Where to begin, well I could begin in 1986 when I came into this world, but I’ll spare all of those details. I will begin with May 2, 2012. Now seeing that I was born in 1986, then you can see that I am only 26 years old. May 2nd was the day that my whole entire world changed. It was the day that I found out that I would be in for the fight of my life because I had been diagnosed with liver cancer.
Not only would I have to get use to the constant yellowing of my skin, but I also had to get use to my whole life and the way I lived it changing. I wasn’t sure how to handle the news and wasn’t sure what to tell my loved ones. I chose to not tell them and go on this battle alone. That was when I learned my first lesson from all of this, you cannot and should not do it alone.
This journey is not only for you to change, fight, and grow but also for the ones around you. I was told several times that the things that I was going through with treatments was effecting those closest to me as well, and that they were gaining new perspectives from it all. That was one of the first and toughest lessons I learned because I had always been this very independent child and carried that into my adulthood.
The next lesson I would learn would be one of self worth (but I am certain there isn’t enough time to write about that – ha ha). Through this all, I have learned to have a sense of humor, that is very important. I have also learned that there is always hope. That’s the funny thing about people, they lift you up, sometimes without even realizing it. A single bit of hope can go a long way, and when you have several people all around you that are holding onto that tiny mustard sized bit of hope and faith, then it can speak volumes.
I suppose what I’m hoping for anyone taking the time to read this is that they will know and believe that they should not have to go this journey alone. Even if you don’t think so, there are people who care and love you. You do not have to do this alone.
Cassie
Oklahoma
Submitted 12-29-2012
The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
This article is intended to convey general educational information and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.