18 years ago, I was diagnosed with large B-cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and was told if treatment didn't work I would have up to 6 months to live. I had an aggressive treatment of CHOP+R which allowed me to be here writing this today. But cancer is only a small part of my story, my story continues on.
When one gets so close to death's door one realizes how precious every moment of life is. I remember so vividly not wanting to close my eyes because I was afraid that I would not be able to open them again. I remember lying in a hospital bed looking at some pretty yellow flowers outside with butterflies hovering around and hoping that I would be able to get up and see it better. I had to re-learn how to walk and to hold a pen to write without my hands and body shaking.
And so post cancer for the past 18 years I continue to live life to the fullest - to be kind to every living being, to bravely take chances, to go on crazy adventures, to learn as much as I can, to explore this world, to thread the earth gently and slowly, never being in a rush but savoring every precious moment of life. I am still left with many health issues which may slow me down but I will never let them stop me. I do my best to take good care of myself.
I truly believe that my faith in God is what helped me go through those difficult times and continues to gave me the courage to persevere and to truly live every moment. It is true where the scriptures say "He will never leave us alone".
Others tell me that I am an inspiration to them, but to me I am just humbly doing the best I can with this second chance at life that God has graciously allowed me to have. I live according to my own conscience and convictions despite the opinions of others. I have peace and I am happy. I cannot get that time back but I can do the best in this present moment and in all the moments of my life to come; that will be the true measure of the sum of my life.
I am and will continue to be a survivor!
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