Quote:
Originally Posted by PedOncoDoc
13 and a half years ago I was diasgnosed with leukemia. Chemotherapy couldn't kill the cancer, so I met the bone marrow transplant specialists who provided the only real chance for a cure.
Shortly after meeting them, I promised myself that, if I were to survive my ordeal, I would work beside them someday.
6 months of recovery, 2.5 more years of university, 4 years of medical school, 3 years of residency and 3 years of fellowship completed yesterday.
Today, when I drive in to work, I will do so as colleague to those who cared for me all those years ago (yes - at the same institution).
It took 13 years of training to keep that promise - now the real work starts and I get to pay it forward.
Life is good.
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I've volunteered with the Lance Armstrong Foundation for the past 7+ years, mostly with their young adult survivorship programs. While cancer does crush dreams and take lives, there are many more like you that I've met.....young people who go on to do great things because of the bleak diagnosis they received early in life.
I know this sounds strange, but it seems to me like a huge blessing, not curse. Like you (and Lance), they become focused, extremely productive, and have a great perspective about not sweating the small stuff. I believe some of the funniest people I've ever met are cancer survivors. Such a joy and zest for life, and I see that in many of your posts as well. You're inspiring.....thanks for sharing and all the best to you, PedOD!!
