A Journey to Remember

"Honey, my biopsy came back positive for Cancer.  Can you believe it..I have cancer!"  I can never forget my 35 year old sister's words.  In February of this year my sister started to have pains in her left leg.  The pain started behind her knee and kept on getting worse and worse.  At first, the Drs diagnosed her with a cyst, but after multiple tests they came back and diagnosed her with a high grade Sarcoma Cancer.  This cancer was fast spreading and was 12mm in size.  The months to follow of Feb/March were filled with the action plan.  We knew that beating this cancer meant Chemo, radiation and possible amputation.  We were all ready to face this evil, but soon realized that the roller coaster ride was just starting and there were many ups and downs to come.  As expected, my parents were in shock, denial, hopeful and supportive.  I remember my mom saying, "Why could this not happen to me? I have already lived my life".  Those words I still here in my head.  A mother's prayer to her merciful God.

My sister, Zunaira, started her Chemo in April and after 2 rounds the medical oncologist requested another MRI to see how the tumor was doing.  I still remember getting an email from my brother who told me that the tumor did shrink in size but is still wrapped around the major artery/vein.  The surgeon at that point told us that it would be impossible to get the tumor out without an amputation.  Amputation!!!!!!  seriously!!!  are you kidding me!!!! but we had no choice but to accept the fact that her left leg would be amputated.  I have realized in life that unless you are given an option, you cannot make a fuss about things.  I was never asked if my sister could have cancer, therefore I have zero control.  All I can do is accept the facts, deal with my feelings, support my sister and look forward to a brighter future.  My sister and I are 3 years apart and I have depended on her for every little decision in my life.  I remember shopping for my wedding and her getting irritated with me for not making any decisions and just asking her to pick my wedding dress, my shoes, my makeup, etc.  I was not going to let this Cancer take my sister!

Memorial day was the last weekend before the amputation and the whole family got together to spend some much needed time with Zunaira.  We had seen her go through some tough days after chemo and it was nice to see her at least smile before her surgery.  June 3rd was amputation day and the whole family was at the hospital to support and shower her with all the blessings and positive attitude.  I know my mom had such a tough time with this.  Surgery day she was losing her mind!  We were all sitting in the waiting area and she could not control her anxiety and every 5 minutes would ask us if Zunaira's surgery was done.  I am a mom of 2 daughters and I cant imagine what must have been going on in my mom's head that day.

Zunaira's surgery went well and she recovered well.  She stayed at the hospital for the next 4 days and then was transferred to the Rehabilitation Center.  She spent a good 2 weeks at the center and we all saw how she wanted to get back on her feet.  She went through an intense training that would start at 730am and end at 5 pm every day.

Yesterday Zunaira was discharged and finally came home.  It was so nice to see her home.  We welcomed her with flowers, balloons, and all her favorite goodies!  I watched my sister leave home prior to surgery with both legs and then yesterday I saw her hoping up the steps with her one leg.  I still feel blessed..because she is  whole in her spirit!

We understand that she has a long road to recovery and will be soon going through prosthetic fittings and I pray every day that she lives a cancer free life.  My sister is my strength, courage, hero, and best friend.  She was soon to start her Medical Residency and now has to get through her rehabilitation before she starts her medical career.  It has been tough to see her struggle with medical bills as she did not have a job prior to being diagnosed with Cancer.  She had private insurance with a 10K deductible.  Her friends have started a fund for her and its so nice to see people donate and extend a helping hand.

I will end this post by saying that I have seen this courageous woman go through such great physical pain and still I catch a glimpse of her dancing in her wheel chair.  We play Shakira and she starts to move her upper body around and shake her thing.  My sister is my hero.  I pray every day that God blesses her with a healthy life.  I am amazed as to how positive she is as a person and because of her we are a stronger family.  We are proud of you Zunaira and you make us all be better people with much bigger hearts than we ever had.