I've been told there are approx two million women in the United States living with breast cancer. My wife is now one of them. Living with, smiling with, crying with, sleeping with, waking with, waiting with.
This number is increasing due to advances in treatment and early detection. So, until science can determine cause and cancer is eliminated completely, living with is good.
Of course, being bestowed this title brings a number of things, mainly uncertainty. Uncertainty that can tag every possible thought. So many of our expressions, spoken or not, begin with what, when, where, and why. The only known is who. And it is the who that is most important. Not just the who being my wife (although this is my most important), but the who being two million wives, sisters, daughters, girlfriends...
I have been amazed by the strength and camaraderie of the women I have met. Simply amazed. Each of their stories is unique and personal. They make perfect eye contact and share experiences that are challenging to say the least; medically accurate, individually acute. Not to scare or intimidate, but to let my wife know that she too can overcome. It is here that she will excel. Her drive and ability to educate and personalize her experience will soon help someone better understand what it means to be one in 2,000,000.
15 comments:
Max~ What an amazing husband you have.
Scottie~ What an amazingly brave and confident wife you have.
Together, you will both make it through this.
Nicolle
Love you both SO much ...
Mommers
maxie, we don't care how much hair you have....you're always beautiful to us...
You both are strong, amazing people. Know that I am willing and very happy to do whatever I can to help. I'm only around the corner from you so call me anytime.
I would love the opportunity.
P.S. The hair is beautiful.
Pat
Max,
It has been a while... Remember me, Solon High, probably a party at your place with Shaker boys! A long time away. Dawn sent me here, you look beautiful. You sound so strong. I am sorry you have to deal with such shitty shit right now! I will keep looking at your site.. Blessings. An old friend,
kfosselius@yahoo.com
Katie Jones (now: Fosselius)
Scottie-
You are a wonderful husband and Max is very lucky. I hope and pray that someday I'll have one as wonderful as you are. (Bobby maybe??). Just want to let you know that I am around to help out whenever you or Max need me. I do live closer then anyone else on this side of the family (so what if its ten minutes).
I love you both (don't forget Scottie you were my FIRST brother in law)!
Max,
I think it's pretty neat that we've kept in touch the last 15 years since we've been out of high school. I am a big believer that everything happens for a reason, well, this is a tough one. but....I think God knows that you can handle this. He wants to show the world how strong and inspiring you can be to others and prove that this is just a bump in the road. Remember, not an Alp or even a Rocky, just a hill.
You are now and always have been a beautiful person. I will think about you often and even say a prayer or two but I know you're gonna be all right.
I love you!!
Dede
Max,
I think it's pretty neat that we've kept in touch the last 15 years since we've been out of high school. I am a big believer that everything happens for a reason, well, this is a tough one. but....I think God knows that you can handle this. He wants to show the world how strong and inspiring you can be to others and prove that this is just a bump in the road. Remember, not an Alp or even a Rocky, just a hill.
You are now and always have been a beautiful person. I will think about you often and even say a prayer or two but I know you're gonna be all right.
I love you!!
Dede
oops, 16 years! WOW!!!
:) Dede
Max-
I know that you were having a procedure done last week and I wanted to let you know that virtually every conversation that I have with God these days has you and your husband in it! You are covered and surrounded with love and prayer.
You are so courageous and beautiful!!! When I was sick, I didn't tell anybody outside of my family because I was afraid --of what? Crap, I don't know, so I took time off quietly here and there, lost myself for awhile. I had no outlet but work (probably why I am such a fanatic about what we do). The despair ate me up. As outgoing as I seem, I was not able to get out what I was feeling or thinking or experiencing. As I sit here now, reading the various comments and typing this one, my scars are healing through the bravery, faith, and fight that is synonomous with Max. My friend, my hero. Eventhough I will be 40 years old this Tuesday--*cancer-free for the last 3! I am pretty sure that I want to be like you when I grow up.
All my love, prayers, and support,
Bern
Hey Max:
Just heard the latest news from the Camp wise reunion, and Jen Slate passed along your blog. I am so amazed by you-- was back then and still am now! I am working for the American Cancer Society in Elizabeth, NJ, so please let me know if there is ANYTHING I can do (put you in touch with local resources, find information, etc.)
My email is marni.weinstock@cancer.org.
You and your "hmm, hmm hmm Red Wagon" still make me smile!
Love and prayers, Marni (Birnbaum) Weinstock
Maxie, I just found out. You will survive. You are just to ornery to let this get you. I have you prayers, Karin
Mrs. Middleton-
It's me Trent, I don't know what to say. I always have something to say to you, but now I can't seem to find the words. You are my Mom away from my Mom. We can talk about anything, but words are hard for me. I feel so bad for leaving Alliance, and you. I miss you and wish I could be there with you.I will send all my prayers to you. I love you, as my friend and teacher.
Hi Max-
After our conversation today, I realized that things are not so bad. You give me hope, hope that there WILL be better tomorrows. Houston is just a phone call away, and my phone is always on. I owe you so much for everything you have done and still do for Trent. You are the only teacher, and women he has ever bonded with except me. We are in this together...you fight, I fight...you cry, I cry...you laugh,I laugh. Together we can beat this. Ruth
Hey Max & Scott--What strong people you are! I admire your tenacious attitude & strong faith! I'm walking in a breast cancer walk in Canton sometime in October--my walk will be for YOU!
Hang in there, girl. :)
Sue Neil
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