Catching
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A Cancer Researcher's Journey Through Brain Cancer |
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Photo of me: David Butterfield (my father)
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“Yaron Butterfield is a beloved member of our brain tumour community. His courage, resilience, creativity and positive attitude inspire brain tumour patients, their families and health care professionals to live our lives as well as possible, despite the challenges we all must face.”
- Rosemary Cashman MA, MSc(A), NP(A), Nurse Practitioner, BC Cancer
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He studied cancer for a living. Then he had to survive it. 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 overnight 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 close to finishing writing my memoir, Catching the Light, about my cancer experience. It's been quite a journey through the 22+ years since my diagnosis. I would like to share the story of my unique perspective as a rare long-term survivor of GBM and a cancer genomics researcher. I started as a researcher at a cancer clinic in 2000; three and a half years later, I collapsed. Life 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, and that you learn some things you can add to your healing journey. Perhaps most importantly, to provide people with hope--that one can survive this devastating cancer. I caught the light of life, And want to pass the light to you. Complete the form below if you wish to stay in touch; otherwise, please bookmark this page and check for updates. |
Coming soon!!
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My story on p.278. A very good comprehensive guide for newly diagnosed.
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Had I not fallen, I would not have arisen.
Had I not been subject to darkness, I could not have seen the light"
- Midrash
One of the many paths of my journey both figuratively and literally