Since today is my husband’s birthday it’s time to recognize him for all he has done in helping me and my family through my cancer battle. He is a co-survivor and co-fighter as he has been there right there with me every step of the way.
A cancer diagnosis doesn’t just affect the person who has cancer but it affects everyone in the family. My husband was there for me through all the tears and the good news as well. He went to all my appointments as we struggled to process the bad news and what to expect going forward. He attended as much as he could even as Covid ramped up last winter and he couldn’t go to two chemo treatments and we had to FaceTime my final anatomy scan with baby Bryce instead of him coming in person.
No matter what Chris was there for me. We tried to focus on the baby even though we were both very nervous. We took things week by week and just remained focused on the next step ahead. He remained positive even when I was terrified and scared about what lay ahead.
He has had to deal with the many limitations I’ve had from fatigue and surgeries and stepped up so much to help with all five kids. He handled all the early overnight feedings for Bryce even though I know he was exhausted (which in fairness I call payback for me breastfeeding the first four and waking up all those times!). He has had to take on so much because of this terrible disease and not once did he complain. He just did what was needed.
He had to help bathe me after my mastectomy before I could shower and help change out bandages and lots of other not so pleasant post surgery help I needed. Again no complaints, he just stepped right in.
Despite the many changes I underwent he was there for me. He didn’t care that I had no hair and lost my breasts and gained weight from steroids. He only cared about me being there.
I could go on and on about how wonderful Chris has been and how much he has stepped up during this difficult journey. I don’t know how I would have gotten through all this without his help and support which never waivered. He is a co-survivor and co-fighter and I am so lucky he has been by my side both in sickness and in health.
Obviously the person undergoing cancer treatment and diagnosed with the disease is most affected but their family goes through a lot too. They go through almost every step of the cancer process along with the affected person: the diagnosis, the treatment, the hair loss, the surgery, the struggle to return to “normal.” They are an important part of the cancer journey as well and I want to recognize the amazing co-survivor and co-fighter my husband is.
He’s been through hell too with this terrible disease too and has remained an amazing father, husband and friend throughout it all. He deserves the very best on today, his birthday and this entire year as I am so very lucky for all he has done to help me kick cancer’s ass and all he has done to help our kids grow and thrive. Happy Birthday Chris!
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