How it all got started...

Published on 18 September 2024 at 10:29

9-1-2024

I'm Hugh "Buster" Brown. I'm nothing special as far as I'm concerned. You could pass me on the street and if asked about me later you would not even remember you saw me. It's been that way most of my life. Early on in my life I started a toxic relationship with food. So toxic in fact that at one time I ballooned up to over 300 lbs. I had a few health scares, but I made some changes in my lifestyle but none of them stuck.

In March of 2020 I started having chest pains and went to my doctor thinking I may have had some really bad indigestion. He suggested a quick test with his ekg machine. 5 days later, I had triple bypass surgery. After the surgery, the doctor came in and told me that my heart repair was one of the best he had ever done, and I now had the heart of a 30-year-old. (I was 54) He said, “what are you gonna do with it?” I said, whatever you tell me to!” And I was true to my promise. I started eating healthily and doing lots of walking and stationary cycling. I had been a bike nut early on in life, so it wasn’t a big surprise when I really started enjoying my time on the bike. To make a long story short, after much re-alignment of my lifestyle and lots of walking I lost down to 155 lbs. from 240 at the time of my surgery. I had started losing some weight prior to my surgery because I just didn’t feel very comfortable in my own body. I was at 270 then so my total weight loss was around 115 lbs.

The year following this my wife was diagnosed with Lymphoma and we spent the next year getting her healthy after chemo. She had come a loooong way! I’m so proud of her. She runs her first half marathon next weekend! I have maintained my fitness now for the past 3 years and we were doing pretty well…or so I thought.

I started noticing some red blood on the tissue after using the bathroom. I had this happen once before and was told that a hemorrhoid ruptured and not anything much to worry about. Over time the bleeding got some worse and I finally got scheduled for a colonoscopy.

Here’s where I have to be really honest. I should have been having these done regularly for the past 20 years. I have a condition called diverticulosis. This should be monitored to make sure polyps don’t form in the colon. To be honest, I just didn’t have the money to have the things done. This past one cost me 4000.00 out of pocket.

Well when I had the procedure there was a “area of concern” that was sent off for a biopsy. The sample came back pre-cancerous but not cancer. An appointment was made with a colorectal surgeon to have the lesion removed.

Well, that day rolled around and I was prepped for surgery. As a matter of course, a sample of the lesion was taken for another biopsy and this one came back malignant. The surgery was halted, and I was referred to a radiation doctor and a medical oncologist. One of the silver linings of this dark cloud was that my medical oncologist was my wife’s medical oncologist! He is the best and I look forward to having him on my care team. My Radiation doctor is pretty good too. He’s what I call a real “nuts and bolts” kind of guy. If you know me, you know those are my favorite kind of people. Well the appointments were made and Mri’s and contrast ct scans were ordered. Now we wait for the tests.

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Finding Strength in Faith: Struggling with Cancer as a Christian

22 Sept 2024 13:31

Cancer is a word that can evoke fear, uncertainty, and a sense of isolation. For many, the journey through cancer is not just a physical battle but an emotional and spiritual one as well. As a Christian facing this challenge, I have learned that my faith can be both a source of strength and a platform for ministry. Here, I share my experiences and reflections on how to navigate the struggles of cancer and use them to uplift others who may feel alone in their fight.When I received my diagnosis, it felt like the ground had been taken from beneath me. Questions flooded my mind: Why me? What did I do to deserve this? As a Christian, I found myself grappling with my faith. I had always believed that God has a plan for each of us, yet this challenge seemed overwhelming. In those early days, it was essential for me to remember that doubt is a natural part of faith. God welcomes our questions and our fears.In moments of despair, I turned to Scripture for comfort. Verses like John 16:33, which says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” became my lifeline. Prayer became not just a routine but a refuge. It was during these quiet moments that I felt God’s presence most profoundly. I realized that He was walking alongside me in my struggles.One of the most significant blessings during my journey has been the support of my Christian community. Church members rallied around me, offering prayers, meals, and companionship. Their love reminded me that I was not alone. It is crucial for those facing similar battles to reach out to their communities. Whether it’s a church group, a prayer circle, or even social media, connecting with others can provide not only support but also a sense of belonging.As I am navigating my treatment, I felt a growing desire to share my story. I began writing about my experiences, reflecting on God’s faithfulness and the comfort I found in community. I realized that my struggle with cancer could serve a higher purpose. By being open about my journey, I could encourage others who might feel isolated in their battlesThrough my experiences, I discovered the importance of compassion and understanding. I learned to listen to others without judgment, to offer a shoulder to cry on, and to share practical resources. Cancer can create a wall of isolation, but through shared experiences, we can break down those walls. I found that being vulnerable about my struggles opened the door for others to share their own challenges, creating a safe space for healing and support.Living with cancer teaches you to cherish each day. I’ve learned to find joy in small victories, whether it’s a good day, a successful treatment, or simply enjoying the beauty of creation. My faith has instilled in me a hope that transcends circumstances. As Christians, we believe in a God who heals and restores, and even amidst trials, we can hold onto the promise of hope.