Thinking out loud, I’m not too sure most people are really grateful for their gifts of time, assuming their time for granted. Facing one’s mortality, turns your perspective on life, it is forever changed. Speaking from experience, my diagnosis of ‘brain tumor” in late May 1989, made me freeze like a chunk of ice. Those two words next to each other are incredibly overwhelming and terrifying at the same time …absolutely devastating. On the other hand, after being doubted by various physicians for over a year, and given many ridiculous diagnosis’s, I felt a sense of relief to finally know what was causing all my symptoms. Truthfully, I was angry my tumor was ignored along with my symptoms for a year, while it was actively growing. Perhaps they need to listen to their patients closer. Thankfully, I researched and found an amazing neurosurgeon. I am forever grateful to him. Finally I could go after this “thing “ and in a few months I’d be good as new……so I THOUGHT…I had no idea this was a serious ordeal that would continue for the rest of my life. MRIs would be taken forever, along with a host of new neurological terms I had never heard of. Onward.
Next came the grim diagnosis. My glioma had returned and I required a second craniotomy. Next followed 6 weeks of radiation and a year of chemotherapy. No one said my journey was going to be a picnic. Despite the odds I was given, there was zero chance I was going to allow anyone to assume I’m going to be another statistic on their graph. They had no right. After all they didn’t know me, and what I believed I could do for myself. I am a positive, proactive person, an individual. I’m not part of a group of masses of people. I had two little boys to raise, and I was determined to beat this beast, then and now. I’ve proved this all matters. Looking back, my battle was well worth it. My sons are now adults and I’m a grandma of two little boys!
I was determined not to become a statistics; a black line on a graph. After all I’m an individual. Not in a group of masses of people. I was going to prove them all wrong. These doctors knew nothing about me, they had no idea of my mind set and what I knew I could do for myself. This matters.
Unfortunately six years post op, my glioma returned and required a second craniotomy, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. None said my journey was going to be an easy ride. But looking back, that’s OK- I’m blessed to be active in my now adult son’s lives and I’m a proud grandma of two adorable boys!
And, I AM really grateful for my gifts of time. ☺
Sheryl R. Shetsky, aka Diva | Founder and President
Florida Brain Tumor Association