I came across your blog because I typically try to reach out to moms, because I feel like they, and their readers, can relate the most to my story and gain the most from it. And of COURSE adorable little Chloe helped to seal the deal ;) I knew you'd be able to relate to my story not only because you are a mother but because you have a young little girl, just like I did when I was diagnosed.
If you follow my blog, you know that while my focus here is ultimately on crafts, calligraphy and decor, it's also a place for me to share my life's story, my struggles and all of the joys I find in being a mommy to my baby girl Chloe. I cannot imagine what Heather went through as a new mom battling a devastating disease like this, but I am incredibly inspired by her fighting spirit and her positive attitude.
Being a storyteller myself, I understand the importance of sharing and taking in the stories and journeys of others, and I hope that if any of you reading this post today are struggling with cancer or any other sickness or battle in your life today, that you will be encouraged by Heather's story.
I'll let Heather take it from here...
A Personal
Victory Over Mesothelioma
When I found out that I had cancer I was devastated and shocked. I remember it like it was yesterday, even though it happened on November 21, 2005. My doctor told me that I had malignant pleural mesothelioma. I instantly felt like my world was about to end, especially thinking about my young daughter, Lily, who was 3 ½ months old.
I had always wondered what it would be like to face a life-threatening situation. It was one of my worst nightmares come to fruition. It was at this moment that I understood that I was strong enough to face whatever came my way, for my beautiful daughter. I began to see Dr. David Sugarbaker from Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He is one of the best mesothelioma doctors in the world, and he allowed me to see that I could fight it. I began researching the disease and found the statistics to be disheartening. There are not many people who survive and live a long, healthy life after diagnosis.
I decided that I was different and that I could beat this disease. I began treatments, which were horrible and tiring. My left lung was removed in a major surgery, as well as the lining around it that housed the tumor. I underwent this procedure in Boston, which is 1900 miles from home. I missed my six-month old daughter terribly, but she stayed with my parents while I underwent treatment to try to save my life.
After the surgery I began radiation and chemotherapy. I continued raising Lily in the best way that I know how. I was not able to be well during the first year of her life, and I am thankful for all of the support I received from my friends and family. She had no idea what was going on, which was for the best. On her first birthday a large group of friends and family got together to celebrate both of our lives. I finished my final radiation treatment soon after and was determined to stay cancer free for the rest of my life.
I learned many things during my year of cancer treatment. I battled more fiercely than I could have imagined; I also learned not to take things for granted. Life is precious and I enjoy the small, beautiful moments that come my way every day. Walks in the park, Lily’s laugh and rainbows have different meaning for me now. Life is for the living and I plan to do my best to live hard each and every day.
I was lucky enough to meet a lot of people who changed my life for the better during this experience. The cancer survivors are particularly touching because I know how much they value their lives and the people around them. The people who did not make it also touch my heart because I know that they attempted to fight a terrible disease: mesothelioma. I hope to raise awareness because of them.
Each day I work to enjoy life’s precious moments. There is always something to be grateful for, and that is what life is all about.
When I found out that I had cancer I was devastated and shocked. I remember it like it was yesterday, even though it happened on November 21, 2005. My doctor told me that I had malignant pleural mesothelioma. I instantly felt like my world was about to end, especially thinking about my young daughter, Lily, who was 3 ½ months old.
I had always wondered what it would be like to face a life-threatening situation. It was one of my worst nightmares come to fruition. It was at this moment that I understood that I was strong enough to face whatever came my way, for my beautiful daughter. I began to see Dr. David Sugarbaker from Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He is one of the best mesothelioma doctors in the world, and he allowed me to see that I could fight it. I began researching the disease and found the statistics to be disheartening. There are not many people who survive and live a long, healthy life after diagnosis.
I decided that I was different and that I could beat this disease. I began treatments, which were horrible and tiring. My left lung was removed in a major surgery, as well as the lining around it that housed the tumor. I underwent this procedure in Boston, which is 1900 miles from home. I missed my six-month old daughter terribly, but she stayed with my parents while I underwent treatment to try to save my life.
After the surgery I began radiation and chemotherapy. I continued raising Lily in the best way that I know how. I was not able to be well during the first year of her life, and I am thankful for all of the support I received from my friends and family. She had no idea what was going on, which was for the best. On her first birthday a large group of friends and family got together to celebrate both of our lives. I finished my final radiation treatment soon after and was determined to stay cancer free for the rest of my life.
I learned many things during my year of cancer treatment. I battled more fiercely than I could have imagined; I also learned not to take things for granted. Life is precious and I enjoy the small, beautiful moments that come my way every day. Walks in the park, Lily’s laugh and rainbows have different meaning for me now. Life is for the living and I plan to do my best to live hard each and every day.
I was lucky enough to meet a lot of people who changed my life for the better during this experience. The cancer survivors are particularly touching because I know how much they value their lives and the people around them. The people who did not make it also touch my heart because I know that they attempted to fight a terrible disease: mesothelioma. I hope to raise awareness because of them.
Each day I work to enjoy life’s precious moments. There is always something to be grateful for, and that is what life is all about.
~Heather
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