"If there's anything I can do..."

Many of you have made generous offers of support.  I will now take you up on them.  There is something you can do - take care of yourselves. 

Today, February 4, 2010 is World Cancer Day.  So, for those of you over 40, it's a good day to make an appointment with your doctor to get a mammogram and/or a colonoscopy (guys, just get the colonoscopy).  I know this may not be what the guidelines recommend, but I can't be objective about this.  After all, I became a cancer patient at 43.

Call your doctor and check with your insurance company for coverage.  Don't be a wimpy.  One colonoscopy every five years is not a hard thing to do for your health and your family's peace of mind.  If you're reluctant to do it, just think of what I've been through: two colonoscopys, two CT scans, two PET scans, chemotherapy and radiation, and one surgery in six months.  If I can go through all of that, surely you can get one test.  Look, when you have cancer, people call you "brave" and a "fighter" and all sorts of encouraging labels.  But I really don't want you to join this club. The dues are too high and T-shirts aren't that great - they're one-size-fits-all, they open down the back, and you can't keep them.

And I'm not the only one asking you to do this, Dave Barry is too.