Lucky and Grateful
By Megan Wing
Patient Advisor, Patient and Family Advisory Program
I am an Ewing's sarcoma survivor. I was diagnosed when I was 32. I had no experience with cancer except for what I had seen on television or in movies. Those were a poor window into what really happens, but that is for another time. I am here to give thanks to my caregivers. I was lucky enough to have two caregivers.
My husband, who was still the new guy at his work, took the ball and balanced our life on one finger while making sure I had everything I needed and did everything I was supposed to do. I remember before we got into the thick of it, we sat on the couch and cried in each other's arms. Then we stopped and got to work. He is my rock and I drew strength from his strength.
We made it through this together. He handled the doctors and nurses when I couldn't process anymore. He stayed up late with me at the hospital while I received chemotherapy. He shaved my head when the stubble started to fall out. But he did so much more than that. When I think back on just how much he did and how much he gave, I am in awe and I am grateful. There never was any doubt about us but had there been, our experiences in 2013 squashed it. I am beyond lucky.
I also want to give thanks to my mother. She lives in Michigan and is retired. When we asked her, she flew down immediately to stay with us for a few months. We had no idea what to expect. Having her there from the start gave us the greatest peace of mind. I can’t imagine what she went through while watching her baby girl endure treatment because my mother’s face never wavered. It felt like we were just on vacation together, enjoying each other’s company. We built puzzles and watched shows.
We went out to eat when the numbers said I could and she brought me food when the numbers said no. I was lucky to be able to do almost everything for myself but I knew she was there when I needed her, and for that, I am grateful.
To learn more about Moffitt’s Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) program, please call 813-745-4736 or email AYA@Moffitt.org.