Today, April 22, 2013 marks seven years since I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia . That's a pretty big milestone for me because on that day back in 2006 the doctor informed me that this type of leukemia had a less than 20% survivor rate after five years. Did it damn near killed me? Yes! Did it leave me crippled in a wheelchair? Yes! Did it take away my joy? No not at all! I like to joke that the doctors did everything they could, but I survived anyway…
I visited my oncologist two weeks ago and although my platelet count was a little low it has been low the entire seven years and it has not fluctuated up or down. All of my other lab results were in the normal range and the doctor told me we could switch to only seeing each other once a year instead of the every six months routine that I have been going through. I'm thankful for so many things not least of which as I'm still able to think clearly and communicate verbally with those around me. People ask me "has just tested your faith?" and I say of course it has but my faith remains unshaken. Like so many things in life people misunderstand what the opposites are. In this instance the opposite of faith is not doubt as most people presume. The opposite of faith is fear. And in all this time (seven years) of pain and doubt and wonder and love I have not had one moment of fear that my God has forsaken me or somehow abandoned me. When I started this blog in July 2009 my intent was to reach out and let other people know that despite how bad you think it is in your life there's always hope, and just because someone told you there was no reason for you to have hope... It is perfectly okay to ignore that.
I never thought four years later I would still be writing this, and yet here I am, still alive and well and just as awesome as I ever was before all of this happened.
I'm quoting the lyrics from a song by Rare Earth... "I just want to celebrate ya ya another day of living"
6 comments:
...and ain't it a beautiful thing :-)
You are a testament to it is not what happens to us that is so important but how we deal with it...and a positive attitude can get us through anything. :)
You're an inspiration,more than you will ever know. :)
It's good to hear from you and to know that you are full of so much spirit. You inspire me.
I so remember that song and loved it then-love it now.
God bless you, Kurt, for what you have been through. There have been many, many tests in my life that I shared with you in the past (for some strange reason!;>) but I have always known where my true hope lies. You are an inspiration!!!! xo Diana
Glad to have met you. Much wellness to you in the next 4 years.
I do not know all that you have been through in the last seven years, but Diana said it has been extreme. I agree with the opposite of faith being fear. I am so glad that you clung to that faith through it all. He has plans for you. There is a reason you are here.
I have to use a chair when I am out, but can still get around at home. They have written me off many times and miss diagnosed me in the past. I spent a six year stretch never leaving the house or even getting dressed. I started my blog then, too. I have new doctors, better ones this time and since I am still here, God is not finished with me yet. I am a better person because of this and there is a reason for it all.
Keep your faith. Life is a test to see who makes it to Heaven. I hope I pass when this is all over. ;)
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