[Aryon]

I was told about this thread by a beautiful person that I consider to be a friend. She knows who she is and I thank her. I have subscribed to the thread and will sit and read it when I can. But I wanted to post something.

Back in 2001 I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer on July 4th. By October 9th I had undergone more than a few surgeries that the surgeon hoped would allow me to keep my breasts to no avail. It took me until May of 2008 to finally face my scars through someone else's eyes and thus accept them unashamedly. It was a long hard journey.

Then in November of 2010, my partner was told she had a soccer ball sized tumour. I was there looking after her home and her while she was in hospital and afterwards. Then in 2011 when they decided to remove the tumour, I was there again. I did not feel I could have been anywhere else. I would have traded places with her if I could have. But of course that isn't possible.

Last year, again on July 4th I was told I have cancer for a second time and on Monday the 7th of Jan. 2013, I will undergo intensive and invasive surgery. No, it is not breast cancer again. But it has been said that it could possibly be a secondary cancer caused by it. I now have anal cancer which has and after the surgery will continue to change my life in many ways.

I was not afraid when I was told I had breast cancer, I really didn't have time to be. But this time I am scared and I don't care if anyone says "Damn, a Butch that admits they are scared." It is a fact of life, I want to live, I want to beat this horrid cancer but I know from Monday my life will be different and there will be no going back.

I'll post again after I have fully read the thread.

Thanks for posting and for reading.