Pearls of Wisdom

“Did you know that an oyster that has not been wounded in any way does not produce pearls? A pearl is a healed wound.

Pearls are a product of pain, the result of a foreign or unwanted substance entering the oyster, such as a parasite or a grain of sand.

The inside of an oyster shell is a shiny substance called “nacre.”

When a grain of sand enters, the nacre cells go to work and cover the grain of sand with layers and more layers to protect the defenseless body from the oyster. As a result, a beautiful pearl is formed! The more pearls, the more valuable.

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There is no pain without a purpose. We may not always understand that purpose in that specific moment, but that purpose will reveal itself at the most appropriate time.

Deep down in my heart of hearts, I believe that God blessed me with my disease in order to help other people who live in fear, embarrassment or genuine ignorance to this illness. My biggest lessons and insights to not only myself but to those around me comes from my greatest hurt and pain (the fear of not being around for my boys).

A cancer diagnosis does not mean a death sentence anymore. Yes, people to get very ill, people do pass on, but the lessons and legacy that they leave are so powerful and impactful to all left behind, that those are the people who want to help and support to make a difference in the lives of other cancer patients.

When I was diagnosed, I asked myself all the time “what did I do wrong in my life? I am a good person (most of the time) I go to Church and pray for myself and others, I participate extensively in charity and giving back to those less fortunate and in need, I have 2 young boys who need their mamma, why me?” I never got my answer, but what I did get was so much more. I got to see, feel and experience true love all around. Love from people I know, people who I know but forgot I knew, people who I didn’t know, strangers who would randomly walk up to me, hold my hands and start praying for me.

I got to experience the lowest f lows, the most painful of pain only to be given the most incredible new lease and appreciation for live. An opportunity to know what it feels like to almost lose everything you have worked so hard for, fought so dearly for and believed in, only to realize that they don’t matter. NOTHING MATTERS ANYMORE. Without your health, without the opportunity to experience life and the beautiful things and people that it has to offer, we take these incredible blessings for granted. Selfish isn’t it? To think it takes a near death experience to bring you back on track, is the scariest thing I’ve ever had to live through. No amount of money, connections or power could change my diagnosis. Its in that moment how much you superficial life actually is. Without all that paraphernalia you are vulnerable, raw and real. Money is great, but you can’t by a Mercedez to drive out of the situation, you can’t buy a home big enough to try and hide away from the diagnosis, you cant put it in a Louis Vuitton and forget about it. What matters? People, experiences… Living with cancer is far from glamorous! Hair falling out, no eye lashes or brows, constant pain and nausea, not being able to sleep without medication, having a port protruding from your chest… far from glamourous. Yet, my experience blessed me with the most incredible support from friends and family, even strangers. I realized how loved I actually am for who I am, not for what I have, what I can do for you or how I can fix something for you, no, it was authentic, genuine and unconditional love.

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Today on my CANCERversary, I share this with you. So yes, I consider myself a PEARL. I am a healing wound. I am a product of pain, the result of a foreign or unwanted substance entering my body… Diffuse large B cell Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is a cancer of B cells, a type of lymphocyte that is responsible for producing antibodies. It has an annual incidence of 7–8 cases per 100,000 people per year in the US and UK. It is an aggressive cancer and can quickly spread through the body. There is no known cause for Lymphoma. Treatment may involve chemotherapy, medication, radiation therapy and stem-cell transplant.

In closing, we have all been impacted by cancer is some shape or form or know of someone who has. That journey never ends, but it gets easier, more impactful and just like PEARLS, more valuable!

Stay healthy, stay blessed and be gentle with those around you!