I haven't done enough.

[Jay68442]

Since I was diagnosed till now I have done little to educate, participate or help other cancer patients/survivors. I did partake in a few walks organized by the american cancer society but have yet to make a real difference. Finding tc-cancer.com really opened my eyes to the difference people can make when they put their minds to it. The thread "I'm sick of hearing.." made me realize that we are the only ones that can fully understand what it means to have cancer. We are the only ones that can make others understand and bring the fight to the next level.

I know somewhere in my mind I probably distanced myself from things relating to cancer as a defense. But I am much stronger that that. I know I can face almost anything head on and will do so. It is now my time to make a difference and help others.

Thank You all for showing me the way through your actions.
Sincerely,
Jason

[Margaret]

Jason, coming here every day, helping other people with their problems, sharing in their worries, praying for them and caring about their lives is doing a lot if you ask me. I have always thought for a long time that my time was the most valuble thing I have to give. People never want to take money from you...if they are short and you offer them money they will always say 'I can't accept that from you'...but money is EASY to give....My friends will not take my money but they have no problem taking my time...which is really hard to give.

You make a difference just by being here. And I found when Boyce started getting better, was when I started getting more active. We were in the fight of our lives, there was no time to do a cancer walk, or organize a ball game. So maybe you needed time to heal before you could get involved. I am just delighted you are here. Every time I see your posts with your smiling face with your wife...it makes me smile.

You are doing more than you realize!

[MRMRSU]

"There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." - Edith Wharton

Hey Jason: (I'm a quote fanatic as you can see.) I totally understand what you mean...and I'm also a believer that it doesn't matter when you start, but that you do start! I think there are many beacons on this forum...the strong men like you who have to deal with this disease firsthand (because no matter how long you are in remission, I can only imagine that you deal with this in some form or another), and those supporters (the cheerleaders, the secretarial appointment-makers, the wives / girlfriends / moms / dads / brothers / sisters / friends). We try to do what we can in the capacity we can...and by you sharing your experience and success, you have already done more than you know!

[Mom]

Jason, when you share, we learn. The more we learn, the more we can help others with this disease. Its so important in your case because you are a long time survivor and newly diagnosed young men need to know that there is a great life ahead of them and they should fight for it.

Jeez, Maria, you have the best of quotes!!!

[MRMRSU]

Hey Dianne: Glad you like that one...I'm more of a quote LUNATIC as opposed to a fanatic, I guess. Been gathering ones I like in journals since high school...it's funny how certain ones come back full circle and seem so appropriate at different stages in life...that Edith Wharton one is a favorite.

I like yours "...young men need to know that there is a great life ahead of them..." And Jason, Mom's always right The young guys have a lot to look up to in you.

[Fed]

Jason,
The mere fact that you came here to share your story is a testament to your willingness to help others in need. Few have endured an experience with TC like you have, and many, especially the younger guys afflicted with this, have loads to learn from you. You mention that "we are the only ones that can fully understand what it means to have cancer." You couldn't be more right; but you have also noted that "we are the only ones that can make others understand and bring the fight to the next level." Dude, you are now doing just that. Your story may be old, but it has an huge amount of relevance today. Thanks for being here.

[Scott]

Until there's no more cancer, none of us has really done enough. I believe that however you choose to contribute to the cause should be only because you expect it of yourself.

[Jay68442]

Hi All,
I understand what all of you have said and I just feel like all I've done to this point is survive. I don't want to make that sound trivial because I know not everyone does survive. However I didn't do anything special. I was faced with a difficult path and human nature took over. Everyone has self-preservation, its instinct. I listened to my doctors, thought positive and stayed strong. So the way I see it; I never did anything out of the ordinary. Most in my position would do the same things.

The reason I made this post is because I owe it to the myself and to the doctors that got me here to do more. To do something more than ordinary.

[Russell's Mom]

Coal into the fire burner!!!! Sharon

[Margaret]

Hi All,
I understand what all of you have said and I just feel like all I've done to this point is survive. I don't want to make that sound trivial because I know not everyone does survive. However I didn't do anything special. I was faced with a difficult path and human nature took over. Everyone has self-preservation, its instinct. I listened to my doctors, thought positive and stayed strong. So the way I see it; I never did anything out of the ordinary. Most in my position would do the same things.

The reason I made this post is because I owe it to the myself and to the doctors that got me here to do more. To do something more than ordinary.

The way I see it Jay, is just by posting this most unselfish post...already makes you 'more than ordinary'. You are awesome

[Scott]

As they say, there's no time like the present, Jason! No regrets -- keep moving forward.