For many of us in the South, August is a frustrating month. College football is but a month away and seemingly all talk converges on whether or not our team has a chance to make a run at a title in the Fall. I am one of those people who spends most of August anxiously awaiting September and that first game between the hedges in Athens. This August is different though, as it was earlier this month that I was diagnosed with cancer. It turns out I have a very rare soft-tissue sarcoma; one that has no correlation to lifestyle or any genetic markers. Basically I won a really bad lottery, awesome.
Tommy Jensen gave me the idea to start a blog as to inform friends and family of my status. Since my diagnosis I have received incredible support from some great people, so I want to make sure that they are all up to date on my progress if/when I can't speak to everyone individually. I am also trying to find the humor in all of this, because if there is one thing I've learned after talking to some survivors (no, I have not talked to Elizabeth Hasselbeck) is that the attitude you bring to fighting cancer is an important ingredient in the recipe that leads to a clean bill of health. I hope you find this blog informative, inspirational, and funny (if all goes well).
Thank you for your support!
Michael
While I generally do not recommend following any of Tommy's advice, suggestions, or even patterns of thought, this is one time I'm happy you did. Glad you are facing this with such a positive outlook and you know we're all pulling for you to beat this thing (and to meet Elizabeth Hasselbeck!) Good luck dude, Ill be praying for you and your family.
ReplyDelete-Brent
Michael, the way you are handling this is impressive. This blog is a great way to focus your energy on the positive while dealing with this news- this rude and uninvited invader! We are cheering you on, and looking forward to what you have to say. We feel privileged to be included, and send you every best thought. Celeste and Don
ReplyDeleteThanks Don and Celeste, I appreciate your kind words! I especially want to thank you Celeste for raising such a caring daughter, who has been a steady rock since the first sign of trouble.
ReplyDeleteSon, you have inspired your mother and me. Too this point, you have taken this better than us, but we are there for the duration.
ReplyDeleteThis is just another challenge that will make you stronger!!!
Michael,
ReplyDeleteyou are touching people's hearts and changing lives, inspiring people to be better versions of themselves, being a powerful example of how to face challenges with courage, humour, and grace. I will be praying for you and your family (and reading your blog)
hugs,
Taylor
Michael, I have a close friend that followed the advice that attitude is a big part of success, he came through with flying colors. I know you well enough to know with your sense of humor and positive outlook about life, you will be just fine. Just know the Reddens are pulling for you and we will be working on the hat idea. We thought a Florida hat might just do the trick! That would give you extra energy to get well quick in order to ditch the hat!!
ReplyDeleteMichael,
ReplyDeleteYou have already succeeded in my mind. Your amazing views, beliefs and understanding of your challenge will take you further than anyone else has ever been.
We, as great family friends of yours, will believe in you and pray for you and support you through this entire process and see you come through!
I think my dad will like the "gator" hat idea:)
I look forward to following your blogspot and thank you for sharing your intuitive insight that may even save more lives as well!
God bless,
Paige
Thank you Taylor, Dad, Paige, and Mr. Redden..
ReplyDeleteI couldn't do this without all of you, every kind thought of yours means the world to me. I hope to see all of you very soon once I've kicked this to the curb. Thank you all for the support, it is amazing!
Michael, your Dad has been keeping his (and your) golf buddies at Reynolds up to date and it sounds like your attitude is right where it needs to be. Keep it up and know that "tomconnie" are thinking of you and the family always and are always in our prayers. I see that you now have an IPAD and I am sure you know this, but download "Doodle Jump" on your IPAD if you want some addictive diversion. We look forward to your blogs and recovery and thanks for inspiring us and many many others.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the kind note Tom. You and Connie are great, and I really appreciate your support! I do in fact have Doodle jump, it is great! Thank you again for everything, and I hope to witness a hole in one by you sooner rather than later!
ReplyDelete