After a what seemed to be a routine tonsilitis operation, I could not understand why the Doctor had called me back to his office so soon. Little did I know at that moment I was in for the surprise of my life. Yet, today, I can still hear the words echoing out of the doctor's mouth. "Steve, You have cancer of the throat, and 8 jellybean sized cancerous tumors in your lymph nodes in your neck" cut and dry. Just Like THAT he uttered these words:
You have less then a year to live.
That is when the tears started to flow and the reality set in that I have CANCER!
That being said, My Cancer drama started Feb 26, 2007. At the time, I recall how calm I was. That of course would soon change as a mirage of scenerios went through my mind. Then I went about asking the doctor, "So, How do I beat this thing?"
This smug Doctor, with no compassion and concern in his voice at all for my personal welfare, (at the time I had no insurance) said: Well, you will need a radical neck dissection, that could put you out of commission for about 3-4 months, and then he uttered the most shocking news besides the possibility that I would die,,,, You may never be able to talk again.
GEEZE, I started to panic...How will I survive? How will I be able to make a living?....Sales is all I have ever known....What will my wife do? my family!!! I almost fainted from this overwhelming sensation of fear. Then I remembered my Tony Robbins training about FEAR- (False - Evidence - Acquiring - Reality) and survival mode was kicking in. It was at that point I made up my mind. God willing, I WAS GOING TO SURVIVE. Not only did I make up my mind that I was going to survive, I re-focused my mind that I was going to rededicate my life, and perform life at the highest level possible.
Shortly after the bad news, I got a second opinion, I was referred to another doctor, Dr. Anita Pomeranz at the Nevada Cancer Institute. This angel directly appointed from God not only helped save my life, she helped give me the courage to fight like hell. Doctor Pomeranz then broke the news to me that I could not eat for 6 months or longer. I had to get a JPEG tube inserted in my stomache and had to go on a liquid diet. so much for steak and beer! (*On a positive note: I ended up losing 70 lbs. However I don't recommend the cancer diet for ANYONE!)
April 23, 2007 ,,,,I went on a program of Chemotherapy and had Radiation treatments for 7 weeks. It was grueling and I was constantly tired and worn out. The constant spitting up of blood, was absolutely the lowest point of my life. But, I prayed everyday, and as I begged God everyday to heal me, the lord delivered instant peace and comfort to me. With in days of starting treatment the bleeding in my throat stopped. I was still tired and exhausted (I would sleep 18 hours a day) Thank God for my broker..She was so helpful..Michele Sullivan was there for me. She helped with my closings and made sure I got paid and totally supported me. Then I started to realize about how lucky I was to have the people that were around me....slowly, and methodically, I constantly would think positive thoughts about how fortunate I was about everything in my life...good and bad. (when your sick, things like this happen) slowly but surely, I got better. I struggled. I was constantly vommiting everday from the treatment, I embraced this,,,,because I was still alive to vomit. my body would shake with weakness. GOOD! THAT MEANS I AM STILL HERE! It was this day August 23, 2007 that I realized that you have to embrace the Good, and the bad in life to live. What a life lesson!!!! It was at this moment I learned to make everything passionate no matter how trivial and small. even small things like being able to open a door, or walking outside, or being able to dress myself.
So, to make a long story short, My Cancer drama just ended October 22, 2007! I just got my tube removed from my stomach and The doctor told me I escaped from a tangerine size tumor in my neck (the worst he had ever seen) all my lymph nodes were clear! It was a MIRACLE!!!
The moral of the story and my personal message to the active rain community is this: No matter how good or bad things are going, count your blessings daily, hug your family, realize how lucky you are to live, AND LIVE PASSIONATELY EVERYDAY!
Steve - Thanks for sharing. I'm glad you're doing so much better now. After 8 months of yuck! Here's to a lifetime of good health, happiness and good times!
Steve, This is an amazing story told by a man of courage, grace and conviction....thank you for being who you are and for bringing this message to all of us.
I'm thankful for your return to health and for your long and good life here on earth....
Jo
Steve - How very inspirational. I was so pleased to read of your great progress. It took determination and courage for you to confront this head on like you did. I too wish the very best for you!
Kathy
Steve: WOW! I had no idea you were going though this! I love your blog posts and someone posted about your bird dog post awhile back and I commented how I wish you posted more!
I am glad everything is going to be OK for you now. What a scary time in your life!
Steve, Wonderful news! Doctors should be more careful about handing down the death sentence. Miracles happen! You gotta believe. Continued victory and blessings to you! Nice to meet you
Ginger
Paul, I too did not smoke cigerettes. You do not choose cancer...cancer chooses you..When I found out that 52% of Americans will have some form of cancer in their lifetime, that is when I decided to write about it online. Thank you for your kind words Paul!
Steve Harless - www.ViewLasVegasRealEstate.Com
Thank you Active Rain Members....with out you I would not have made it!
Steve Harless - ViewLasVegasRealEstate.Com
Thank you linda...being a Grand Prairie Texas NATIVE....I REALLY APPRECIATED THIS FROM YOU!
Steve
Thanks Adam! I have to pinch myself sometimes...I still Cannot believe I am still here sometimes! CHEERS! HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!
Steve
Steve!!! You r da man. You fought as a lion and deserved the happy end.You r a great inspiration to all people.
