During the second week of June--that's the 11-15--YA Author Elana Johnson is hosting the Never Surrender blogfest. This is something anyone, anywhere can participate in.
All you have to do is blog about a time you didn't surrender. Trained for a marathon? Queried agents? Had to study for an entrance exam? I'm looking for inspirational stories that you have experienced. Hard things you've accomplished because you didn't give up. She wants to be inspired by you!
I have always had an attitude of perseverance, or maybe just stubbornness, but today I decided to post on what I believe is the root of it all.
When I was about 18 months old, my parents started to notice some problems. One things led to another and it was discovered that I had a Wilms Tumor, a childhood cancer that affects the kidney.
I had one of my kidneys removed then went through chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Thankfully I don't remember much about this because I was so young. One thing I do remember is the first time I didn't cry when they started the chemo treatment. There were no ports back then so it went straight into my skin as a shot or blood draw. They strapped a board to the back of my elbow to keep it straight during treament.
Another thing I remember is jumping up and down on my parents bed, looking in the mirror, and seeing my hair grow back! By this time, I was about 4 years old but it was a BIG DEAL!
This was in the early 70s so not much was known. I guess I was a bit of a guinea pig and part of a clinic so they could talk about my case. I had to go back every year until I was 18 for a check up.
For the most part, now I don't even notice any difference other than the scar going all the way down my stomach. In 2000, I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure as a result of the chemo drug...(And my coaches used to tell me I was just out of shape!) I'm on a few medications for that and I can be confident that I will never be a star athlete but I am here!
You have a strong survival instinct.
ReplyDeleteAlive is a good place to be!
ReplyDeleteThe strong will survive.
ReplyDeleteYou're a survivor! Thank you for sharing your story with us.
ReplyDeleteThanks goodness you don't remember much. What a way to start life.
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspiring story. Even though you don't remember much, I'm sure it made you very strong mentally.
ReplyDeletethanks for telling part of your amazing life!
ReplyDeleteOh, wow. You definitely are a survivor and haven't surrendered. :)
ReplyDeleteHow scary that must have been for your parents! And funny the little things you remember from the experience. I like Alex's comment - Alive is a good place to be!
ReplyDeleteThere is a little boy around the corner from where we live who had/has this. So sad when the littlest ones have to go through these treatments.
You set the tone early for how you approach obstacles! Good for you! :)
ReplyDeleteWow! You sure are here! You're a fighter, indeed. None of the rest matters without our lives, so go, you!!
ReplyDeleteWow, that sounds like a scary part of your life! But you lived and being alive is great! :)
ReplyDeleteYou are a true survivor! What an inspiration. So glad you made it through as a child. You must have awesome parents. ;D Your positive attitude is going to take you far.
ReplyDelete