The journey begins

Today begins a new year. I have no idea if I will be here to welcome in 2007. I have stage 3 lung cancer. I found out Dec. 28. It will be next week before I know if I have what doctors call "curable cancer." I start radiation treatment Wednesday. At that time, I hope to give daily updates of what I'm going through. As for my background, I'm a 49-year-old newspaper copy editor. I quit smoking almost four years ago, but for 30 years I had a pack-a-day cigarette habit. Why do 15-year-olds think they look cool with a smoke hanging from their lips? I have a lovely wife and two adult children. Below, you'll find a brief rundown of the cruel way in which I found out I have cancer. I guess there's no good way to find out, but. ... Starting Wednesday, I don't plan on being as clinical as the posts below. I hope to open up and share my thoughts, for better or worse, as I begin this journey. I am thankful for my family and the many friends I have who are willing to share this journey with me.