Living a life with cancer is a journey into the world of cancer. The cancer world is full of uncertainties, such as unknown specific causes; always with the possibility of recurrences after treatment; and not knowing the mode of exit, to name a few. The journey or voyage is rough, with unquantifiable physical pains and psychological distresses. However, at the end of the journey, to be able to say that one has successfully reached the destination, one must be able to say categorically: “I have lived a life inclusive of a life with cancer to the fullest and in my unique way.” That way, whether in the phase of remission or near the end of life, at curtain call, one feels contented, accomplished and successful and happy.
We have Cancer Crusaders who are in remission for more than 10 years now (whom I categorized as cancer survivors). We also have Cancer Crusaders who have heroically died because of cancer. (Eternal rest grant unto them and let perpetual light shine upon them, O Lord)
To them, I dedicate this MY WAY song and I ask all Cancer Crusaders to sing this song with me and eventually use the messages in this song to aspire for and always be reminded of the following:
To try my best to live a life that’s full in the midst of cancer; to travel each and every highway needed to travel; and to plan each charted course and each careful step along the byway ending with the affirmation that I have battled in my own way – yes in my own proud and unique way, with no regrets and still standing tall.
Lyrics of MY WAY (Frank Sinatra):
And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I'll say it clear
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way
Regrets, I've had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption
I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way
Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all, when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all and I stood tall and did it my way
I've loved, I've laughed and cried
I've had my fill, my share of losing
And now, as tears subside
I find it all so amusing
To think I did all that
And may I say, not in a shy way
Oh, no, oh, no, not me, I did it my way
For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels
The record shows
I took the blows
And did it my way
Yes, it was my way
My Way - ROJoson SInging - Cancer Crusader - Edition 3 With Cancer Crusader and ROJoson Way as virtual background Sang on the occasion of 33rd Cancer Crusaders Club Annual Christmas Get-together (December 6, 2020)
ROJ@20nov23