My husband, at 32, fell very sick Christmas, 2002. He had lost weight, was vomitting, and had terrible stomach pains. By January 2003, I rushed him to the ER where he underwent immediate surgery. His trauma surgeon told me the obstruction in his intestines was a tumor, and pathology said it was malignant. Colon cancer. The word stung my ears. I was five months pregnant with our second daughter. My husband just turned 32, he was active in the CT Army National Guard, worked full time..I just couldn’t understand.

He started chemotherapy. He needed a hernia repair. 2005, at the anastomosis, another tumor returned. His oncologist noted lesions in his lungs. More chemotherapy. 2006, the lesions in his lungs are growing a bit more. His colonoscopies are good. He still works full time, assistant soccer coach for the girls, active in the Guard. The chemo gets a bit more potent, and my husband gets very ill. He felt so down.

January, 2008, he becomes severely anemic, and needs a blood transfusion. In May, 2008, my husband loses hair, and as positive and supportive as I could be, I think he gets tired of the whole thing. By October 2008, the source of his anemia are two new tumors in the colon. He is set to begin treatment again.

He’s 37, and been battling for 5 years. I believe that as a spouse, I try to remain positive, and just encourage him through the dark times. I remind him that he is strong, and by proper nutrition, rest, and excerise, he can help his body fight this battle. For anyone going through this disease, you aren’t alone. For spouses, hang on, support, love and encourage, and let God handle the rest. It’s always darkest before the storm, but after the storm passes, the sun shines again.