Tomorrow, June 7, is National Cancer Survivors Day. I was debating whether to write this, but I thought maybe someone else going through this might find some strength in my story.
On November 19, 2022 I had several major seizures and I went into cardiac arrest for 8 minutes. The doctors told Bonni and the kids to expect the worst in the next 24 hours and that they might have to make some tough decisions. When I got through that, I was in the ICU for about a week. Then I was in MCR for the next 41 days. They ran every test known to medical science, sometimes multiple times. They found that I had a brain tumor, as well as Kidney cancer. Latter they also discovered that I had a sabaceous carcinoma, as well as something on my thyroid. I had brain surgery and thankfully the tumor was benign. I got home and had to learn everything again. Walking, writing my name, everything. In the next two and a half years I had 8 surgeries. I had one kidney removed as well as my thyroid. Multiple lymph nodes removed, a port placement, and a tumor the size of a baseball removed from my back. I also went through 30 radiation treatments, 17 immunotherapy treatments. More MRIs, catscans, ultrasounds, x-rays, and blood draws then I care to remember.
I got through it, I don't know how but I did. I'm not a strong person. I cried a lot. I was terrified that I was going to die. But I had no choice, I wasn't just going to lay down and die.
Step by Step, day by day I went forward. Where there setbacks? Oh yes. I got to ring the bell twice. I rang it for me and those who never got the chance to ring it. I rang it loud and proud. The first time, I almost ripped it off the wall.
But I couldn't have done it alone. Im not going to mention any names, except for Bonni and the kids, because my memory isn't what it used to be and I don't want to offend anyone.
I have an amazing care team. The Drs, nurses, ma's, the cna's, even house keeping. I cant say enough and thank you just seems so inadequate. I literally owe you my life.
To my special friends and neighbors. Thank you so much for every thing you did and still do. I hope someday I will be able to repay you, but I know what you would say.
Bonni and the kids. My love for you all is so much deeper. Our relationship has grown in ways I couldn't even begin to imagine.
And my grandson, yes I'm poppa Jim, you gave me a reason to go on, not that I didn't have many. The next granddaughter I will love just as much.
I could write a book of thanks, but I will just tell each one of you separately when I see you.
I don't know why I was chosen to stay and others did not. Why I have so many special friends. I'm a lot slower, get tired way easy, don't have all of my original parts, walk with a cane, but the world is sweeter to me, and each day is a gift. Like the song I have listened to way to much says, I hope some day you get the chance to live like you were dying.
Jim Lafferty, proud cancer survivor.
You must be logged in to post a comment.