When I was 18 I contracted Mono. Ever since then I always
had a high liver count in my blood work. My doctor at the time told me that was
normal with people who have had mono.
In 2004, I had a new insurance company and my doctor wasn’t
covered under the plan. My new doctor took blood work and didn’t like the liver
count. I told him about the mono and he said that didn’t make sense so many
years later.
He sent me to a gastrologist to check on my liver. When they
did the ultrasound they found that the liver was fine but I had a 3.3cm tumor
on my right kidney. They also found a hot spot on my rib. They removed the rib
and 1/10 of my kidney with the tumor. Recovery was tough but I made it through
okay.
3 years later (2007) on one of my routine follow-ups they
found another tumor on my right kidney. Same surgery but I got a virus in the
hospital and when I was throwing up I tore the internal sutures. I went home
and 3 days later I was readmitted with crazy pain as blood was literally
separating my muscles in my abdomen. This is the one that really messed with me
mentally and physically. It sent me into a spiral of depression and fear that
took years to get out of. I lost more than I would like to admit.
I am now remarried with a new boy and another girl on the
way. With my first marriage that makes 4 kids altogether. Things are great now
and I haven’t been this happy and content in a long time.
It just proves that if you never give up and keep pushing
forward that things get better.
As long as you let them.
Thanks for reading!
Joe
