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I Hate Cancer

[big]I hate cancer …[/big]

My twin and I were an “ooops” pregnancy when mom & dad were in college, but they were both on fast-track programs toward advanced degrees and eventually PhD’s so they needed help with us. Mom’s mom (Omi) and dad’s parents (Nannie & Grumpy) stepped up to the plate.

[big]I hate cancer …[/big]

Nannie & Grumpy had the house with the extra space and the time since Nannie didn’t work so that became “home” for us. Omi was (and is still) around a lot and was the only baby sitter we ever knew, otherwise we lived with Nannie and Grumpy full time. Mom and dad were around between semesters and every other chance they got, so basically we were an extended family project but there was tons of love.

[big]I hate cancer …[/big]

I don’t know why, but for some reason I became very attached to Grumpy right from the start. In fact, “Grumpy” was my first word (yes, yes, it was supposed to Grampa but I was just learning to speak and it stuck). I remember taking naps on weekends at three and four years old sprawled out on his chest/belly as he tried to watch football games on TV.

[big]I hate cancer …[/big]

By the time we were five years old my parents had completed their education and gotten jobs. They bought a house and my brother and I moved in with them across town from Nannie and Grumpy. Nannie and Omi took care of us after school and on weekends I did everything I could to spend time with Grumpy.

[big]I hate cancer …[/big]

I learned to bait a hook from Grumpy and eventually how to clean a fish. We dug for quahogs (clams for you city folk) and steamed them on the beach. He taught me to sail and to respect the ocean. When I began studying taekwondo everyone came to my tournaments, but Grumpy decided he could afford to be in better shape and took up taekwondo with me.

[big]I hate cancer …[/big]

We earned our black belts just as I turned 14. That’s as far as he went, but he’s been to every single taekwondo event of mine since then and my first black belt hangs next to his to this day. He taught me that sailing, and life, is not just about getting from point A to point B, it’s about the path you take along the way.

[big]I hate cancer …[/big]

We began sailing longer and longer distances together. The boat was old but she was seaworthy. I suppose those of you not near the ocean might go camping with someone? Well, we went sailing. Up the Maine coast and down to Long Island. The little cook stove onboard was plenty to heat up some hot chocolate in the morning and many weekends were spent at sea.

[big]I hate cancer …[/big]

A few years ago, at Thanksgiving, I came out to my extended family. There was shock and there were questions and at one point Grumpy looked at me and asked if I was happy. When I nodded, he said that was good enough for him and that it was time to eat. Somehow he knew I’d had enough of the questions and he came to my rescue.

[big]I hate cancer …[/big]

I love my mom and I love my dad. I love Omi and Nannie. I love my brother and my friends and many of you. But I need Grumpy. I’m not ready to face the world without him. Last year he was diagnosed with cancer and while the disease itself didn’t seem to affect him at all, the treatment sure did and he lost a ton of weight.

[big]I hate cancer …[/big]

Despite how the treatment seemed to beat him up, it beat up the cancer even better and he was declared in remission. He began eating again and put back on almost all the weight he lost. His new boat arrived and we sailed it home together from the factory a few states away. I was blown away when I saw that he named her after me.

[big]I hate cancer …[/big]

I’m working toward my 3rd degree in taekwondo and Grumpy comes to every class and even comes by sometimes to watch me teach the younger students. And on weekends we often take the new boat out together. He likes the early mornings the best; there is something special about sunrise on the water. The seas are calmer in the morning as well and that makes for better conversation.

[big]I hate cancer …[/big]

Grumpy is in the hospital this week because his cancer came back. I don’t know what this means and where we are going from here. Right now he is arguing with the doctors because he wants to go home for the weekend. He can be stubborn and argumentative when he’s not getting his way (and people wonder where I got it from). He already told me that he and I are going sailing this weekend.

I hate cancer …

I really do.



[sep][sep][sep]

[b]About me: [/b]https://similarworlds.com/sarabee1995/info
YourFriendRya
Thank you for sharing. I don't recall reading about your grandparents before, but it's great how close you are to them. I had a feeling this story was going there. Maybe it was the experience grip. Or maybe the statements between each paragraph. Yeah, I had a hunch.
Cancer sucks for sure. There is no good explanation for it. Especially for those of us who believe in God. It's not right. It's not fair. And there's no perspective you can get on it to make it okay. It's not okay, and your Grumpy should not have to go through it. And you shouldn't have to stand by and watch him go through it. It sounds like he's a real fighter though, so that's a good thing. Anyway, I will pray for him, and for you during this difficult time. *hugs*
flowergurl90
I know how you feel so much now,a close friend of mine,her Grandfather passed away Friday evening after being diagnosed with lung cancer.He had been in the hospital most of November.They could not figure out what was wrong until a few days before he passed away,it was too late to do any thing and it was spreading fast.My friend is wreck and i have spent nearly the entire weekend with her for support..I hate it,I hate it,I hate it!
Rutterman
I’m so sorry, Sara. You’ve spoken to me before about your love for your grandfather and what a special role he has had (and continues to have) in your life. That comes through loud and clear in your story. He sounds like an absolutely wonderful person and it’s so unfair that you and he have to go through this. I pray with all my heart that your grandfather wins this battle and the two of you have many more years together. You both deserve to have that.
Rookie009
Always the elegant storyteller. I rarely ever read experiences like this because of how cancer how it's affected my family along with countless others.
This time around I find it little easier to swallow the grief & fully sympathize with your plight. I hope your Grumpy makes a full recovery this time Sara.
TheGreatLeveler
That's an amazing bond you have with your grandfather. It sounds like you two have always been very close. Having lost my own grandfather to the disease after a long struggle, I know the strains and emotional stress it places upon the whole family. My thoughts are with you, Sara. -hugs-
pone22
What a great grandpa, and what a great relationship you have with him! The sailing adventures out on open ocean alone are memories that will be with you for a lifetime. Those are epic moments.


What kind of cancer is it, and do you know if it has metastasized to other locations yet?
aarontkdbball
I have lost loved ones to cancer, and I have a very close friend fighting her second round of breast cancer right now. I also hate cancer, and thought I couldn't hate it any more than I already do -- until I read your post. And now I somehow hate cancer even more...
CountryExperiences
I don't think saying sorry is enough to say Sarah but it is all I can say. I am so glad that you got to spend such a great child hood with him and that he continues to be a part of your life for as long as possible, best wishes, Country
BluSpyder
Sweetie,I hate Cancer too,I lost both my Parents to Cancer,here I am weeping over your story and how close you and your Grandpa are,
may the one true God bless and keep both of you in his Arms.
aspiringmagicalgirl
He sounds wonderful, Sara. It sort of hurts reading this.. :C

No pressure to talk more about it, but I want to say I wish him the best. Your bond with him seems truly special.
billybcgn25
You are not alone. I too hate cancer. Our son is a ticking time bomb, which may "explode" with a form of leukemia again.
Some1umayNo
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Grumpy sounds like he's wonderful. Make every second count. :)
76starships
Obviously he is an important part of your life, I wish him the best through the second round of treatment.
startingpointguard33
But you love(d) your grandpa. Sounded like a good man.
hawkfan12
Wow,,,, I have no words... but, "I hate cancer too"
hereisme
My cousins mother died from breast cancer
xxRoom101xx
oh Sara...................i have no words :(
Sarahbellas

 
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