Three years ago today on September 28th, 2016, this doctor assembled an emergency surgical team with one day notice on a Saturday to remove a lemon sized cancerous tumor from my spine.
The surgery came just in time. Just the night before, after months of pain and inconclusive tests, I had finally lost the ability to walk. The tumor was pressing on critical nerves that were damaged and leaking spinal fluid.
On that rainy Saturday, I was operated on for 7 ½ hours. It was a miracle that I survived surgery. During the final titanium screw installation, my blood pressure dropped to zero. My heart started beating at >200bpm trying to get blood moving but it was not creating any pressure. They had to close my back quickly with staples and flip me over to do CPR to save my life. It took 90 seconds to revive me and restore blood pressure. I was gone for a full 90 seconds. My doctor’s comment was that most hearts would not have survived it.
People ask me if I had any visions or experienced anything special or profound during that 90 seconds. My answer is always yes and no. I didn’t have a “walk toward the light” moment in that time but my life has been forever changed since those 90 seconds. I don’t take any days for granted and try to make each one count. I get emotional this time of year as many memories and reminders of this journey come back.
It’s fitting that it’s blood cancer awareness month and we have a chance to give back by our participation in the LLS Light the Night Walk. It’s just one small way I’m paying forward my gratitude for how my life was changed by surviving those 90 seconds. Thank you for being generous today in celebration of this amazing story. Please make today count.
Image source: http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/health-care-inc/2013/08/seattle-science-foundation-cuts.html?page=all