But It Could Be Worse
A few weeks ago on a rainy night on I-4, there appeared to be a car stopped on the left shoulder with it’s flashers on. My wife and I were in the left lane with a tanker truck right next to us on the right. As we got closer to the stopped car, I realized that the stopped car was half on the shoulder and half in our lane. I had one option which was to accelerate as quickly as possible to sneak in front of the flammable truck to our right and avoid smashing into the back of the car on our left. If the tires didn’t grab the wet road, or if we didn’t have enough space to make the move, we were done. Needless to say, we made it. But it spooked me for a couple of days. It can all go that quickly. And it does everyday on highways everywhere. I felt as though we’d dodged a bullet.
Within a couple of weeks I received my cancer diagnosis. Until the phone rang, I didn’t know. Then I did. My life was rerouted in a matter of seconds. But it didn’t end, it just changed. Big difference. I get to see my enemy, and I get to fight it. That phone call was bad news, but it could be worse. Brush fires, wars, earthquakes, tornadoes, cyclones, random crimes. How many people in the past week have left us with no warning, and no chance to fight back?
I can’t tell you how much your comments on my first blog entry, and emails to me directly have empowered me. I’m humbled by your concern, and the fact that you took the time to surround me, and to so beautifully tell me your stories and offer your support.
With all the appointments and tests, formulating our plan to chase away the lymphoma has become a 2nd full time job. I’m frustrated that the end of the day comes too quickly and that I haven’t been able to respond to you personally. Until I can, please know that I’ve read every word, and so have my wife and daughter. You’ve helped to infuse strength and resolve into our home as we ramp up for the coming challenges. I hope that in some way we can return the favor, as I know you might be fighting uphill battles of your own. We’re hugging, talking, walking, and laughing. Spirits are good, and we like our chances. It could be a lot worse.
May 14th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Just wanted to wish you and your family as smooth of a ride as possible while you travel the road to recovery. I love yall’s show and listen to Mix all day at work. Your show makes me laugh every morning on my way to work! Keep up the good work. God Bless. Cyndi
May 14th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
You’re right, things could be worse. Sometimes it’s hard to see that and sometimes you need a little self-pity. Don’t be afraid to allow yourself that from time to time. Although I have every confidence that you will fight this with good-humor, optimism and resilience. That seems to be the kind of guy you are.
I recently moved to Kansas from Longwood and one of the few things I miss is the morning show. Now that it’s available online, I’ll be listening this summer (I’m a teacher, so it’s hard to listen during the school year).
I’m sending all of the good-thoughts, prayers and hugs that you and your family can stand. Take care of yourself. That’s an order :o)
May 15th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Glad to hear an update Scott, we love you and are here for you, Fran and Lauren!! ((((((()))))))
May 15th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
I actually heard this on a different radio station but couldn’t believe it. I listen to you guys every morning and you make me laugh. I can’t imagine my day without you and the team. Please keep your chin up and keep yourself positive.
May 15th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
hi uncle! i listened to your show this morning from brooklyn….you’re seriously entertaining (no surprise) and its soo great and fun to hear your voice. i love all the support you have and am of course thinking of you and F and L all the time. xxx
May 16th, 2008 at 8:03 am
(((((((SCOTT)))))))) big hug for you buddy. let me know if you ever need another one anytime soon!!
I am a fan of your heart & thoughts.
Robin
May 16th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
As I said in my response last week, things will change. You will appreciate things that seemed unimportant, dismiss issues that, prior to this, seemed very important, the sunrise will be more beautiful, sunset more vibrant. As upsetting as the diagnosis of cancer was and difficult the chemo at times was, the one thing I came away from it with (other that being cancer free)is don’t take anything or person for granted. Don’t get me wrong I do have my moments, but they pass. I am coming up on my first year cancer free, you too will be saying this next year.
