On my birthday last year, I was embedded with the 23rd Sappers, on my first mission, “outside the wire”. Insurgents were observed concealing an IED at our FOB’s intersection with Highway 1 in Kandahar Province, on the border with Helmand. The 2nd platoon found it two IED’s, disposed of them, and I got to document it all. One of my more unique birthdays.
Group shot with 2nd platoon, 3rd platoon, Ryan MacPherson, and myself, FOB Sarkari Karez, Afghanistan
This year’s birthday was just as unique, but way less dangerous. This year, I got to spend it with my family in Sedona, Arizona. Family is the most important thing. It was kind of billed as my 45th birthday gathering, but it was really more of a welcome out of cancer/treatment with my immediate family celebration. My last “treatment”, as they call it, happened last week. It (chemo) is technically still in me, working it’s chemical magic: killing cells with a high metabolism.
I think everybody is happy to have that part over, most especially me. I’m looking forward to getting creative again. Paid creative. The monkeys are hungry, and I’m looking forward to earning monkey kibble.
As far as cancer goes, it’s a wait and see game.
We kicked it at the Hilton and enjoyed the redrock of the Oak Creek Canyon area from the air-conditioned rooms of our hotel. Kind of. Got a few cool pics out of it too.
Seb’s first photo. Nice exposure! His brother Landon at left, and yours truly on the right.
Matt, you are an inspiration! Thanks for sharing your story! Love you!
Congrats to you for finishing treatment, Matt! One year ago last week I was also diagnosed with ass cancer. I did the six weeks in the microwave first to shrink the tumor before surgery, and when they went in to remove “gut and butt” as you said, there was nothing left but scar tissue and incredibly my lymph nodes were clean as well. I was fortunate enough to avoid chemo but had a temporary ostomy for 3 months and am still learning to drive my reconnected insides. Thanks for having such a great sense of humor and congrats for not letting it knock you on your ass, so to speak. That’s been my attitude and it has served me well. Ass cancer survivors unite!
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