My mom and I are cancer survivors, and we adore birthdays.
While many women dread their impending birthdays, my mom and I always welcome them as major events — annual milestones of strength, courage and tenacity. Year after year, we are reminded that we beat the odds.
Today, I celebrate my 23rd birthday.
Yes, I know that doesn’t sound too old. In fact, every single day people tell me I’m so young and that I have so much time left to accomplish goals and live my dreams. What they don’t realize is that for me, the simple act of reaching 23 was my dream. Because of my cancer, my mom didn’t think I’d make it to my teens, let alone my twenties.
I was only 7 months old when I was diagnosed with a rare disease called Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH). The cancer formed lesions on various parts of my body. Spots were scattered across my skin. Misdiagnoses and a lack of awareness among doctors made finding the proper treatment almost impossible. LCH may occur at any age, but it’s most common in young children, making it a devastating diagnosis for any parent.
Everyone was terrified.
One doctor painted a bleak outlook for my mom: If I reached the age of 2, there was hope I could survive. She couldn’t stop thinking about me getting to my second birthday. She counted down the months, weeks and days hoping and praying for me to make it just a bit longer.
I did reach my second birthday.
My mom hosted a huge party. Family and friends gathered in our backyard to celebrate life. Their help gave my mom and me the support we needed. Together, we celebrated the best of birthdays. Another major milestone accomplished.
But I wonder, what were people thinking back then? Were they surprised this celebration actually happened? Did they fear this might be my last birthday?
Turning 2 did not put me in the clear. My cancer continued to progress, developing a tumor behind my left eye. A craniotomy (a surgery where a section of the skull is removed to access the brain), plenty of steroids and a cocktail of chemotherapy drugs started me on the path to recovery.
Cancer remission came five years later with a warning from doctors: The cancer may return, so make the most of every day.
Don’t Wait for Your Birthday to Celebrate Life
How many times have you heard “live every day to the fullest” or “make the most out of every moment”?
They may sound like platitudes, but take it from a cancer survivor: Those words are my personal mantras that I share with others.
I share those thoughts daily with the mesothelioma community, a growing family of cancer survivors, caregivers and others who have lost a loved one to the terminal cancer.
Every day, I strive to provide messages and conversations of hope to boost the spirits of people experiencing the toughest battle of their lives — mesothelioma cancer. Much like LCH, mesothelioma is a rare cancer with a grim prognosis.
Celebrate every single day. Whether you are battling LCH, mesothelioma or this sometimes challenging journey called life, always find a reason to celebrate.
I recently read a story about Kathy A., a five-year mesothelioma survivor. A quote from the 72-year-old traveler spoke to how I live my life: “I make a lot of excuses now to celebrate my life.”
Many cancers, including mesothelioma and LCH, are incurable. Thankfully, medical advancements are making it possible for survivors to enjoy longer lives. There is hope. There most certainly are reasons to celebrate.
While today is my birthday, I ask that you, too, celebrate this amazing day. There will never be another today. And as cheesy as it sounds, make the most of it.
Reach out to your friends and family; tell them you love them. Do something you love. Celebrate today.
