I am so incredibly lucky with my UPS experience. I don't know if my story will help anyone, but I hope so.

In 2009 I noticed a lump that was growing on my waist that was being irritated by my belt. I happened to have an appointment with my PA so I mentioned it. He, like me, thought it was most likely something benign, but he sent me to get a sonagram. I remember him saying "I am sure it is nothing to worry about like cancer."

The sonagram came back with an MRI recommendation, which came back with a concern of possible sarcoma. When I next met with my PA he and I both recalled his comment, and I think he felt a little chagrined. Next stop was to a surgeon.

The surgeon clearly wanted no part of my sarcoma. He said a surgeon like him might see 1 case in a career, and he didn't want it at all. Fortunately, I had friends with experience at Mayo and they encouraged me to go. For the next 6 months I lived at Rochester getting the best possible treatment in the world I believe.

I got the whole shebang, radiation, chemo, and surgery. Followed by regular CTs for the next several years until both me and the Docs felt the CTs were doing more harm than good as nothing was seen. I have been cancer free for 16 years now, and grateful for all of them.

Be kind, and love each other, that is all we can do while on Earth.