Mark Everett Kelly (seen here with former New York Giants LB Mark Herzlich)
Despite the advances they have made in cancer treatment over the last 20 years, many survivors suffer physical changes that can be devastating.
Last week I was helping host a community night at my church, and I met a person that is having a hard time adjusting to surgery.
I do not want to expose the details for privacy, but it broke my heart to hear how afraid this person was to leave the house.
"I am ashamed of the body I have now," they said. "Every time I look in the mirror, I want to cry." The changes this person went through cost them their marriage. Like I said in Thursday's blog post, you find out who your real friends are when you push their comfort level.
Imagine the pain one feels when their spouse rejects them due to something they had no control over. Fighting cancer is hard enough without someone denying you because you don't meet their level of attraction anymore. It’s hard to imagine someone choosing to be that vile, but we do live in a shallow world.
Having spoken to current patients and survivors, the physical changes cancer can cause are a big concern. In my own life, I had to adjust to losing my athletic ability along with "other" material changes that made me afraid no one would ever love me again. My scars eventually lead me to tell my story of survival. Despite the pain and many challenges my life now features, I hope my scars can inspire others.
I wish I had the answers to share with those of you who are suffering; I'm certainly not going to patronize you by downplaying the pain you feel.
My heart goes out to everyone that has dealt with the pain of rejection because of changes cancer caused. One thing I can offer is that you are not alone. The scars you see make you unique and beautiful.
ATTENTION PEOPLE ON LONG ISLAND NEW YORK!
On Monday, October 7, True North Community Church in Bohemia, NY will host a Cancer Support Group from 7-9 PM in the old auditorium. I encourage anyone who wants to help make a difference against cancer to attend.
The only way we can deal with our scars is to share them with others. Cancer will lie to you and make you feel you are alone. You are not. You never know how your story can change the life of someone else unless you reach out.
My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
WHERE TO FIND ME
I can always be reached by email (CKMagicSports@gmail or LivingAsACancerSurvivor@gmail). Please see the links below to follow me or contact me on social sites. I welcome (need) more followers and supporters. Please don't be shy about sharing your thoughts.
NEED SUPPORT
Please reach out to me or anyone in the beautiful support groups on Facebook, Reddit, Tumblr, or other social sites.