Show The Love, Before It's Too Late.

Hello readers, I would like y'all to read this story. A true story of this woman who survived cancer. 

Becoming a Mother and the Lessons of Cancer 

I never saw it coming, and you are rarely given any sort of warning. In August 2005, I was elated to be a first-time mother at 36. I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl that my husband and I named Lily. It could not have been a more precious moment than holding her side-by-side with him. It felt like my family was finally complete.

I went back to work after a month from when Lily was born. It was a full-time job being a new mother and taking on responsibilities at work. I could feel something was different about my health. I didn't feel well. I didn't have any energy, and while that may be indicative of a new mother, it really seemed like no matter what I did, I was constantly exhausted and losing tons of weight. In fact, I was losing close to seven pounds a week. I really thought that something else had to be going on besides the fact that I was a new mother. Unfortunately we had no idea just how serious it was.

I went to the doctor and had a lot of tests done and just three months after Lily's birth, I found out that I had malignant pleural mesothelioma. I just couldn't believe it was inside me. Mesothelioma is an extremely rare but deadly form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. This kind of cancers only known cause is asbestos exposure, which I had gotten as a child without realizing it. I only had 15 months to live without treatment. It completely devastated me at the time. Lily and my husband were all I could think about.

We had to make the right decision about treatment. I knew that I needed extreme treatment, something drastic to get rid of this cancer. We traveled from Minnesota to Boston to see a leading specialist in mesothelioma and on February 2, 2006 I underwent an extrapleural pneumonectomy surgery. I was saved by one of the best mesothelioma doctors. The procedure involved removing the cancerous lung as well as parts of the chest lining, half the diaphragm and even some of the lining around my heart. After surgery I stayed in the hospital for 18 days, and then after another 2 months of recovery I began chemotherapy and radiation. I was also trying to be the best mother and wife that I could be during this situation but it was rough.

I missed quite a few things while I was sick, but thankfully my parents and husband were there for me. My parents were especially there to help us during our time of need. Friends also came through. As terrible as the cancer was, it really brought my family together and taught me something about the nature of tragedies. They can be terrifying, but it's also about pulling together and bringing new life into yourself and into others. I'll never forget the kindness of others as I went through my own journey with cancer. 

From what I believe, everyone has cancer cells in their bodies. It only depends on the amount & if the brain is able to detect them or not. That's why everyone must be careful of their lifestyle especially those who have family members that had them cause from what I know. It's heritage.. We must all be careful of what we eat & do. Exercise, eat healthy & do not smoke or do drugs. That is the key to health.

I wish everyone a good health & hope this story encouraged those people who have cancer/have family members/know anyone who has cancer to be strong because there is still hope to get cured.

Also, for those healthy people. Cherish your family members because we don't know what will happen next. Today they might be here, but if you're unlucky, they might not be here tomorrow.

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To read more about this woman's story, please click this link.

Let's all make an awareness on the importance of supporting these people & their friends and families.

CHEERS.