The odd thing about cancer is that this nasty disease brings out so many good things as a response. In 2000 I was barely a year out of a divorce and we were still in the petty back and forth stupid stage you can end up going through. Then in September, 2000, I learned I had endometrial cancer. I dreaded telling the kids, aged 12 and 8, and I dreaded telling my ex.

My daughter looked shocked, my son puzzled. I explained quickly that mine was the kind that surgery could cure. My ex was also shocked, and offered to let me stay at his house while I recuperated. So kind! The nonsense was gone - life and death trump silly stuff after a divorce.

Dan, you have a wonderful family, and you'll discover some depths you never knew of as you go through this process. My best to you all.

Maggie (SRS)