Saying a few good words about cancer may seem a daunting task. However, lately it has occurred to me that my journey with cancer has some bright spots.
It all began on March 17, 2014. The day you learn you might have cancer is a date you never forget. On that day, the word “cancer” was never mentioned. I had been hospitalized for nearly a week with a sudden kidney failure shortly after hernia surgery.
My kidney function had dropped to 18%. The doctors told me that at 15%, I would need to start dialysis.
I had spent the week with a catheter, a most unpleasant experience. When my kidney function suddenly started to improve, I was ecstatic. I was elated when I was disconnected from all tubes, and was able to go to the bathroom on my own.
Due to be released the next morning, I was sitting in the hospital room with my life partner, Linda, and my 90-year-old mother. I was going home, and my kidneys were rapidly getting back to normal. I felt great. In the next couple of minutes, though, my life would drastically change.
