May 31, 2011: Surgery
October 12, 2011: Chemo treatment finished
It's baffling to see how short treatment for breast cancer can be but also to experience the long recovery with a loved one. The excitement of the acceptance to Deerfield was on hold since my mother was diagnosed with cancer on May 2nd, 2011. She would have to go through the deleterious battle against cancer, confirmed on March 2nd. My dad, sister, and I were confounded while my mom sat on her bed in bewilderment. Discovering that women have a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer in their lives, we thought the odds were in our favor. But why MY mom? "Never did she think she would be in the center of the fight."
Even though going through a 12 hour surgery seemed overwhelming and scary to say the least, my mother had the support of her family, friends, and CBS. CBS ran a story of my mother and our family through this process, which you can find below. The battle did not end after the surgery, although she was cancer free. The chemo process was just as bad, even worse than the cancer itself. The chemo makes sure to kill any remaining cancerous cells if there are any left. But mom losing her hair was second to the pain of the process.
The road to recovery is still onward and upward for my mother as she regains her strength slowly but surely by reciting the rosary. We thought it was our cancer since we were so close to her. We battled the evil with her. My sister said it best: "Let's run cancer out of town!" Even though I will be in France for SYA, my family and I will be creating a team to raise money for breast cancer research soon like we have for the past six years so look out for a link. Thank you for your support. Let's fight this together.
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/video/6274987-amy-bowllans-story/
Great post John, I've lived the same experience you and your sister lived having a mother diagnosed with breast cancer. I was 17 and all alone facing that difficult time. Now my mum is 82 and she is the kind of "globe trotter" never giving up or feeling "depressed" and as she say: "not yet old to stay with other fellows" :). So I can say I understand your words nicely. Though what I like most is the committment this experience has lead you and your sister to stand in prime line and raise awareness through your initiative on this urgent issue. It is inspirational for many children and youth . I was thinking, if you like the idea, to host an interview with you and your sister as well (a double voice interview) for the Kabiliana project (where I also interviewed your mum some time ago) and share your activism with other young readers, educators and parents so that may not only support this cause but also be a source of inspiration to others. If you think it worths then you can connect with me. all the best valentina
ReplyDeleteYes! We would love to do an interview for the project! The sooner the better, preferably before school starts. But just let us know when and we would be glad to. Thanks for the opportunity!
DeleteGreat John send me an e-mail address on FB message where I can forward you my questions and if you want send me a picture you'd like to post.
ReplyDeleteHere John the link to the interview. Thank's! http://kabiliana.blogspot.it/2013/08/inspirational-youth.html
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