There's something powerful about walking off the battlefield after facing life and death situations. Whether you're the patient or the supporter, life after cancer is arguably never the same. Perspectives change. For me it was a desire to pursue. In all honesty, and baring all … [Read more...]
To the laborers who impact a cancer patient on their journey to survivor, a big thank you
Apologies that this post isn’t arriving on Labor Day. I take this time every year and reflect in the grandeur of the landscape around Ely, Minnesota so internet can be spotty. Here's a peak of the beauty I get to wake up to every morning! I wish everyone a Happy Labor Day, … [Read more...]
Life after cancer: Hope is finding the door cracked open
After finding out that something wasn't right, everything grew blurry. The trip to from Roseau to Grand Forks was long, but not nearly as long for me as it was for my parents I'm sure. Two days later, on July 8th I would be in surgery, about 4 hours after going under, it would be … [Read more...]
15 Years Cancer Free: What I’ve Learned
Summers in Minnesota fly by. That's the nature of them. We grind away at months of winter, for a handful of beautiful, lake-weather weeks. The Summer of 1998 was no different. July 6th was when my cancer journey began. A few weeks ago, my family gathered once again on July 6th to … [Read more...]
Happy Mother’s Day: when a parent really earns their stripes
My cancer story had begun. It had only been a few hours since my Mom heard the words from my doctor "we found something on Ryan's CT Scan." After a quick family prayer at my sister's house, we were on the road. Destination: Grand Forks' Altru Hospital. Fast forward to present … [Read more...]