LACS - Saying Goodbye to My Best Friend

The culmination of sadness occurred on October 9th. While I prepared for work, I checked on my dog of 15 years and best friend in the world. He struggled through Thursday, and I knew time was short, but it still didn't prepare me for what came next.

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LACS: 9/11 Heroes, "Let's Roll" Mentality Needed Now

Those facing certain death on Flight 93 run through my mind today. Would I have acted that heroically? Seeing what current differences separate us as a nation now, I humbly ask all of you to ask yourself these questions.

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LACS: Career Opportunities for Survivors? HELP NEEDED!!

Perhaps those who don't know my cause are a little late to the party, but I hope this topic leaves you feeling uncomfortable. If you desire to change someone's life suffering side effects of cancer treatment, I can help you.

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LACS: OH, HOW I HATE COVID-19!!! - Part 2

The cold hard reality is things never will be what we knew before COVID. Too many lives, jobs, and relationships lost, too many innocent people dying alone, too much unnecessary violence. I pray none of that was in vain, and we learn as a society how to prevent another COVID.

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LACS: OH, HOW I HATE COVID-19!! -Part 1

Many around the world are feeling the economic, social, and personal impact. For many, the wreckage includes innocent lives lost, loved ones suffering & dying alone, severe mental trauma from staying inside overwhelming anxiety, mental exhaustion, unmanageable depression, feelings of despair, irrational behavior, irrational responses to others' behavior, critical judgment on every level imaginable, and an election exceptionally vital to both sides of the aisle.

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LACS - Crohn's Destruction: Trauma, Anxiety, Fear and How To Help

I feel the need to represent those suffering from this silent disease and how it destroys much of your hopes, self-worth, and ranks among the highest cause of suicide due to the humiliation it causes.

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LACS - Integrity and Diversity

Integrity is unlike other personality traits; evaluations do not reside in personal feelings. Friendships appreciate specific aspects of how a person exudes said trait, while even dealing with negative consequences, detractors often reach similar conclusions.

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Living As A Cancer Survivor - Does Character Matter Anymore ? Part 2

What does this have to do with surviving cancer? I made a mistake that day. My selfishness prompted me to take the job that did not make me their first choice. Why did I do that? I preferred the status that ESPN gave me. I allowed my ego to overrule my character.

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Living As A Cancer Survivor - Our Pets

Below you will find a brief section of today’s blog

I think therapy animals should be available at every cancer hospital. The love an animal gives you is much different than a human. They understand a side to us that humans never will. They accept us, and their entire day can be made just from our being in their presence.

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Living As A Cancer Survivor - Forgiveness

One thing we all struggle with is forgiveness. I have made some brutal mistakes that have devastated others and been incredibly selfish. I have been the poster boy for thinking only of myself. When I felt convicted and made aware of my behavior, I experienced long seasons of remorse and self-loathing.

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LACS - Dying Cancer Patient Final Words Inspire Many

When you are facing death, the thoughts, words, and advice that form in your mind are remarkable. There were a few times during my brush with death that I expressed my views about what is essential in life.

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Living As A Cancer Survivor - Worrying

This topic is difficult for me of which to speak. I don't want to be a hypocrite, so let me start by saying worrying impacts my life consistently. I did not have this mindset before being diagnosed with cancer. I am not worried about the cancer returning, but about the side effects that create environments that I can't control.

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Living As A Cancer Survivor: Actions speak loudest

When you are dealing with cancer, many things will be outside of your control. As a family member, spouse, sibling, or parent, seeing a loved one suffer is one of the worst feelings you will experience. The sentiment is mutual for the patient or survivor.

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Another Perspective Part 5 - Questions Anyone?

The following excerpt is the fifth thing that Rachael Yahne’s mentions in her article “5 Things that they never tell you about life after cancer

People will be scared to ask you questions (even though they'll have a lot of questions)

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Another Perspective Part 4 - Awkward Conversations

The following excerpt is the fourth thing that Rachael Yahne’s mentions in her article “5 Things that they never tell you about life after cancer

There will be some awkward conversations...

In life after cancer and treatment, even the physical parts of your being are different. Especially when it comes to dating. There are scars. There is skin that is very tender to the touch because of the radiation. There are hangups and insecurities that are caused by the way my body is different now. So yes, there will be a level of communication absolutely necessary to make sure both partners are comfortable.

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Another Perspective Part 3 - Fear

The following excerpt is the third thing that Rachael Yahne’s mentions in her article “5 Things that they never tell you about life after cancer

There will be a new sense of fear in every part of your life

It just doesn't look the same once you know how fragile your life is. That fear, of the past and of it coming back, can haunt you for the rest of your life after cancer. But what I like to tell others in my public speeches and online articles (even the ones not about cancer) is that even though there will always be fear, you don't have to let that fear decide what you do and how you feel. You don't have to let that fear run your life or even ruin your mood. You can feel it, acknowledge it, and still choose to love and to be joyous and even to take risks in your life after cancer (whether you've experienced it or someone you love). You don't have to be ruled by it; you just have to choose to live from and for something greater than that fear.

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