Andrew

Positivity is the key to the lock of Life!

I will never forget the day that I had my first petit mal seizure! I was at work and having a morning coffee with a colleague as we discussed our weekend. We both were given the amazing gift of parenthood so our conversation was predominantly about our weekend as parents.  I was telling a story until mid-sentence, my vision became blurry and speech seemed slightly non-coherent. My friend asked me, “Are you okay?”, “What’s wrong?”, “Want me call an ambulance?”, I understood his statements but all I could do was stare at him! After about 45 seconds, I apologized and tried to continue my weekend story but was interrupted with the question: “What just happened??”. I didn’t read too much into the incident until it started to occur more often (at a hardware store, during my hockey game, on an airplane, etc).  I made an appointment with my family Doctor to explain the scenarios and she sent me to a Neurologist just to see if that would explain the petit mal seizures.  After a few test results, I was told that I had a 7-8 cm brain tumour! My wife and I were in absolute disbelief!

After acknowledging the scenario, the next task was to meet with the Brain surgeon to explain the tumour details, location, and upcoming surgery. Looking back now, I was very calm, and not in the least stressed about it. My wife waited in the waiting room as family members flew in to take care of our child. My wife was told the surgery was going well and was encouraged to go home and be with family as they ensured her that I was in good hands, which I absolutely was! A few slow recovery days in hospital and things were looking promising until the results came in, and we were told that I had brain cancer (Anaplastic Astrocytoma). I was very eager to get home so I could  prepare for my upcoming radiation treatment. After six weeks of treatment, I looked at my wife and son and was so proud to ring the bell at the hospital! The next step was to go through the six months of chemotherapy which I consider myself very lucky, as my treatment was an oral prescription so I was able to take them at home and spend more time with my family.

My wife and I had always had the desire to have two kids but accepted the fact that, under the circumstances, it may only be a dream.  Six months after my chemotherapy had finished, I got the test done and was given the go ahead to try to extend our family!  In no time, we were proud to announce that we were expecting a new addition to our family.  Our two kids are 2½ years apart (which is a bigger gap that our original plan) but they inspire us everyday and we are truly grateful! My son is now turning seven years old and my daughter is four.

I still require MRI scans twice a year and certainly have had several scares due to residual radiation appearing as a new growth, but it is certainly easier to tackle when inspired by other survivors. The most amazing conclusion is loving every day of life and focusing on the positivity!!  I am truly inspired by charities like Tough S.O.B. as they are here when we need hope and inspiration.

We are all here to support each other as positivity is the key to the lock of life!