A sweet woman with a life defibrillating story...
Live Life to The Fullest
I was diagnosed with a deadly form of cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma, on November 21, 2005. It felt like it couldn't have happened at a worse time, since I had given birth to my only baby 3 1/2 months earlier.
Being face to face with a life-threatening illness forced me to realize how strong I really was.
Fortunately I received a referral to the world's top mesothelioma doctor, Dr. David Sugarbaker at Brigham and Women's hospital in Boston. Thanks to Dr. Sugarbaker, I regained hope that I would be able to watch my daughter grow up. I knew that mesothelioma prognoses were grim, but I believed that if I fought hard enough I could be one of the 2% that live more than 5 years from diagnosis. I made a resolution to fight the disease with all my strength, and I did exactly that over the year that followed. Finally, I had to have my left lung taken out in surgery along with the lung lining, which had been ravaged by the cancer.
I had the surgery in Boston, almost 2000 miles from my baby, who was 6 months old by then. My parents kept her while I received numerous chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Thanks to friends and family, my daughter never knew what was going on. When she turned one year old, we threw a huge party with family and friends who came from all over. But it wasn't only a birthday party--it was also a celebration of my cancer battle being almost over. Just short of one year from my diagnosis, I had my last radiation treatment and I swore to stay free of cancer.
During my fight with cancer and ever since, I have learned a lot. Life is a gift that we shouldn't take for granted. I now look at life differently, delighting in little things like my daughter's laugh, the breath of puppies, the rainbow at the end of a storm...all these things remind me to be thankful for the present and the fact that I'm still alive.
During the course of my battle with cancer I met many other strong fighters, whose memories I will never forget. These individuals fought but didn't survive. Others I will always remember cared for their loved ones with mesothelioma. Still others were, like me, fortunate to survive and who continue to inspire me with their strength and perseverance. Because of these people, I continue to strive to increase mesothelioma awareness. The public needs to know that this is more than just a television commercial: It is a devastating disease that claims the lives of many people.
These days, I remember to savor every day and value life no matter what happens. I try to see the positive side of any bad situation, and remain grateful for everything, which I feel is the true meaning of life.
Praise God for the cures but more for the Journey that leads to deeper love, appreciation, and a stronger person in the end. Thanks Heather for sharing your personal story.
