The End

Cancer doesn't end with the final treatment. It doesn't leave you like a cold or flu. Cancer stays with you, through follow-ups, stress, worry, waiting. Cancer changes your perspective, it makes you stronger, prouder, tougher, and gives you a little better perspective on life.
I started this blog when I was diagnosed with cancer, 4/11/07, as a way to keep friends and family involved with what I was going through. It evolved into an online diary for me, a way to discuss what I was doing and going through, much of which had nothing to do with cancer - I was fortunate to maintain a fairly normal schedule throughout my chemotherapy and radiation.
I am leaving this blog up - in the hopes that another patient, perhaps a young man or woman, may stumble upon it someday after their own diagnosis and learn something about the process, what it's like. There are innumerable sources for scientific information out there for cancer patients, but a first person account can be hard to come by...this is mine.
My journey with cancer hasn't ended, though my final treatment was 10/2/07. My father's battle continues and my own quest to give back promises to be a life long passion. Since finishing treatment I have gotten married, had a child, and begun to examine the ways I can give back, most notably I raised over $8,000 for the 2008 Pan-Mass Challenge. I traveled to Columbus, OH to attend the Lance Armstrong Foundation's Livestrong Summit, where I connected with innumerable young survivors, learned more about how to make cancer a national priority, and was fortunate to see Lance, an inspiration to athletes and those touched by cancer everywhere.
I have more left to do, and much more to learn...about cancer and life, none of which may have been possible without life saving research or early intervention.
Please use my story - retell it, accentuating the virtue of not leaving bumps and bruises unchecked, about the power of early treatment, and the promise of a better tomorrow for individuals and families touched by this disease.
Now I get ready for the next chapter, fatherhood, and I will throw myself into it with all the energy I have, while also working to keep myself healthy and continuing to raise awareness and money to help fight this disease.
Please feel free to contact me at gsheehan@capemedical.net - if I can talk to you or a loved one about my experience, help calm nerves or ease heartache, I would be happy to do so.