I’ve been battling cancer for about four years and I’m currently dealing with my third recurrence. I’m a father of four and have always tried to be the strong role model for my family. Having cancer is extremely tough as is, but being a dad with cancer is heart wrenching at times. Even during the weeks I’m off chemo, I still don’t feel great. My oldest daughter knows the general concept of my cancer; my smallest kids still do not really understand. It breaks my heart to hear them say innocent comments like, “Dad’s been lying down all week!” It feels like I’m letting them down and it stings.

My advice to anyone going through cancer is to try to be grateful for what you have. I have a lot of family around who can help pick up the slack and keep things going. Although asking for help has been tough because I’ve always been the caretaker, I lean on them all the time. You have to ask for help if you can.

My daughter’s birthday is in one month, and I will be about two weeks out of a surgery to get another tumor removed. I won’t be down on the ground helping her open presents, but I will be there, and that’s what matters most. - Steve, WI

YOUR MESSAGE- "Be grateful for what you have"