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08/12/2005 10:28:04 AM · #1 |
Hello,
Three years ago today, I lost my wife of 15 years to breast cancer at young age of 34. Due to the statistical low percentage of women at her age with no history of it in the family, it came as a surprise to the doctor and us that the lump she discovered in July of 2001 turned out to be cancerous during the biopsy that was finally done in November of that year. That would end up being the last Thanksgiving and Christmas we would share together. In January she had a lumpectomy and began chemo, to be followed by radiation therapy. In May of that year as she had completed her chemo and was about to start the radiation treatments, it was discovered that the pain she had in her lower back was a result of the cancer having spread to the liver and other organs. The doctor then prescribed a newer stronger chemo in a last ditch hope of slowing it down, but in then end of June the doctors words they he spoke still hang in the air to this day... "We need a miracle". After another month of pain and slipping in and out of consciousness God took Debby's hand on the morning of August 12, 2002 and led her home.
I am not writing this to bring the entire board down, I am wanting to bring awareness to all you women who may seem low risk and have you realize that no matter how old your are or if you have a history of breast cancer in your family or not, you are still at risk. If you feel something that doesn't seem right, have it checked out. If the doctor doesn't want to proceed with a biopsy, find another doctor. You owe it to yourself and your family to make sure that everything is ok.
I have done two 3-day 60 mile breast cancer walks since we discovered Debby had cancer. I will be doing another one next year. I hope that the money that is raised from all of these walks will someday find a cure so that no more husbands, children, mothers or fathers lose the one they love to this disease. In October of this year, one of our DPC members, Chiqui74 is doing a 3-day walk in Tampa. You can make an online donation to her walk at Chiqui74 3-Day Walk Donation Page. Please help out if you can. The person you help, may be someone you know. It is important to everyone that we don't just think it can only happen to other families. This can affect any family, and through awareness and research we can help find an end to this.
The loss of my best friend lead me to photography, which lead me here to this board. I started taking photos in October of 2002 to help fill my free time. I feel the inspiration for a lot of my work is from the love I had with her and that she is still helping me see the beauty all around me, even with her not here. I hope that this post is an inspiration for anyone who has dealt with a similar situation, and that they can find some peace in my words.
To my love and wife, I miss you most today.
-danny |
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08/12/2005 10:49:48 AM · #2 |
I know this has to be tough for you, Danny...you're in my thoughts and prayers.
God has blessed you, Danny...he has taught you a most valuable lesson through the experiences you have had to endure. You were given the gift of having the love of a beautiful, vivacious, and caring woman (even if it was for only the small amount of time you were able to spend with her, it's more than most of us can hope for in an entire lifetime), and you were given two gorgeous, healthy, and well-adjusted children. You have learned a lot about personal sacrifice, the sanctity of marriage, the importance of family, and the necessity of prioritizing your life. You were also given the gift of insight and reflection...and you share that gift with us here through your photographs and through your interactions with us.
You have raised your daughter and your son to be strong, independent, and wise. You are very actively involved in their lives, which is a great feat for any parent these days, much less a single father. I know that you are proud of them, and you should be proud of your accomplisments in that respect. I am positive that Debby would be very proud as well.
I'm very glad that I have gotten to know you. I know that God sends us down certain paths for a reason, and no matter the reasons our paths have crossed, I'm thankful. You are a good man...something the world can certainly use more of.
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08/12/2005 10:51:35 AM · #3 |
I'm very sorry for your loss but am thankful that you are helping spread words of awareness and hope about breast cancer.
My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer 4 years ago. She had a lumpectomy and radiation treatments. Thankfully, her cancer is in remission. I don't say this to try to hijack your post by any means, only to add to your pleas for ALL women to perform regular self-examinations and have routine mammograms. You do owe it to yourself and your family.
Again, I'm deeply sorry for your loss on this special day. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jimmy
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08/12/2005 11:15:39 AM · #4 |
I am glad that you are here with us today Danny. I symphatize for your loss and my sympathy goes out to you and your family. Be strong as you always have and have faith.
You will be in our prayers.
Rikki |
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08/12/2005 12:31:25 PM · #5 |
| Danny, your story touches my heart and your strength inspires me. Thankfully, your message is one that is being echoed throughout most of the world and the survival rate for breast cancer is on the rise. But you remind us, vigilance is the key. I offer a photo I made on just this topic. It is titled Survivor? |
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08/12/2005 12:53:02 PM · #6 |
| Bless your heart for what you're doing. My Grandmother had breast cancer and very much like your wife, it spead. Although she was a much older woman than your wife, the loss was a horrible tragedy for our family. Thank you for speading awareness, it means so much to all that have been touched by this awful disease. |
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08/12/2005 04:03:48 PM · #7 |
Thank you all for the well wishes and PMs.
-danny |
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