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I Fought With Cancer and Won – Guest Post by Heather Von St. James

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Last month Heather contacted me about doing a guest post on my blog about her battle with Mesothelioma,  a type of cancer that kills 90-95% of those who have it and is caused by asbestos exposure.  After intense treatment she is now 7 years cancer free.   Her journey with cancer was terrifying and she wants to turn that pain into purpose and hopes to become someone that other people can look to for guidance, inspiration and hope in situations like her own.  Her story inspired me and I hope by helping her share it here that it can inspire many many others.   

If you were to ask my daughter, Lily, about my journey with cancer, she would tell you she saved my life. Even at seven years old, she understands her impact on my survival. Many people may not believe the reality behind her words, but Lily’s view couldn’t be more accurate.


I was thirty-five when my husband Cameron and I began talking about having children. We had been married for seven years, and because of my age I was concerned about becoming pregnant. After just a few months of trying, I found out we were going to have a baby!  It took three pregnancy tests to sink in, but Cameron and I were both ecstatic!

Like any new mother, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I felt anxious, nervous, and thrilled, but nonetheless, I took on the mommy role quickly. As I rubbed my expanding tummy, I couldn’t believe our precious little one was growing inside me. I spent hours contemplating what type of mother I’d be. Would I be firm or easygoing? Either way, I was sure I wanted to be a great one.

Although my pregnancy was smooth, I needed an emergency cesarean section because Lily was breech. Once I held her, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I desperately wanted to give Lily immense love, joy and protection. I wanted to help her grow into the best person she could be. During that heavenly moment, I couldn’t envision the darkness headed our way.


Three months after Lily’s birth, I was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. It was beyond devastating to hear I’d live 15 months if I didn’t begin treatment immediately. I couldn’t grasp the thought of leaving Lily and Cam alone. Because I was so mortified, Cameron took control and decided I should opt for the most radical treatment available.


This meant going to Boston where a prominent mesothelioma doctor removed my left lung, and the lining of my heart and diaphragm. I spent 18 days recovering in the hospital and two weeks in a Boston outpatient center. I then stayed at my parent’s home in South Dakota for two more months before I returned to our home in Minnesota. There I began radiation and chemotherapy treatment.


Missing out on a month of my daughter’s life was a very difficult time. Not only was I battling for my life, but I was missing my little girl grow up. Mesothelioma has a very low survival rate, but wanting to see Lily again pushed me to fight. I knew my sweet little girl needed me, so I tried to be brave as I went through my frightening journey. This is why Lily is completely truthful when she says, “I saved my mommy’s life.”



Thanks Heather for the great post!  It’s amazing how much these sweet children can help us get through hard times.  You can read more of Heather’s story here!

Comments

  1. Dear Kendra and Heather,

    How blessed am I to stumble across this blog and post today! I am a nurse, so I do understand some of what your diagnosis meant…and how amazing that your daughter can put such a “Superwoman” spin on her involvement!

    Thank you Kendra for making a space for your friend to share her story.

    Peace in Christ,
    Ceil