The journey of decades: It always gets worse before it gets better
You know, it's been two decades since I survived cancer. I finished chemotherapy in April (I think?) of 2002. I don't know the exact date or anything. But I do know that at this point 20 years ago, I definitely didn't have cancer in my body anymore. I began the phase of tests and check-ups to make sure it stayed that way--and that phase continued for years, but the tests always came back clear. I have been wanting to write about it. I've reflected and thought about this anniversary a lot--especially as three of my friends have gotten cancer this year, and that hit me hard (they are all doing okay for now). Over the years I have begun to know how to care for myself when a loved one gets cancer, but it took a while. I have to go and be alone. I have to eat comfort food, watch a familiar movie, spend some time praying and crying out to God, and just curl up and weep on the person's behalf. That is my new routine. It's the only thing to do. Because I know what they