And just remember"What doesn't kill me will only make me stronger"
Steve, thanks so much for sending this link to me via email this morning. I am thankful to have read your story of courage and faith more than you could possibly know.
Thanks for surviving STEVE...
John Hurbon
Benson, AZ
Congrats on your victory! It's a difficult battle and takes a strong will
I bear witness to the lord for his kindness and his grace; for this is a wonderful life! enjoy everyday like it is your last! Thank you for your encouraging words John & Joe!
thanks matte. I pray none of my family friends, and fellow realtors EVER go through this.
steve
Wow. Good for you Steve. Your a figher.
But, I prayed everyday, and as I begged God everyday to heal me, the lord delivered instant peace and comfort to me.
The moral of the story and my personal message to the active rain community is this: No matter how good or bad things are going, count your blessings daily, hug your family, realize how lucky you are to live, AND LIVE PASSIONATELY EVERYDAY!
Hi Steve,
What a remarkable story. Thank you for reminding us what life's really all about.
Steve-Thanks for sharing such a personal story to your AR family. You said it best almost a year ago "It was this day August 23, 2007 that I realized that you have to embrace the Good, and the bad in life to live. What a life lesson!" I am sure you can say what a difference a year makes. I hope your good health continues.
Joe
thank you joseph for your kind words
I ran across your life story and it still inspires and motivates me. I worked last week on a cleaning crew to help a friend's business in Tucson. Refugees in a work program who had been held 17 years in a camp and I was so blown away by their story, I cried on the way back home because I saw the spirit of survival so clearly and it has become a part of my thinking now. Never give up.
John: I am in no pain these days, and have made a full recovery.Thank you for your comments...it means a lot to me. However my mission now is to help those who cannot help themselves. We need to find a cure for this disease.
updated...I am still alive.
Good! Your story is part of what inspired me to quit smoking.
Stick around. There's more living to do. :)
Amanda: A year ago today was the day I was scheduled to die.
I am SOOOO happy to be hear with you and the rest of AR!
If you could see me in a wheelchair, with grey skin and barley able to talk.....that was me a year ago!!!! I made it, because of people like you.....I am happy you quit smoking and dont want to see you go thru the pain I went though! thanks for your friendship and always enteraining comments
Wow! I cannot imagine being told that you are going to die on a certain date? That's crazy. I want to know what you were doing one year ago yesterday.
It seems to me that you have 2 birthdays.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Steve - thanks for sharing and for the reminder of what is really important. I too survived the Big C - got the same call from my OBGYN - wanted to see me in his office following a routine exam. I never doubted - I knew it was something I simply needed to get thru - dying was never a consideration or an option. I knew I had more of life to live. Congratulations to you on your commitment and willingness to LIVE ON!
A year ago today, I as learning how to swallow liquids, as food hurt my throat after 7 weeks of radiation treatments, and weeks of Chemotherapy. The chemo was the worst....I would throw up so hard after the treatments my eyes were crosseyed. Thank God, he saved me....to bear witness to his glory and mercy, for certainly I was going to die.
Kathleen: thans for sharing your story....some people do not know how lucky they truly are!!!
Steve-Thank you for sharing your story. I too am a survivor of cancer. I was 44 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I have been cancer free for 5 years now. It is by the grace of God I am still here and it makes you realize just how precious life is when you come so close to losing it. It is the strong will and determination combined with a positive attitude that truly does make the difference. There is a saying "It's not what happens to you in life, its how you handle it. Sounds like you handled it beautifully. God Bless
You Go Pat! Glad To see a fellow survivor! - You handled it Perfect!
How truely amazing! Thanks for sharing your story. I am going to print this out for my Mother in Law. She was just diagnosed yesterday with cancer in her face and possibly in her neck as well.
Steve. it is amazing how the cncer scare can henge your outlook. My husband has been cancer free for 3 years noe - he believes it was meant to teach him the tue value of life. God Bless You, Karen
Tiffany: Ill be glad to talk to her. Cancer has taught me the value of life and to never give up! I wish her the best
Steve,
Thanks for sharing your story. I am glad you got a second opinion. The first doctor seemed to
have missed the lesson on bedside manners.
Brenda: its ok now...The sole purpose of this story is to prepare people if this happens to them...live and learn. thanks for coming by...
Still Alive and Kicking! Thank You God!
way to go! you are a true inspiration
still alive and kickin!
Thank You lord....for all you have done!
Steve,
Thank you for sharing your story.
Hearing those words, "I'm sorry to tell you that you DO have cancer; the good news is that it's in the earliest stages..." was shocking. Of course, I found it hard to believe "if you are going to have it, it's the BEST kind to have." Yeah, right! *laughs*
But I was lucky. I know that.
As I have read your words, I am inspired by you. I believe that we are given situations in life just at the moment we need to have them.
Having been diagnosed changed my life...for the better. As funny as it sounds, I am glad that I was diagnosed. Only someone who has gone through any dx of cancer will understand that. It taught me how to LIVE.
Anyway, just wanted to thank you again for sharing this story. I also welcome you to read through some of my writings at my site: http://www.associatedcontent.com/corallevang . Please bookmark and visit often! You never know when I might have something to say about you! ;-)
Continued blessings, Steve.
Coral