"I've always been an optimist, often accused of wearing rose-colored glasses and seeing the glass half full. Never before did that trait serve me better than when I was diagnosed with cancer. I was 36 years old, and my only child was just 3 1/2 months old.
It was on November 21, 2005 that I got my diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma. I never expected a diagnosis like that, no one does. It was supposed to be the most joyful time of my life, but I heard those three words, "You have cancer."
I had a choice. I could either give up and curse God to wallow in self-pity, crying out "Why me, God?!" Or...I could face this diagnosis head-on.
I decided to put on those rose-colored glasses and do what any mother would. I fought for my life so I could have the chance to raise my little girl.
Cancer is a true double-edged sword. It was both the worst thing that ever happened to me and a great thing. My life is forever changed for the better because of it, because I chose not to be a victim. I chose to take a terrible situation and make it better, so I lost my fear. I vowed to help other who were diagnosed with cancer, to give them hope because hope it the one thing people lose first in these situations.
Even though mesothelioma treatment is tough to endure, I did my best to find the good. I went to the worlds leading specialist in the disease, who gave me hope that I could beat it. After we scheduled the surgery to remove the tumor on Groundhog Day in 2006, I nicknamed it Punxsutawney Phil. We renamed it "Lungleavin' Day," since it was the day my lung left. Every year, we celebrate it. It's a celebration of life, of conquering my fears, and of seeing the good that comes from these bad situations. It's a celebration of hope.
If not for this cancer diagnosis, I would not know many wonderful people. Amazing, strong people who are some of the toughest and most passionate I've ever met. Other warriors against mesothelioma, people committed to raising awareness about this disease. People who are wives, husbands, sons and daughters, all who in some way have been affected by mesothelioma. I now call them my friends, and couldn't if not for my diagnosis.
My life has so much more purpose to it, and I want to continue giving hope to those who need it."
It was on November 21, 2005 that I got my diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma. I never expected a diagnosis like that, no one does. It was supposed to be the most joyful time of my life, but I heard those three words, "You have cancer."
I had a choice. I could either give up and curse God to wallow in self-pity, crying out "Why me, God?!" Or...I could face this diagnosis head-on.
I decided to put on those rose-colored glasses and do what any mother would. I fought for my life so I could have the chance to raise my little girl.
Cancer is a true double-edged sword. It was both the worst thing that ever happened to me and a great thing. My life is forever changed for the better because of it, because I chose not to be a victim. I chose to take a terrible situation and make it better, so I lost my fear. I vowed to help other who were diagnosed with cancer, to give them hope because hope it the one thing people lose first in these situations.
Even though mesothelioma treatment is tough to endure, I did my best to find the good. I went to the worlds leading specialist in the disease, who gave me hope that I could beat it. After we scheduled the surgery to remove the tumor on Groundhog Day in 2006, I nicknamed it Punxsutawney Phil. We renamed it "Lungleavin' Day," since it was the day my lung left. Every year, we celebrate it. It's a celebration of life, of conquering my fears, and of seeing the good that comes from these bad situations. It's a celebration of hope.
If not for this cancer diagnosis, I would not know many wonderful people. Amazing, strong people who are some of the toughest and most passionate I've ever met. Other warriors against mesothelioma, people committed to raising awareness about this disease. People who are wives, husbands, sons and daughters, all who in some way have been affected by mesothelioma. I now call them my friends, and couldn't if not for my diagnosis.
My life has so much more purpose to it, and I want to continue giving hope to those who need it."
Thanks Heather for sharing :) you can check out more @ :) www.mesothelioma.com/blog/
If there is anyone else out there who would like to be a guest blogger email me at jerushadesign@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment