One Year

Today marks one full year since the first outward expression of Chester's brain tumor. On tax day last year, he had what he later learned to be his first seizure- a series of tics in his face. The facial tics persisted, and then his hand started going numb, and over the next three months it all spiraled away. By August, his right arm was almost totally paralyzed, his leg was starting to go with it, his speech was severely compromised, and he was having trouble breathing. This blog chronicles the story from then on.

One Year is a major victory for someone with Glioblastoma Multiforme. Without treatment, folks pass within months. Chester was dangerously close to this point when he underwent the massive resection last August. With treatment, the median survival is 3-12 months. So Chester is already in the miracle zone, and has been for quite some time. And not only is he living, he is ALIVE! He is able to walk and move with grace, is independent in most of his daily living, and is able to communicate to others. This past year, and especially the past eight months, have all been an amazing testament to his life-affirming, embodied spirit. He has chosen to live, and to live consciously. I am very grateful for all of the effort and commitment he has invested in surviving.

Wherever this next year takes him, he will be considered a long term survivor. He will have not only survived, but thrived. He has continued to teach, to stay connected to his dear friends, to stay in close contact with his family, and to live joyfully. May we all survive and thrive, allowing our bodies to guide us with wisdom and humor, allowing ourselves to be loved and supported by all of our intersecting communities.