For Better or Worse"...that's what people vow to each other when they get married. My wife and I spent 44 great years together. Happily raising five children.

I played fast pitch softball until I was 53 and when I was 60 years old in 1984, I ran the Columbus Marathon (26.3 miles). I rode my bike 30-60 miles sometimes also. What I am saying is that I had the best of health and was enjoying life to its fullest.

One day my wife Elizabeth said, "Your eyes are yellow." She asked me to go see a doctor and I agreed. I was feeling great and after the exam my doctor asked me to take a E.R.S.P. test which showed a tumor on the bile duct. No time was wasted in getting me to the Arthur James Cancer Hospital. Dr. Ellison and his staff performed a six-hour operation on November 3, 1993.

I can remember about one week later my family gathered around my bed and I was informed I had pancreatic cancer. This was the only time in my life that I was speechless. When I heard the word 'cancer' I was scared.

I thought I lost control of my life. Cancer caused me to lose 40 pounds and it drained away the energy and good health I had always enjoyed. With the excellent care I was receiving around the clock, I took a more positive approach to beat the cancer. Attitude makes a big difference and I kept the prayer line open to God 24-hours a day.

I am now back playing golf, riding my bike, bowling, swimming and feeling great. I look at life differently each day. At the same time, I have a certain fear of the cancer coming back.

There are three things that have made me a cancer survivor.

1. The extraordinary skill of the operating team.
2. The power of prayer.
3. A good positive attitude.

Paul ~ Fremont, Ohio

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