Victorious

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“Adversity.  We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.”

After 9 years of making adjustments and coping with bad news that seemed as though it would never end, today, I am victorious.

I spent the morning at Yale for an MRI.  As I laid in the noisy tube, I reflected on the past nine years and thought about what my life would be like if the scan was clear and the tumor truly was gone for good.  For nearly one-third of my life, I have made trips to Yale for surgeries, appointments, having staples removed, and MRI’s that ranged from 3 months to one year.  Going in today, and as I laid there humming to the tapping noises emanating from the machine, I knew there was the distinct possibility that this life experience could be a thing of the past after my appointment with my doctor.  But I take nothing for granted these days, including Ashley, my best friend and the one who has been there with me every step of the day since day one, when I called her after receiving this horrifying diagnosis.

Together, we stalled in the cafeteria until my appointment. Soon after, we went up to the consultation room, he walked in and delivered the news…

“Your brain looks pristine!  Everything looks great!”  He was pretty confident after the last scan that this would be the case and reminded me that he was pretty aggressive during the last surgery, so he was not entirely surprised.  I thought I was dreaming, albeit a happy dream.  Logically, the question “What should our plan be going forward?” was presented.  After a brief discussion, it was decided that I do not need another MRI for 2 YEARS.  Yes, you read that correctly!  If I ever need anything though, I’ll know where to find him.

I have not fully digested this news yet, and it has not quite sunk in.  Fortunately, this chapter of my life appears to have drawn to a close – and I don’t say this lightly. This battle has not been mine
 to bear alone, but that of my family as well – and without all of their support, I would not be here, writing to you.  They have played such an instrumental part in my recovery and never once stopped believing in me, nor allowed me to give up on myself or dreams.

I look forward to many more years of health and sharing my stories of hope, courage and inspiration with each of you.

Cheers!

13 thoughts on “Victorious”

  5. “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound…”
    2 year follow up MRI!!!
    So extatic for this wonderful news Chris.
    Living from MRI to MRI is brutal, feels like playing Russian Roulette but with your life.
    These life events have brought you so far, and I for one am grateful for your shared experiences. Able to identify some and share your challenges, have allowed me to understand my own. Sharing your journey through this very difficult life event, has allowed me to also pull forward, and I am your biggest cheerleaders. So overjoyed over this news Chris.
    Continued best wishes,
    Vanessa

    Reply

    2. You said it! Thanks Vanessa for the kind words and reaching out! I am grateful that I get to share this journey with you and to hopefully be a source of comfort for you as you as you face your challenges. You’re a true inspiration and I am so glad that we met. Clearly, you were meant for something greater and I look forward to witnessing all that you set out to do!

      As I have stated here and on social media many times, one of favorite quotes reads “Adversity – We cannot direct the wind but we can adjust the sails.” It could not be any truer as we fight this battle. Please feel free to reach out anytime!

      Reply
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