09/24/2025
Day 1,258: One Year Later, Learning to Be Vulnerable
Yesterday marked one year since I was diagnosed with colon cancer for the second time. This post took me longer to write than I thought.
I wish I didn’t have to count days, treatments, or wait for the next one. I wish this battle was over. But here I am, still fighting.
On Oct 1, 2024, I had surgery to remove the tumor. That surgery also meant a stoma and colostomy bag.
👉 If you’ve ever struggled with body image or personal battles, you know how life-altering that is.
For a year now, I’ve lived with it:
✅ The good: I can be in a meeting and still do my business. And yes, I’ve got one of the cleanest asses in the world.
❌ The bad: waking up covered because the bag leaked. Learning what I can eat and what I can’t.
Last week at The Gathering of Wolves by , I was reminded of the power of vulnerability.
I took a picture with my ostomy brothers. For the first time, I took my shirt off and showed my bag. Scary. Vulnerable. Powerful.
Brené Brown said it best: “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”
Here’s my takeaway for you today:
💡 Be okay with being vulnerable. Don’t apologize for it.
💡 Find your SWARM. Never take them for granted.
Please keep the kids, and me in your thoughts as I continue this journey.
With love and gratitude,
Shawn
