2 years ago I was diagnosed with oat-cell of medistinum and underwent chemo and radiation x 30. Remission 1 year later, oat-cell in right mid lobe radiation x 30. Complete remission. The hospital where I am a staff nurse was so very supportive with hugs, prayers, allowing me to leave when I felt bad and not once complaining, telling me how good I looked, when I felt so bad, just overall being there for me. Even tho’ I was never completely bald, it got thin. I made fun of my wig and they loved it, so I wasn’t the least bit self-conscious. The telephone calls meant so much and the cards too. Coworkers whose names I didn’t even know would come up to me and give me a hug and tell me they had missed me, when I had been out a couple of days. This support was so loving and sincere.
During this 2 years, I really aged. Prior, no one would have guessed my age – 64 at the time – but no one even mentioned the change in my body and stance. When I questioned why I deserved this outstanding treatment, I was told that it was my attitude, which I didn’t realize that I had. I had accepted that I had a fatal type of cancer and would have to get my life in order.
Surprise is not strong enough when I got a clear x-ray of the right lung. I was amazed, because I should have been dead and was still working. Thanks to all my friends, coworkers and acquaintances, I had such loving support and so many prayers from so many, varied denominations that I just couldn’t leave yet.
Now I have been diagnosed with return of the oat-cell to the mediastinum and I am maxed out on radiation, so there is no option open, but I have already been here much longer than anyone expected, which gave me and my family time to get things organized and get used to the idea. I have had a good life and done most of the things that I really wanted to do.
Please have hope and attitude and lots of prayer. It is so important to have these things.