Oct 21st - Going to a Wedding During Chemo

Do People Still Get Married When You Have Ball Cancer? 

So it's been a while since posting, but here is proof you can, in fact, have fun when you have cancer and are going through chemotherapy. 

It's funny, I got the original diagnosis the day I was supposed to travel to Denver for my bestie Charles's bachelor party. Prior to that -- when the doctors thought it was an infection -- I was on the fence about going to Denver.

With Denver's elevation and a planned whitewater rafting trip, I had concerns about the potential for my testicle to explode. Was that irrational? Maybe. But I ask you, would you risk that?  An exploding testicle?! I'm not a doctor. But that seems like a rational thing to think. Like most of the thoughts I had about things at the time.

After some soul-searching, I'm glad I didn't go to Denver because I really needed to be here for support.

Charles was one of the first people I told outside of my family and he was very supportive. He made it clear that even on short notice, I had a place at the wedding both as a groomsman and partier. So if it needed to be a "game-day decision", that was fine.

It was a difficult decision about whether to go to the wedding. Ultimately I took Charles up on the offer to attend even after missing the bachelor party. It seemed like the right thing to do.

Against my Doctors' wishes, I got on a plane and flew to Nashville to attend the wedding.There were a lot of great pictures from the event and I thought this would be a great place to publish them. Here are some of the highlights. This is how you go to a wedding when you have cancer. 

The Big Day

The day started like many wedding days do. For the wedding party, it's important to look your best. You have to hit the "The Three S's" as soon as possible: a shit, shower and shave. The shave was easy since the chemo made most of my hair fall out, including my beard. 

Then you need to look your best. For most wedding parties, the attire was decided months prior so all you really need to know is how to tie a tie. And, occasionally, how to drink a PBR.

In the classiest weddings, such as those in Nashville, the wedding party wears a boutonniere. Mint Julips optional.

Mint Julips might be optional, bourbon is not.

Just make sure you don't overdo it too early. I tripped on my one of my oxford early on and nearly ruined the wedding.

Like the gentleman I am, I was asked to stand guard outside the bride/bridesmaids' suite to ensure Charles did not see the bride early.

On the plus side, standing guard means you get to meet all the Bridesmaids early.

"Thank you for your service"

Eventually, the party must get started and I am a party. Animal.

Got to make the rounds after the wedding ceremony. 

Eventually, you have to settle in at the table for dinner. A brief lull and respite from the approaching storm.

Who doesn't enjoy the wedding cake? Monsters. That's who.

I had some other duties to attend to but stopped by the dance floor for some quality time with the wedding party.

DJ Tater is spinning his new mashup. Guest DJing a wedding, even for only a few songs, was one of the highlights of my night.

Congratulations Cigar with the party and the groom. When in Rome (or Nashville).

Always remember to stay hydrated. Sometimes people have to remind me before I hit the dance floor again.

It's a wedding. You have to dance.

Dance like no one is watching... or on the dance floor.

I got a little too boozy and stole a drink. Don't remember whose drink... but I think the bartenders saw me.

Did I deserve to cut off just for sniping a drink? No. Had to sweet talk the bartenders to get back on their good side.

But how could they say no to this face? I received some good character testimony from the groom and one of the bridesmaids.

Whispering secrets..... 

Just checking in with one of the groomsman and the bride. Don't worry, they were sober.

Finally a picture with the Bride and Groom! Was trying to snag this all night, even with a photobomb.

Okay, one more beer before we hit the after party. No pictures allowed at the bar. 

The after-after-bar. What happens in Nashville...