Had I not fallen, I would not have arisen.
Had I not been subject to darkness, I could not have seen the light"
- Midrash
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I'm a cancer researcher and I survived brain cancer. Saturday night. Last game of the season for my rec hockey team and I scored the most goals I ever had in a game. Five. I then stayed over night on Sunday as I was going to buy a used car nearby that Monday morning and then head to work later in the day. After breakfast, I felt tired with a small headache and went to lie down before we headed out. My dad then knocked on the door of my room and when I opened it, he asked me a question. But, I could not speak. His face indicated that something might be wrong. That's my last memory that morning of Feb 23, 2004. I had fallen into darkness, and it wasn't until two days later that I slowly opened my eyes coming out of a drug induced state at Vancouver General Hospital. I am in the process of writing my memoir, Catching the Light, of my cancer experience. It's been quite a journey through the 18+ years since my diagnosis. I would like to share the story of my unique perspective being a rare long term survivor of GBM and a cancer genomics researcher. I started as a research at a cancer clinic in 2000. Three and a half years later, I collapsed. Life of course changed forever. |
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Video of an experience during treatment showing life can go on after diagnosis
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There has been many ups and downs over the years in all aspects of my life as I am sure anyone diagnosed with brain cancer or any cancer experiences can relate to. It's only in the last few years that it's become clearer to me what I had been through, and while I have survived this devastating cancer, various side effects linger. And new ones show up.
The process of writing the memoir has been healing in itself for me; I have learned more about who I am, and feel it's important to share my story and my thoughts on why I healed. I hope my story is an enjoyable read, that you learn some things you can add to your healing journey. Perhaps most importantly provide people with hope--that one can survive this devastating cancer. I caught the light of life. And I want to pass the light onto you, so you can see that anything is possible. Complete the form below if wish to stay in touch; otherwise, please bookmark this page and check for updates. |
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| My Story in Musella Foundation Tumor Guide.pdf |
One of the many paths of my journey both figuratively and literally