I'm fran and I love life. I love my family, my friends, my pets, my workouts, my books----- MY LIFE.

I have just been dealt a hand that is completely foreign to me. Monday, 28th July, I was told "you have cancer". WHAT???

A routine colonoscopy mid July, that I didn't want to do (but was goaded into by my husband) came back with rather alarming results.

After the procedure, the doctor informed me I had a ping pong ball sized growth that was too big to be cut out and I will absolutely require surgery. I was quite shocked and upset and we drove home in silence. I was concerned. I thought I would have a super report and now I've been told there's a problem.

Upon returning home from the clinic, my phone rang, and it was the hospital, calling to schedule a CAT scan. Whoa. Not the best thing to be called about after news of the "ping pong ball".

I quickly scheduled the next available time it (CAT scan)could be performed and had the experience of not only drinking the iodine water but having it put in an IV as well. This must be serious, I thought.

Two days later, another call from the hospital to come in for bloodwork. "Do I need to fast?" "No, it's not THAT kind of blood test". ::Gulp::

Fast forward to "the day". The day my life changed. The day I cried so hard I couldn't see. The day I was told that not only do I have colon cancer but it is likely to have metastasized possibly to my liver and lungs. Dear God, please don't let this be.

I have had 0 symptoms, I have had no pain, I have had no fatigue, weight loss or any of the other hints that cancer brings with it's horrible self.

I have been asked if I should just give up and live life to the fullest without the horror of chemo/treatment and slowly and actively die each day. My answer was and is NO.

As I said, I love my life. God has blessed me in so many ways and I trust in His plan for me, I know He is always here and I find comfort in that.

I worked at McDonalds and I never could understand what the true purpose of the Ronald McDonal House was. Why do they need that, is it for people that can't afford a hotel? Is it just a hang out place for kids to play? Now I know what it is. A place for families to stay when a child is receiving treatment for an illness. They call it "a home away from home". Cancer is expensive, even with those who have the luxury of great health insurance. The deductibles, the residual costs, the travel, the lodging, the special medical devices needed, and of course, everyday living.

I have always been one to help, yes, I consider myself a darn good "helper". Sadly, now I am the person who requires help. It's a strange place to be, for sure. Prayers and uplifting thoughts/talks are welcome. I am just so blessed to not have to go on this awful journey alone.