Introduction to a Fight with Cancer
Written December 2011:
Welcome to “The Fighting Haddock” blog-site, devoted to capturing my dads (Bobby “Haddock” Fawcett) battle with stage 4 lung cancer over the past 2-1/2 years.
At first I was unsure of whether or not to share this story. There are about a million sites out there, where people share their experiences. Would people take the time to read it? How much would I share? Could I do it without having a total breakdown each time I made a post…
I decided it was worth it because the effect I know my dad has had on so many lives. I decided it was worth it because it might ease the pressure of keeping all of you, who love him so much, informed, without it becoming an overwhelming effort. I decided to do it because I want to remember it, for better or worst, in detail.
Each story is so individual. Each story is heart wrenching… Each story is in it’s own way… inspiring. For the person battling the disease, the fight can be brutal in more ways then I could ever articulate. For the family who assumes the role of caretaker, it’s no less exhausting. Capturing and sharing those moments can be liberating… Someone out there may need to actually hear about what others experience, so they know they are not alone.
I should have started this thing back in 09’ when we first found out that Dad had cancer. I told myself I should take notes, I did… although only mental notes. I’ll do my best to recall everything and share this journey in the greatest detail possible. I won’t hold back on the heart wrenching moments. I’ll give it to you the way I feel it. You’ll get a front row seat because at the very least, I want you to know exactly what it’s like to be on the front lines of the fight with Cancer, so that every time you hear about it befalling a friend, or God forbid someone you love, you’ll be better prepared to take it on your own shoulders and march forward.
I’ll admit that writing this blog scares the hell out of me, because I know how the story will end. There is no denying the ugly truth that is the worlds most deadly disease. But in the end… all that is garunteed in life is that it will end. I believe that we are all as safe in battle as we are in bed. I’ve learned throughout my fathers illness, and especially this past November major loss our family suffered when my Uncle Rog passed away, that we just have no idea how long we have. We do the best we can, advocate and support those we love, and live life to it’s fullest, each in our own way.
My only disclaimer is that my grammar is terrible and my spelling is even worst. Yes I do hold a degree, from a fine liberal arts institution, but it never helped my spelling or grammar. I’ll beg your forgiveness in advance, because I’m 90% typing from my iPhone and am not going to take the time to fix it.
Lastly… Thank you.
Thank you for taking the time to view this page, whether you visit once, or daily. Everyone’s prayers, support, assistance and love mean more to my family then you could ever know. It’s amazing. No matter what happens going forward, I truly am so proud of the courage he’s displayed and the tenacity of his fight. I honestly wish we could just wrap him up in bubble wrap, stick a helmet on him and let him fly… but I guess it’s just more complicated then that. I hope you’ll enjoy this page, interact often and continue to root him on!
Love,
Mike
