It’s crazy how one term, one disease, can change everything within an instant. Cancer, this term has many meanings from astrology signs, but typically most people know it as an emotional term.

My first encounter with cancer occurred when my dad explained to me that my only uncle, his little brother, had been diagnosed with colon cancer. It wasn’t a lot of it and was easily treatable, but just to know that a silent killer was within my uncle scared me and broke my heart.

It went away, but months later it kept coming back, but in different places. In the end the cancer started to spread to the point where a feeding tube couldn’t be placed. Seeing my uncle in this position kills me. I’m not used to seeing him fragile or in pain. That’s not the uncle I know. The uncle I know is hard working, a traveler, and active. Not a homebody. Seeing him in bed broke me.

I pray everyday, every chance that I get. It doesn’t just affect him, but everyone who is involved such as family and friends. Who would’ve thought I would be going through the same thing.

January 13th, 2017 was probably the most emotional and dumbfounded I have ever been. Who would’ve thought medicine and untreated stomach ulcers could cause cancerous cells. To hear that I had stomach cancer left me speechless. My life was already hectic and adding this was insane. I didn’t tell anyone for awhile and it created many mixed emotions. Crazy thing was that family members were mad that I didn’t tell them. Sorry, not the first thing I’d want to bring up in a conversation.

Cancer changed my perspective on life. Life is too short, more precious rather than focusing on the bad. Struggles do not last forever. Don’t stress or be negative. I know easier said than done.

Trust me when I said I cried. I was emotional and I questioned everything, but I know everything happenes for a reason.

Live each day as if it were your last.