May 16th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Scott, my daughter, Lauren (17 and a half years old) and I have been loyal listeners to you and Erica since the two of you took over the morning show. We feel like we are cousins at the very least after listening to you for all these years. We were shocked to hear your story but know that with your wonderful support system of family, friends and listeners who I am sure are praying daily for your complete recovery that surely you will come through this. I have been a Pediatric Nurse for 25 years and I have seen first hand what I call nothing less than miracles. Some are children and some are the parents of the children that I have cared for. My own Mom at 80 was diagnosed with breast cancer and that was 4 and a half years ago and she is still kicking! We believe that laughter is one of the best medicines around….besides prayer…and with your sense of humor and your funny sidekicks that you will no doubt laugh every day. Did you know that there are Certified Laugh Therapist? If you go online I am sure that you will find plenty to back up what I am telling you. Laughter, real belly laughs, the kind that makes you weak afterwards is so good for you. Laughter releases endorfins that make you less stressed and and able to fight off illness. I printed every funny thing I saw on the internet and took them to my mom and we laughed our way through radiation treatments, doctors visits, lab work, CT scans and MRI’s. She is cancer free. We also had a wonderful support system of family, friends and church family who prayed daily for her and each prayer was answered. Her faith never faltered. I know how particular you are about your hair……so you will get a kick out of this….when they told my mom that chemo would make her hair fall out she told the doctor that she would give up both breasts if she could keep her hair! You know what?… hair grows back and sometimes you get completely new hair. One of my co-workers husbands had prostate cancer several years ago and he lost all his dark highlighted with gray straight hair. After treatment was done it came back in blonde and with a little wave to it! Maybe you will get to see if blondes really DO have more fun! You and your family are in our prayers and I know there must be thousands of others who will do the same thing. Be strong, have faith, and fight and don’t forget to laugh every day!
May 17th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
My son and I listen to you every morning! We are sending you and your family positive thoughts, laughter, and the courage to just put your goggles on and go.*
debby
*this is a saying my 9 year old son and I had when my husband (his dad) had a brain aneuryism a year and a 1/2 ago and I had to drive to Gainesville and back every day. We were told he had a 70/30 chance, which dwindled down quite a bit after complications. We would just put our goggles and go! Deal with things and come back.
It turns out my husband was part of the 2% that survive w/no problems. So grab your goggles, Scott. We’ll be waiting when you come back.:):)
May 19th, 2008 at 7:04 am
Scott
I’ve listened to you and Erica & crew for many many years and feel like a part of the family Keep the FAITH
Keep smiling and when things get rough, know that you and family are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless!!
May 20th, 2008 at 5:45 am
Scott, as a breast cancer survivor, I know that attitude is more than half the battle. It seems that you have a wonderful attitude regarding the cancer. Stay positive, listen to your doctors, enjoy your work (which you obviously do), and know there are tens of thousands of people wishing you well. BTW, one thing that cancer teaches you is to not sweat the small stuff, but I think you have learned that already. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
May 20th, 2008 at 8:22 am
Scott,
I was listening the morning you told us your news, and immedietly in the car started praying for you. I have listened to you and Erica since you have been on the air, from the beginning. Though I am sad that you have to go through this, and I did admit that I cried knowing what you will endure, I know that you will beat this, in fact I have no doubt about that. I can imagine that it must be hard at times to always sound upbeat on the air, but you do a good job of it, and if you have days that you don’t sound as bubbly as you always are I want you to know it will be OK, we will still love you!! You will continue to be in my prayers, you and your family. I feel as if you and Erica are part of my family, me and my two daughters especially like to hear you guys talk abou American Idol, we get such a kick out of that. I hope you feel all of our prayers, I know there are so many people out there sending them your way.
God Bless You!!
May 20th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Hi Scott,
As a Scott and Erica fan as well as a Red Sox fan, I thought you would be interested in the no-hitter pitched by Jon Lester last night! As a survivor of non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, according to USA Today, “Lester has an amazing story. Two years ago, he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Last October, he pitched the clinching victory in the Red Sox’s World Series victory against the Colorado Rockies.”
“Lester is getting stronger and stronger the further removed he is from his illness,” Epstein. “He’s developed a two-seam fastball to complement his cutter, and his curveball and changeup are much improved. The sky is the limit for him.”
You can read the whole story at http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/dailypitch/2008-05-20-lester-nohitter_N.htm
Wishing you continued strength.