I Had A ‘Legitimate Cancer’

With mixed emotions I say "Bravo", Steve. Why was it only when you saw those who lost their battle did you become proud that you won yours? No matter what type, and no matter who has it, cancer affects us all. I am a relative of many survivors and fortunate to not have been striken. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?? Yet I march every time I can, and scream and applaud and celebrate every survivor because I know that they have endured, and LIVED through, more than I will ever be faced with. You are braver for living than I will ever be. I'm glad you didn't run for those hills.

Steve, you are a true hero.Thanks for writting this letter. Mark

You made me laugh and cry all at the same time. I can see your dad and brothe standing there with that lady, my folks are southerners too. We're all survivors, mine was "female area cancer". 'Nuff said. Thank you for the joy and validation your article brought to me. Give your mom a hug from me and tell I said keep up the good work. kjleach@hotmail.com

Steve, thank you so much for writing this article! I am heavily involved in Relay For Life events and believe strongly that all of us should support the American Cancer Society. If you have not been touched by cancer you know someone who has. It affects us all! Thank you for educating the public on this wonderful event! And congratulations on your survivorship!

My sweet baby girl - Madison Miller - is currently going through cancer treatment for Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. She was diagnosed in 2006 and is now 6 yrs old. When she was first diagnosed I wanted to crawl in a hole and take her with me until she was "better" but as time has gone by I want to share with the world her amazing progress and share with the world God's Healing. As another reader said, it is always comforting to read stories like this to know you are not alone, no matter what your situation is. We will keep you all in our prayers - and please do the same for us. www.madisonmiller.org

I'm not a cancer suvivor but would like mr tuttle to contact me so we could talk at jkhaulk@live.com thank you

Steve, I had the EXACT cancer you did in May of 2007. I had the surgery and the radiation, which was probably the toughest part of the whole ordeal, really wears you out. Many people I tell this too would say "Oh you're a survivor". I tell them no, it was just a "little convenience". I will never change that opinion of what I went through, I have lost many friends and relatives to cancer. I have some going through numerous surgeries, continual radiation and chemo. These people are the true survivors. The only good part of the experience was that I finally got that vasectomy I was putting off because I was too chicken to get one. Figured while you're in there, might as well get it done!! It was amusing after awhile to tell my male friends of my ordeal and the pain I went through and watch them wince and grab themselves! I thoroughly enjoyed the article. Continued good health and get your blood tests and CT Scans religiously!!

I am a 7 year survivor. I started doing the 'cancer walks' several years before I was diagnosed with Hodgekins. I also had mixed feelings about wearing the purple shirt and the feeling that everyone was watching, but what a great experience that turned out to be!! Knowing taht your not alone, that others have the same feelings, fears and hopes. A very emotional, soul bearing event, and I've never regretted being apart of it.

I've been blessed to have lived cancer free. My maternal grandmother died due to cancer when I was a year old. When I read a story like this one i am aware of what a gift my life is. Thanks and God Bless you all.

I have also survived canner, hodgkin's disease in 1977 and a recurrance in 1990. I have also had basal cell carcenomia 3 times in the past few years. I now wake each day and thank God for the simple things - they seem to be the most important.

I completed my first cancer walk last weekend. Unfortunately, it was in memory of my wife. It was encouraging to see all of the people there wearing the survivors shirts, but it was also very painful because I did not have my wife there with me to wear one. Taking care of her for a year and a half, knowing that she would never be cured, was the hardest thing that I or I am sure anyone else who has done it, could ever do.

I too had my own bout with cancer, it was breast cancer, I guess the feelings about this type of cancer, back when I was diagnosed, would be the same for a woman, as the type of cancer you had. I was at first embarrassed, but after a few years of survival, I changed my view, and I just thanked God, I am alive and able to enjoy my family and friends. I now look at this as just a test of my own will and strength to deal with whatever I need to. I don"t allow myself to take life for granted, or the place I am in, in my life, lightly. Many blessings and prayers to you, Linda

I remember my first survivor lap in May of 05- I thought the purple t-shirt was a hoot too. I remember hearing the people applaud and congratulate me and the other survivors for having beat cancer and it was then I realized that everyone involved with cancer, from the surviviors to family members to those who didn't make it, are all special. I've been a survivor now for 4 years and I don't walk in the survivor lap anymore because I had my moment- it's somebody else's turn. But never ever forget that beatng cancer, any cancer, is something to be proud of...and thankful for.

Love this story. Good for you!

There is magic in those mountains. Must have really been an amazing event for you. Congrats on earning that purple shirt. And you MOM had just the right medicine. Best wishes for your continued good health and inspiring recovery. By the way--put me on the list of those emailers who love you!!!