Goodbye Cancer.

I realize that I have been gone for ages now. I will begin regularly blogging tomorrow and update you with all that is going on, but for now, I have some WONDERFUL news.

CHAD IS OFFICIALLY CANCER FREE!

I was busy working on the Oncology floor today for a Nursing rotation when I got Chad’s text message today.

The words “no more cancer” was music to my ears. I turned to people around me just looking for someone to hug. Of course, the only person that I wanted to hug was Chad. My friends hugged and clapped right there in the cafeteria. I had never been more excited from a text message.

I barely mentioned his cancer on my blog because I felt like it was his story to tell.

When I met Chad, he already had cancer. However, his cancer was the last thing that came to mind when thinking of him. His energy and positive attitude blew that cancer out of the water. I knew that he didn’t want to be defined by his cancer, and therefore, it was a non-issue and not something that needed to be discussed in detail.

He was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer and underwent treatment for 8 weeks or so. It wasn’t easy, but he did it. He never complained and never wanted people. He portrayed strength in every way possible and never let weakness be an option.

It’s been incredibly hard to be away from him through all of this. It’s hard to miss such big moments in his life. I hated feeling like I couldn’t be by his side. I hated knowing that he wasn’t feeling well and that there was nothing I could do about it. I ached for him through all of this. Honestly, I think he was much stronger than me.

Today was a big day. I hate that I wasn’t there to hug him, laugh with him, and cry with him over this beautiful news.I wasn’t there to enjoy a celebratory beer with him (don’t worry, we will have lots of celebratory beers and good lovin to make up for here in a  few weeks).

I love him and I’m proud of him. He inspires me everyday.

Sometimes people don’t need words to inspire people. Chad doesn’t. His life and the way he lives it is all he needs to motivate and inspire others.

In case you needed any other proof that Chad is a badass and kicked cancer in the balls, then just watch these videos…

This past weekend I was in DC and participated in Barbells for Boobs at Trident Crossfit to raise money for Breast Cancer. The workout is “Grace” which is 30 clean and jerks at 135 lbs for men and 95 lbs for women. Chad hasn’t been able to be active for the past few months, but he did the workout as prescribed and finished. I was so proud of him.

The minute that you start thinking that it’s your enemy. The moment that you start thinking that it’s bigger than you–you are going to have trouble. You can lose then. But…that’s the losers mentality.

I’m so thankful for today and the wonderful news he received. He’s been through a lot, but somehow always manages to push through with a lot of style and grace. I love him and I couldn’t be happier to be by his side.