you're going to have to get someone who is willing to either buy your product or hire you. My father was an outstanding salesman for many years and I learned many excellent sales techniques from him, but he sold products that he knew inside and out. He understood his target market. He did his homework and then connected with the decision makers.

I'm still at the drafting table, figuring out what my "product" will be, let alone my target market.

So. I say all this to tell you this: If you are seeking to be self-employed yourself, understand where you are in the process and get the right kind of help. If you're in the beginning, like me, gather as many resources as you can to guide you. I was elated, for instance, when I discovered that an online graphic design article I was reading was written by none other than a good friend's husband! I had brunch with her that very weekend and happened to see him. I mentioned that I enjoyed his article and wondered if I could "ping" him with questions sometime. He said he'd be happy to help. Believe me, he's a valuable resource.

Sometimes when we want something so badly, we can switch into panic mode, which isn't tough to do in these trying economic times. I network extensively for my job and I can't tell you how many "social media experts" I meet. There are trends and fads and those who would like to call themselves "Rockstars." But after all the glitter comes off, are they really making money doing what they love to do? Or did they rush through the process of getting to where they'd like to be by taking shortcuts, which didn't help?

A spoke to a colleague who told me that a recent event featured a panel of "experts" on social media. Two, he said, were unemployed. I had to laugh. If I'm to take advice from anyone who is an "expert," you better darn well be successful at it and to me, this includes having clients.

Bob isn't a graphic artist. He's a salesman. For me, I need to become the best graphic artist I can be first - before I sell anything. Otherwise, I'll be just like those empty suits sitting on a panel, calling myself an "expert" when in fact, it's all just smoke and mirrors.

I miss my mom

Today was a hard day as my grief hit me like a Mack truck. Often, there are moments when I think of my mom and tear up a little. I think of her a bit, pray, ask God to bless her, and then I move to the next thing.

But today found me crying more than usual as I felt the huge hole that never will be filled by her presence again. I love her so much.

It is a small consolation knowing she would be absolutely thrilled by my journey back to the Catholic church. I also know she'd be very happy knowing I'm just in love with that imitable Mother Angelica.

Have you read Raymond Arroyo's biography of her? I'm reading Mother Angelica: The Remarkable Story of a Nun, Her Nerve, And a Network of Miracles and it's a simply stunning story of a woman who has risked everything for her Beloved Spouse. I remember my mother telling me about her a few years ago and she said I'd probably get a kick out of her. I had no idea who she was back then and never had the chance to hear her or watch her broadcasts.

Now I know. You know what, Mom? You were right. :-)