Before
cancer, I did not know how to swim, but I am learning. Journeying through
cancer three times has taught me how.
Recently,
I was asked to speak at a luncheon for Swim Across America, an organization
that supports cancer research. Swim Across America holds an annual fundraising
event in Dallas for cancer research and clinical trials at Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer
Center. Dr. Carlos Becerra, my doctor, had graciously given my name.
Within the next couple of days, I received a telephone call.
Words
could not express my enthusiasm — how honored I was to be asked and to be able
to give my testimony as a stem cell recipient.
But,
giving my testimony made me recall experiences of my Faith Walk being
challenged to the core. It also made me realize that in life, there comes along
a word that can turn you around and that can challenge you,
that will put crazy situations all in your head. That word came three times for
me — cancer.
Therefore,
this is my testimony saying, “You can swim!” I
learned that swimming lessons involve breathing — not only learning how to
breathe but also kicking with your legs and stroking with your arms.
I think
at one point I could not breathe anymore. It felt as if someone had taken the
breath out of me. The reality of it all was that I was drowning because I did
not know how to swim.
Therefore,
this is my testimony saying, “You can swim!” I learned that
swimming lessons involve breathing — not only learning how to breathe but also
kicking with your legs and stroking with your arms.
This is
how cancer taught me to “swim,” starting with breast cancer. These are
lessons about swimming but really, more about life.
Learn how to breathe.
Faith
always teaches me to look for the benefits of life lessons. This required a
radical shift in my thinking.
The
first thing is breathing! In 2008 came the diagnosis of breast cancer. It really
crushed my heart. I could not have imagined that this was the start of my
lesson on learning how to swim. This taught me how to inhale and exhale, making
sure I knew when to take a breath and when to let go — just having basic tools
and using those techniques.
It’s
the same with facing challenges. With challenges, you have to get your tools
out.
Take it stroke by stroke.
The
swimming lesson in the year of 2015 taught me how to complete a swim stroke. I
went to my doctor’s office for a follow-up visit after having beat breast cancer and underwent a CT
scan. As a result, doctors discovered a tumor on the upper part of the cortex
of my liver.
It was
then that I was diagnosed with adrenal gland carcinoma.
I asked myself, what is that?! Just what a girl needed, but okay. Let’s take it
one stroke at a time.
Faith
always teaches me to look for the benefits of life lessons. This required a
radical shift in my thinking.
Don’t give up.
In
2017, my oncologist sent me to have a liver biopsy. I was not feeling well from
what seemed like food poisoning, so after teaching summer school, my husband
and I went to the clinic for the biopsy procedure. Never will I forget this!
The pain was real. What was supposed to be a simple procedure became painful. I
was bleeding with three hematoma on my liver, one being the tumor.
From
the clinic, the ambulance took me to Baylor University Medical Center. Not yet
knowing the degree of what was fully happening, the doctor admitted me to the
hospital. After my hospital stay, my husband Vernon and I met with this
gentleman, who told me I did not have to drown.
In
essence, be courageous! For there is hope. Secondly, do not
give up. Every lesson learned teaches perseverance, instills patience and
brings support — you are not alone!
Dr.
Becerra became my “swimming instructor.” He gave me proper lessons on swimming.
Each lesson taught me how to navigate from the deep waters of cancer back
to the shallow. One lesson was to repeat the stroke and breathing exercise
until I was able to make a stroke with each arm and complete a breath. Next,
was to pull your arm straight down and make a circular motion. Turn your head
to the right and draw a new breath through your mouth. Turn your head back and
exhale through your mouth or nose.
In
essence, be courageous! For there is hope. Secondly, do not give
up. Every lesson learned teaches perseverance, instills patience and brings
support — you are not alone!
Through
the support of Baylor University Medical Center and Dr. Becerra (thank you for
not throwing in the towel), I became a stem cell recipient. My donor was my
brother. I am happy to say that since September 13, 2018, I have not received
any chemo treatment. I am still being monitored, coming up on one year since
the stem cell transplant.
Swim
Across America, you are beautiful. You encourage and inspire. You swim in the
‘memory’ of family or friends. You honor those loved ones who courageously
continue their battle with this terrible disease. You bring hope of a better
future. What better way to celebrate life than to join and swim in their name?
And
thank you, Creator, for my Life. I am stepping up! Getting up every day!
Learn more about Swim Across
America’s efforts to support the Innovative Clinical Trials Center at
Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center. Or, get connected with cancer support
today.
This
blog post was written by Denise Robertson, cancer survivor and Swim Across
America warrior.
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