My Malignant Tumor, Wild Bill
I always believed I'd live to be 83, though I never knew why that specific age. Now I'd be grateful to reach 58, when my daughter Rachel (who's actually my niece) will be old enough at 12 to understand what's happening. I'm thankful for each morning I wake up, whether it's sunny or rainy. Mornings give me the most hope.
About two and a half years ago, I nearly died when a malignant tumor on my adrenal gland ruptured. The tumor was so unusual that five medical centers couldn't identify it - I nicknamed it "Wild Bill." After successful surgery and recovery, I lived normally for two years, passing regular checkups with my oncologist.
Then after New Year's, my health declined. An MRI revealed "Wild Bill" had returned. During the followup surgery, they "couldn't get it all" - though I received conflicting explanations about what that meant. I fell into depression, losing weight and sleep, even wishing I had died during the first tumor incident.
My recovery was gradual. Chemotherapy, surprisingly, gave me hope. Reading about others who survived against the odds helped too. With support from a friend and priest, I learned to pray again, now doing so nightly with Rachel.
Looking back, I would have missed so many beautiful moments had I died that night: my older son publishing his book, my younger son's acting success, my daughter building a home with her boyfriend, Rachel learning to ride a bike and read, reconnecting with old friends, saying goodbye to my father. I've learned we never really know what life holds, so I cherish each day, feeding birds, planting flowers, helping Rachel with homework. Hope is what keeps me going - with it, I can do my best to get well.
Adapted by the story “Wild Bill” written by Mary L. Rapp featured in Chicken Soup for the Surviving Soul.
For more information on how HuMOLYTE can support your gut health during chemotherapy, visit our product page or consult your health care provider.
This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.
