Over the years on the FLW Tour I’ve encountered rough weather and water conditions, lakes that keep me constantly thinking and those dang bass that are so hard to figure out. But I’ve never had to deal with something as mentally challenging as cancer.
It can totally consume your thought processes at times, and being unsure about what the future is likely to hold in store is the worst part. Fortunately, my love-hate relationship with Mr. Bass has kept me distracted a good bit over the last six weeks.
I finished my chemo and radiation treatments right after Thanksgiving, and because I’ve felt really good, I’ve fished just about every day since then. This is my favorite time of year to fish in Florida waters, and, true to expectations, the big ones have been showing up. I’ve been out fishing with a number of my friends who, for one reason or another, I previously haven’t been able to fish with in some time.
I was out a couple of weeks ago redfishing with a high school friend who is now a Florida fish and wildlife officer. Prior to our recent trip, we probably hadn’t gotten to fish together in more than 10 years. I’ve also shared a boat with a retired professional football player and several of my fellow Tour anglers who have been passing through for upcoming tournaments in Florida.
This week David Fritts and Chad Morgenthaler stayed at my house. They’re here for the Southern Open on the Harris Chain. As you can imagine, there have been many fishing stories told in the last few days.
I can’t say enough about the outpouring of support from all the people I’ve met through my years of fishing, along with the folks who have reached out to me through my social media and shared the stories of their battles with cancer. It amazes me how many people truly care, and their words of encouragement have helped me so much as I deal with this disease.
The toughest part of my battle is just around the corner as my surgery to remove the cancer is scheduled for Jan. 25. The surgeon has pretty much assured me it’s gonna hurt, and it will be followed by a lengthy recovery.
It’s rather frightening, considering I’ve never had any type of surgery. And being told I’m going to be in the hospital for five to seven days doesn’t excite me either. Still, I’m sure all will go well, and I’m ready to get all of this taken care of so I can get back to fishing.