Went to a wedding

Twenty-five years ago my good friend Steve contracted throat cancer. Because of a botched diagnosis, it went on unchecked for several months, until one day a huge bulge suddenly appeared on the side of his neck. They ended up removing a bunch of his neck tendons and all the lymph nodes nearby, and carpet bombing him with chemo and radiation for six months. Over that time, we made a couple of midnight trips taking him to the emergency room to handle this or that horrible side-effect, while his wife stayed with their young daughter. During one of those trips, as we sat waiting for a doctor, he mentioned that among his greatest regrets was that he would never live to see his daughter get married. Sitting there with him, a scarecrow who got up to vomit blood every few minutes, I didn't even bother to argue.

Today, we watched Steve give that same daughter over in marriage. It was a really special moment, and certainly one I never expected see. The path has been tough--over the years he has lost the ability to eat (he uses a tube) and most of the ability to speak, because so many of the muscles used to form speech were nuked.

So another friend read the toast that Steve had written. And we all clapped and hollered like mad.

Steve 1. Cancer 0.

[sc_rufctr]

That's a great story. All the best to you & your friend.

[pwd72s]

Just...wow! Thanks. Needed some inspiration today.

[KFC911]

Thanks Terry....just about to adios for the day....happened to click one more thread first....

Made my day already

[Chocaholic]

Having a daughter who just got engaged, this was a powerful story. Thanks for sharing. So glad Steve fulfilled this huge milestone.

[flatbutt]

The human spirit supported by modern medicine and friends is a most powerful combination, great story!

[jhynesrockmtn]

That is a great story. I gave my daughter away and danced at her wedding last weekend. A great moment i was lucky to share with her. Congrats to you and your friend.

[brainz01]

It's a little dusty in here... That's a great story. Thanks for sharing.

[Baz]

Nice story and thanks for sharing.

The message is --- never give up --- just keep going......

[DonDavis]

Beautiful story.

Originally Posted by brainz01

It's a little dusty in here...

That, or somebody is slicing onions.

Cancer has sliced through my family and friends like a chainsaw. It was good to see it lose a round. It wins so many.

[RANDY P]

A nice story.

Well done fellas, well done. Cancer is horrible.

rjp

[Jeff Higgins]

Thanks Terry, your story made my day. Every now and then the good guys do win.

[LWJ]

Awesome!

[wdfifteen]

Wow! Great story! Keep hanging in there Steve!

[unclebilly]

Awesome! I love hearing about those who do win, sadly my mom did not, coming up on 11 years since she passed.