90 Comments

Thanks Sean - I needed this today. I am a prostate cancer survivor - 4.5 years post op right now. I just had a regular blood test to monitor for recurrence and my numbers were up. While they weren't high enough to be considered chemical recurrence, it may be high enough to indicate cancer is returning. I am scheduled for another blood test earlier than my next monitoring draw and I'm seeking a 2nd opinion. I believe in the power of prayer and the blessings of modern medicine. Our first grandchild is due in June and I want to see him and any future grands grow up! I'm only 53 and I have so much more life I want to do. Your stories of encouragement are what I needed to see. I guess I'm old enough to remember when cancer was pretty much always a death sentence. I know none of us get out of here alive, but I'm not ready to see Jesus yet. I want to see the faces of grands I haven't met yet and experience the joy of my kids being parents. I'll stop rambling, but wanted to thank you.

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God bless Josh!!! I was diagnosed with stage 3 Lung cancer in January 2023. I started chemo and radiation at the same time and then the cancer went to the fluid around my heart awarding me with stage 4! I had emergency heart surgery last year Easter weekend. I have been doing immunotherapy for about a year now and my last PET scan in February showed no active cancer! Throw in my husband passing away unexpectedly in January of this year... more than you can make up on your own!

I promise you, with the love and help of your family, friends and our prayers (which I assure you are taking place now) you will be okay! I will be praying for your healing and for many blessings!!

God's got you!

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Prayer works, Josh. I’m from GA too. 30 years ago my doctors gave me 3 years to live. I was a single mom with kids in school. Now my kids are grown and I enjoy several wonderful grandkids.

It is very true, cancer is hard and it’s scary, but after surviving cancer I am not afraid of anything. I have a blessed life full of gratitude. I wish that for you.

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My wife had a couple of bouts. A couple of big surgeries, radiation, then chemo. She had a remarkable attitude, which I think helped. We have had friends who have succumbed to it. We have been surrounded by loving people, and we have been part of the crowd surrounding others. Every bit of the encouragement was a help. Knowing there are so many people who care, especially those who have been through the tough times, can be such a boost to your morale and your immune system. Let them care for you when you need it. Press ahead to care for yourself. It will help build your resilience as you take on this challenge.

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The radiation treatment for my diagnosis of testicular cancer at 32, created the chromosomal Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Ph+ ALL) at 66. Prayer and intense treatment protocols created with quick remission. The relapse last June after even more advanced treatment proved effective. I am back in remission now! There was no address before 2007, with 3 to 4 month life expectancy in later life. There have been such advances in the treatment options available. Of course, this was bathed in the incredible prayer and support of my church, and the grace of His healing intervention. My committed prayers for you, Josh.

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Sean,

I started having pains in my lower abdomen area age 72. I hurt after having even a small meal. My General Practitioner and I started a search with every kind of scan there is, over a six month period. Finally a doctor who reads the MRIs found a growth. He did a biopsy and I had cancer! My GP knew and excellent doctor who treated colon problem and cancer both. I went into project managed overdrive, culminating with a list of questions that my sister wrote and that I wrote and we gleaned the unduplicated questions and scheduled a video conference call with her and the cancer doctor and me. He was great, answering all our questions to our complete and reassuring satisfactions. I had the surgery about 10 days later. He got it all. My sister grabbed the X-rays and wouldn't let me see them. I faint pretty easily. The doc took out about a 3 inch growth and 15 inches of my upper colon. I saw an oncologist for about a year, but no radiation or chemo was prescribed. I went to the one year checkup, and Sean, I waited for my car to be brought around by the complimentary valet folks and I was weeping on the sidewalk. No problems since, but I do get antsy any time there is something unusual happening inside there. I don't brag that I am a survivor. I brag on my doctors and nurses. I had navy blue buttons made - that's the color for cancer survivors - and I had "Cancel Cancer" printed on them. So my advice is to seek medical help to identify anything strange and be persistent. Then get all your questions answered to be prepared for the surgery and healing procedure. Then get on the prayer list of my sister's women's group at the Seman Alabama Baptist Church. Those ladies have the ear of God.

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Dear Josh in Georgia, I'm fighting cancer too. I've been in remission since last September My mom died of this same cancer more than 18 years ago. A lot has changed in 18 years. I'm hoping to beat the odds (30% chance I'll be alive in 5 years). It will toughen you up. You'll be surprised what you can do. You'll be brought to tears by the kindness of nurses, your friends and family, and even strangers. You've got this! Don't let the bastard get you down.

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There is definitely power in prayer, Josh! And guess what? You have hundreds (probably thousands!) of Sean's "prayer warriors" praying for you now! We are a faithful crew and good to have in your corner! God, the Great Physician, is in your corner, too! You've got this!

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My daughter was born with a cancer that begins while a child is in the womb during early fetal development. It is not normally found until it shows its ugly head during their young early life (ie: infant or toddler). In my daughter’s case the tumor was found when a chest x-ray was done at age 13 months to make she had not aspirated something.

Today she is 47 yrs old, married and has a beautiful 11 year daughter.

Prayer changes things my friends and don’t ever doubt that.

The Lord hears our heart’s prayers. He hears even our soul’s moanings & groanings when human words don’t exist to express our fears, needs, & concerns.

He is listening now so don’t hesitate to moan & groan as He holds you in His loving arms. 🙏🏼

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We're praying for you, Josh.

A long time ago, I was told that I might have five years. I'm still here.

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I’ll proudly raise my hand as well, for my wonderful oncologist in Cincinnati saved me from pancreatic cancer in 2007 and another bout in 2020. I will recommend he and his UC staff. I am what I call a vertical survivor and until they show you the pictures continue to breathe and love your wife. You will raise your hand this time next year too.

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i personally know many cancer survivors. Unfortunately, my dad was not one of them, but my mom survived ovarian cancer in her 60s and lived to 94. I have several friends who have survived breast cancer, some as long as 30+ years and are still doing very well. I know several men who have survived prostate cancer for many years. Cancers are survivable. I suggest the letter writer not only listen to his doctor, but also do research on natural things that also treat cancer. Even the once reviled ivermectin has shown potential to treat cancer. It's important to do research and above all, be positive. And prayer is critical, too. Pray, research and stay positive.

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What can I say, other than Thank You, and God Bless you, Sean. I am up in the middle of the night. 12 days post surgery for prostate cancer. Tending to the bloody business of self catheterization and draining my bladder which I must do about every two to four hours. Too much information. Sorry about that. It is easy to get discouraged, and to let fear and self-pity cloud my spirit. But, thank God, your words and encouraging thoughts, and those of your fans, give me strength and hope, and help me fight the Good Fight. Once again, Thank you Sean. Tom McC, from the Mudhole Fomerly Known As Lake McQueeney, Texas.

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Sean, when I first realized you post a blog every day, I thought, "Well, I don't have time to read that many." So I was prepared to ignore today's post. However, you have the heading "Cancer." And I was diagnosed this January with that very thing. So I read it. I've heard the odd story before of someone living long beyond the doctor's estimate, but it helped to read the ones you've added. And the encouragement that prayer helps. It was a helpful blog. Thanks!

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Praying for you and your doctors. IF it is cancer, don't give up - my husband was diagnosed in 2011 with stage 3C colorectal cancer - surgery (golf ball size tumor and lymph nodes), radiation and chemotherapy. He is still cancer free - Praise the Lord.

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Wow this gives ever cancer patient hope. Thank you. Lost my Dad to cancer at 63, now my baby sister has cancer & fighting hard. I think I will send this to her- to give her and her family hope. Thanks Sean. Just great news!!

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