Originally Posted by Bill Gardner:
Mike, Thanks for the update!
I will share a short story with all of you... It was 1994, I was 23 years old and I had been diagnosed with cancer for the first time. I had to be admited to the hospital to receive 5 days of chemotherapy. It was day 2 of my 2nd round, of a 4 round chemo treatment.
Early that morning, my wife had not arrived at the hospital and myslef feeling a bit lonely, I decided to go for a walk... I rolled my IV machine outside the front entrance of the hospital and set down. I was feeling pretty down... my thoughts were not positive... I had all sorts of thoughts running through my head. I was basically feeling sorry for myself.
I seen a lady... maybe in her 50's... She had the friendliest smile... She seen me, and walked over and set down next to me... She asked, How long have you been going through chemotherapy? I replied, This is my second treatment. I then asked, what brings you to the hospital? It was her answer that changed my life forever.
She told me that her husband was just diagnosed with cancer and the doctors said he had maybe 2 months to live. Our conversation continued for several minutes... and then she got up and walked away. I am not ashamed to say that were a few tears.
I took a deep breath and then it was at that moment that I realized what in the world am I doing feeling sorry for myself... Doctors said that the chance for a cure of my cancer was 90%.... THIS LADY WAS GOING TO LOSE HER HUSBAND. Amazing how a conversation with a lady that I had never met, made me realize there is always someone with a tougher situation.
I remember leaving the hospital after my 4th round of chemo... approximately 2 months after that conversation... I was leaving CANCER FREE and the lady that made me realize that I wasn't so bad... Probably lost her husband.
I often hear comments about my attitude.... It was this lady that changed it... and she has no idea she did. I will never forget this lady.... I just wish that I had a chance to thank her.
Many years have past since then, and cancer for me has come on gone... come and gone again... and again.
Words can be powerful.... these updates of Andrew's improvement give each and every one of us added strength... whether you know it or not.
Mike 'aka' mud packer, Thanks again for the update on Andrew!!
BTW... Mr. Danny Burton:2:, the lady mentioned above... she is the hero in my book, but thanks anyway.
Bill,
First of all, thanks for following along on Andrew's journey. Second, thanks for sharing a very inspiring story. It seems no matter who you talk with, everyone or their family has been through cancer with someone they know and love. We need to hear about the inspirations in life that seems to arrive at just the right time.
When Andrew was first diagnosed with AT/RT, the doctors told us his chance of seeing his second birthday was less than 10%. Standing next to his bed, looking at this little boy with all the tubes coming out of his head, was definitely the low mark of my life. After the doctors left the room, my daughter-in-law said, "I don't know what everyone is standing around feeling sorry for themselves, we've got work to do." We all knew at that point that feeling sorry wasn't an option.
Through the power of so many people, many of them on this board, our prayers have been answered. There are no guarantees in life but all we were asking for was a shot. We have been granted that for right now. The battle continues and he is my hero for all the little guy has been through.
Bill you are a hero whether you believe it or not. Survivors are an inspiration to all of us and your courageous battle shines very brightly. I hope and pray for continued good health for you. I love this board and have met so many wonderful people through the IOW. So many more friends even if I haven't met them yet. I hope someday to meet you at the races. Take care.