St. Stephen News

Here are the collection of writings by Mark Scott

As he chronicles his journey with cancer…

four articles to date:

In a Mirror Dimly. . .Forward with Faith and Humor

(Article # 1, March 14, 2014)

(This article is the first in a series that I intend to write chronicling my journey with cancer in hopes that it might demystify another’s journey and by writing about it, I hope to better understand my own trek. . .Mark Scott)

      Six letters, 2 syllables. . .a word, just a word, until it isn’t just a word: C-a-n-c-e-r.  How many times have I rehearsed the scene; perhaps in a routine physical exam, or, as in my case, extreme pain with no outward explanation, an ache so deep that it remained untouched by conventional pain killers.

      I have not felt particularly well for several months–nothing specific, just a sort of general, mild malaise, unlike my usual high-energy, self-motivated self.  From the beginning of December, I began to experience pelvic (back) pain at night.  Early on it was more annoying than debilitating but it was increasing in intensity every night but only at night.  However, as it grew more acute I was unable to sleep.  It is amazing how enterprising one can be in the middle of the night.  My parents would be proud that I did not “waste the time!”  Of course, there is wisdom behind the sentiment.  When you are busy, you are not thinking about yourself.

      There are so many things for which I am thankful: a loving, diverse, intelligent, outspoken church family; that I live in 2014 when there is greater hope than ever for living with cancer; for parents and a sister who always dealt with adversity head-on but with a self-deprecating humor that  can transform the most serious problem into a manageable goal.

      Then there is my gratitude for my primary care physician who would not like to be mentioned by name but she was in the first youth choir I directed at St. Stephen in 1975!  She has been ‘called’ to her vocation by a desire to help ill people find healing and wholeness.  With a quiet, straight-forward, manner and a keen sense of humor, her compassion and attention to detail assure me that  she is the right person to help me map my future. “Mr. Scott, you have stage 4 prostate cancer.  Now here is what we are going to do. . .”Read More »Writings by Mark Scott…”In a Mirror Dimly…”