This woman had such an inspirational story I could not help but post when she asked to guest post on Kody's blog ...... feel free to comment below
The first-year birthday party of my daughter Lily was no ordinary celebration. The occasion marked some important milestones that drew family and friends from all over the country. Not only had I survived to join the celebration, but also I had nearly finished my chemotherapy and radiation treatments. On November 21st, 2005, I thought my world had ended. I was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. The frightening news was so much worse because my infant daughter, Lily, was only three and-a-half months old at the time.
One of my greatest fears had come true: I had a deadly form of cancer, and it was highly unlikely I would live to see my daughter’s first birthday. The news was devastating for so many reasons. I experienced all the classic anger and anguish, wondering why I had to face the problem when my child was only an infant. If you ever wonder how such a diagnosis might affect you, believe me it can be an eye-opening experience. Lily was my only child, and I feared I would never see her walk, speak her first word, or start school.
Somehow I found the strength to face the problem, with help from friends, family, and my doctor. I was referred to one of the world’s top mesothelioma specialists—Dr. David Sugarbaker—who practiced in Boston at the famous Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The upbeat doctor gave me cause for renewed hope, despite the grim statistics that face mesothelioma patients. Only two percent of patients diagnosed with the virulent cancer survive more than five years.
The doctor helped me face the battle for my life with renewed hope that I could beat the odds and become one of the two percent of people who survived. Two out a hundred make poor betting odds, but I had an ace in the hole—my daughter Lily. I faced the surgery in Boston 1900 miles from home, and my parents remained behind to care for Lily. I had my left lung and surrounding lining removed entirely while my baby girl turned six months old.
The next months required extensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments, but I also had to raise Lily so she could get to know her mother. I refused to let my illness compromise how I raised Lily, because it was equally important for me to enjoy my daughter’s childhood while I still could. I was very sick that entire year, but I was able to maintain a normal relationship with some help from friends and family members.
Lily’s first birthday drew all our friends and family to celebrate her birth and the upcoming completion of my treatments. The party will forever be one of my fondest memories. I finally finished the last radiation treatment only one month short of the one-year anniversary of the cancer diagnosis. I vowed to work hard to remain free of cancer for Lily and my family.
I have learned many things from that frightening year and all the years since. The cancer has changed my outlook on life, making me appreciate the little things that most people take for granted. Life’s ups and downs make life worth living, and time is too short to take anything for granted.
Fellow patients I have met on my journey inspire me to raise public awareness of the deadly condition. The disease afflicts real people and families, and it is not just some television movie of the week. I have watched friends fight and lose their battle, and I will never forget the courage and tenacity of these mesothelioma warriors. I share the joy of each survivor, but I still find myself amazed at the sheer willpower each survivor draws upon to fight the disease.
I continue to try to live my life to the fullest extent possible, enjoying every extra moment I have been granted. Like everyone, I have bad days, but I try to find something to brighten each day, because things could always be much worse. Appreciating life itself is the most important gift of all, at least to me.
Want to check in on our lovely lady? This is her blog www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/heather
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