So you think you have problems?

Today's blog, is not about Art.  Today's blog is about my beautiful son James.

James is 21 years old and he was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Brain Cancer (stage 4) on 1st August 2011. That is a date I will never ever forget ~ just him and me together with the Surgeon, who had to deliver the news that would change his life forever.

How does a Mother cope with news like this? Well looking back, not very well... I lost it. And James? he went cold and clammy and into shock. There were many tears from many people in the days, weeks and months that followed.

James had everything to live for... just completed his four year apprenticeship as a Diesel Fitter for an International Crane Company.  Just purchased a 'new' car and just turned 21 years old. He was fit, happy and he thought, we thought, healthy.

During his early diagnosis, James endured two brain surgeries in two weeks, followed by radical radiation treatment and chemotherapy for 7 weeks. During the first three or so months, because James and I live in different cities, he in Brisbane and me in Sydney, I left my family to go live with  and care for him in Brisbane, taking him to daily hospital visits etc. Once he got past that intensive treatment stage I came home and he then had 6 months of regular chemotherapy.

The Doctors at the P.A. Hospital gave us a grim prognosis for James. The fact is, most people with a Glioblastoma, stage 4, do not survive very long. They also said that he would never work again and never drive a car again and, although he has no deficits as a result of the surgeries, they sent him to Palliative Care meetings.

James had his life taken away from him. Many people in his position would just give up.  Not James.
He always remained positive and kept his zany sense of humour. He was strong when those of us who love him struggled to do so.

Today... It's been 8 months since this 'journey' began. Jame is defying the Drs prognosis so far.  His MRI's are stable, the brain cancer is not growing and when he took his medical records to a Private Neurosurgeon, he got the opportunity to sit extensive tests to ascertain his fitness to work and drive again. 

Guess what? James passed every test they threw at him with flying colours! So now my son is soon returning to work and to driving. Things that the public hospital Drs said would never happen.

Of course, we do not know what the future holds for James. He may stay perfectly well for many years, or, he may not.

What I do know is that my son will continue to live passionately.  As he said to me today, "Mum, if anyone can beat this thing I can."  I believe him and I believe in him.

God bless James.

Lisa xox