My Life Has Drastically Changed

By | May 21, 2022
cancer

I wasn’t sure how to title this post or even whether I should write it. On this blog, I try to be transparent, but I am also private. So, it’s a constant battle between what and how much about my personal life I should share. Clearly, this blog is focused on dividend growth investing, and that won’t change. It’s in the name of the title after all. But, there have been times when I write about other topics such as cryptocurrencies and vacation rentals, etc. Truth be told, I sort of use this blog as an unofficial diary divulging my thoughts about investing. But of course, there is so much more to life than money. While I will still continue to blog, an event occurred recently that has drastically changed my life. I have some very bad news to report. On May 11, 2022, I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer!!! Let’s dive in to discuss.

How Severe?

Based on my limited understanding, there are four stages of cancer. Stages 1 and 2 are the early stages, and stage 3 and 4 are the more advanced stages of cancer. Sufficed to say, so far, the doctors have determined that I am at least a stage 3 and possibly stage 4.

Based on my own research (ie Dr. Google), 20-30% of patients who receive radiation and chemotherapy are likely to survive between 3-5 years of receiving the diagnosis.

In stage 4, where the cancer has spread other parts of the body, the 5-year survivability rate is just under 3%.

My doctor told me to ignore Dr. Google – probably good advice.

How I’m Doing?

As you can imagine, this comes as a complete shock. I’ve been crying a lot, but I do have a lot of support from friends and family.

It’s very hard to find enjoyment in anything. All of a sudden, making money is on the backburner. I also keep thinking about that bible verse that says, “for what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his soul?” (Mark 8 vs. 36). Anyway, I’ve also been focused on improving my spiritual health.

There are some reasons to be hopeful. There is still a chance that I am not at stage 4 and there is still a chance that treatment can eventually be effective. I do know that my treatment will include, at the least, radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.

Prior to my diagnosis, I was focused a lot on making money. Now, I am focused on the larger meaning of life, how to be happy, and leaving a legacy for my family. Sure, making money is still part of it, but it’s not the main focus for me right now. Although it’s very hard, I am trying to stay positive and hopeful, but also trying to be mentally ready for the worse.

Conclusion

I didn’t want this to be a long post. In fact, I am writing this while on vacation. But, I just wanted to let you know what I am going through. I really enjoy blogging. It’s therapeutic, and I plan to continue to do so, more now than ever. Eventually, I may not be so private (especially if I’m stage 4). But I will take life one day at a time.

I do have other health issues, but this is the big one. At 42 years old, having cancer was the furthest thing from my mind. But, as the saying goes, life is what happens when you make plans.

I won’t be posting on my health every week, but whenever there are SIGNIFICANT developments (for better or for worse), I will write about it.

With any luck, and with lots of prayers, maybe one day I will be writing about how I beat cancer. So, wish me luck and please keep me in your prayers.

Thanks for reading.

22 thoughts on “My Life Has Drastically Changed

  1. P2035

    Such blogs are in true a diary, I hold it as diary myself with investment/financial independence oriented blog so in fact you should write such things here šŸ™‚

    Im very sorry to hear about that, hope all will work out. Need to stay positive ā¤

    Reply
        1. Dividend Portfolio Post author

          Thanks Tremell. I’ve been focusing a lot more on God and prayer recently. I hope to continue working on my spiritual health, as well as the physical one.

          Reply
  2. adrian smith

    My prayers are with you. Please continue to be positive each and every day. God can and will get you through this. STAY STRONG, we are all here with you.

    Reply
    1. Dividend Portfolio Post author

      I appreciate that Adrian.

      Thanks.

      Reply
  3. SD Growth

    The one advantage you have is your age and being young enough to fight back, 42 is a lot different than 72. I will not deny it sucked reading your post as I was genuinely enjoying reading about your financial journey.

    Now do what you have to do and go kick cancer in the balls.

    Reply
    1. Dividend Portfolio Post author

      Thanks SD Growth.

      This coming week is going to be a very important one in my overall prognosis, but regardless of the outcome, I am determined to fight!

      Thanks for the comment.

      Reply
    1. Dividend Portfolio Post author

      Thanks for the support MDD. I really appreciate it.

      Reply
  4. Hristo

    Hi,

    Really sorry to read about your health issues. When something sudden like that happens, I always remember the quote:
    ‘If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.’

    My prayers are with you. Wishing you and your family to stay strong, positive and complete success in your most important battle!

    Reply
    1. Dividend Portfolio Post author

      That’s a great quote Hristo. I’ve never heard it before. Thanks for that, and thank you for the kind words.

      Reply
    1. Dividend Portfolio Post author

      I am hoping it does JC. Now that I got back from vacation, and I’m going to get back to doing my regiment of working out three times a week or so. I’m hoping that helps too.

      Reply
  5. SFLocal

    I am so sorry to read about your diagnosis. Months ago, I wrote that you although I am an old man with many years, decades, in the investing world, you are one of my favorite investment bloggers, and you still are! Thank you for sharing your story with us. Somewhere, years ago, I read this quote and it has always stayed with me. And, as the years pass, the message becomes even more poignant for me. In fact, I have it on my bathroom mirror and read it every morning while brushing my teeth, “I am the author of my story, and I am not done writing.” You are not done writing my friend! All the best to you on your journey towards health. And in the smart words of SD Growth above, ” Now do what you have to do and go kick cancer in the balls.”

    Reply
    1. Dividend Portfolio Post author

      I appreciate that, and that’s also a great quote.

      I’m back at work today and I hoping for a good week. Like you said, I am not done writing and I will continue to do so. Finally, I’m glad you find value in the blog. Even though much of it is me just sharing my story, it’s good to know that it can help someone somewhere.

      Reply
  6. Claudio

    hello I never write on the blogs I read, but in this case I feel that it is my duty to do so: good luck for everything, sorry for any writing errors, a big hug from Italy.

    Reply
    1. Dividend Portfolio Post author

      Hey, thanks a lot Claudio! I’ve never been to Italy but it’s on my list.

      Feel free to stop by any time and I really appreciate the support. It helps.

      Reply
  7. Mr. Robot

    It took me a while to proces your news DP. I was (and really still am) at a loss for words.

    I want to wish you strength and determination to go through this ordeal. Knowing you, you will make every positive thought count. Best of luck my friend, keep on fighting and if you need some support we are here for you!
    Mr. Robot recently posted…March 2022 DividendĀ ReportMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Dividend Portfolio Post author

      Appreciate it Mr. Robot. It means a lot.

      Reply
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