I Have Cancer?

"CANCER. It's funny how one little word can mean so much. And even though it's just a word, it can have so much meaning to someone who hears it. Cancer may not mean much to you, especially if it has never touched your life, but I can tell you first hand that when the doctor directs that little word to you, it means something. I remember when my doctor directed that word towards me: panic set in, a million thoughts started racing through my brain and soon my emotions began to take over.

You have "it". There is nothing you can do but sit there and think, How did this happen? Why me? Are you sure?

Even as those thoughts fill your head, you realize, it's true. The doctor was talking about you. What's next? Am I going to die? What about my family? My job? My life?"

These are the real-life thoughts and questions that came to Joshua Gladden upon his cancer diagnosis in his early twenties. Newly married, about to embark on the journey of his life, his plans seemed to derail upon receiving this diagnosis. However, his whole outlook changed as he, his bride and their families slowly walked through the process.

His hope in writing "I Have Cancer?" is that his personal experience can benefit others. Says Joshua, "Even though our experiences may not be the same, I believe that most people diagnosed with this disease ask similar questions. More than likely we feel some of the same emotions. Hopefully my story can help the reader better understand the thoughts and emotions that can be associated with someone on their cancer journey."

Joshua Gladden felt compelled to share his story in the hope that his personal experience dealing with a cancer diagnosis could help others as they navigate their own personal cancer experiences. He along with his wife Jamie and son, Jonathan, live in Cincinnati, Ohio.