People always told me I
must be wearing rose-colored glasses and that I always see the glass as half
full. My optimism never served me better than when I was 36 years old. I
received a deadly cancer diagnosis just three and a half months giving birth to
my first and only child.
On November 21, 2005 my doctor told me I had malignant pleural mesothelioma. It was completely unexpected and came at a time that should have been the most joyous of my life. Nonetheless, there I was, listening to those three awful words: “You have cancer."
At the moment I knew I had to make a decision. I could curse God, wallow in self-pity and then give up. On the other hand, I could face my diagnosis head on. I chose the latter. I armed myself with my rose-colored glasses and acted as any mother would: I fought for my life so I could raise my little girl.
Cancer is both the worst thing that can happen; yet it's a good thing. Those who survive it say the same thing. My life has been forever changed for the better because of my experience with it. I decided I would not be a victim. I made light of an awful situation so that my fear would be vanquished. Perhaps my strength came from the vow I made to help others with in similar situations. I vowed to give others hope because that is what people lose first and need most when receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis. Whatever would happen, I decided to see the good.
My doctor referred me to one of the world's leading mesothelioma doctors, who gave me the hope I needed to beat this thing. I called my tumor Punxsutawney Phil when I learned my surgery would be on Groundhogs Day in 2006. Now every first weekend in February we throw a party. We celebrate life, the conquering of fear, the ability to see the good in bad situations. Most importantly we celebrate hope.
If it were not for my cancer diagnosis I would not have met so many of the amazing, strong, tough and passionate people. I wouldn't have known these other mesothelioma warriors who are committed to bringing about awareness to a little known disease: whole families who have been affected by mesothelioma. I now call these people friends. My battle with cancer brought me new friends and more purpose in life: bringing hope to those who need it.
On November 21, 2005 my doctor told me I had malignant pleural mesothelioma. It was completely unexpected and came at a time that should have been the most joyous of my life. Nonetheless, there I was, listening to those three awful words: “You have cancer."
At the moment I knew I had to make a decision. I could curse God, wallow in self-pity and then give up. On the other hand, I could face my diagnosis head on. I chose the latter. I armed myself with my rose-colored glasses and acted as any mother would: I fought for my life so I could raise my little girl.
Cancer is both the worst thing that can happen; yet it's a good thing. Those who survive it say the same thing. My life has been forever changed for the better because of my experience with it. I decided I would not be a victim. I made light of an awful situation so that my fear would be vanquished. Perhaps my strength came from the vow I made to help others with in similar situations. I vowed to give others hope because that is what people lose first and need most when receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis. Whatever would happen, I decided to see the good.
My doctor referred me to one of the world's leading mesothelioma doctors, who gave me the hope I needed to beat this thing. I called my tumor Punxsutawney Phil when I learned my surgery would be on Groundhogs Day in 2006. Now every first weekend in February we throw a party. We celebrate life, the conquering of fear, the ability to see the good in bad situations. Most importantly we celebrate hope.
If it were not for my cancer diagnosis I would not have met so many of the amazing, strong, tough and passionate people. I wouldn't have known these other mesothelioma warriors who are committed to bringing about awareness to a little known disease: whole families who have been affected by mesothelioma. I now call these people friends. My battle with cancer brought me new friends and more purpose in life: bringing hope to those who need it.
Heather Von St James is a mesothelioma survivor and
a guest blogger for the Mesothelioma
Cancer Alliance. Her story is
one of hope and inspiration and she hopes to spread her message to anyone who
may be going through similar situations to her own.
Check out Heather’s story on the Mesothelioma Cancer
Alliance Blog.
I am absolutely touched by your story. My relative is currently suffering from Mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure in his workplace. I'm glad the Mesothelioma lawyer did an awesome job and he got the rightful compensation and help in paying the bills that he deserves.
ReplyDelete