Heppo World - My Story

I suppose the reason I'm publicly telling part of my life is to let fellow "heppo's" know that I too, Wanna-Be-Alive. It's a survival story, no real beginning and hopefully no end. The changes we must allow in our lives and the hope of leading a semi-normal existence.

The best place to start is back in 1986. I was 26, partying heavily (drugs, booze), and no real responsibility to speak of. I married a wonderful loving man, quit drugs, and started to settle down.
In 1989, I had my son Wesley who is my world. I had a very difficult cesarean delivery, got an acute staph infection. That's probably where I got Hepatitis C. (Although I feel the "where" is not that important, it's the "what to do about it" that matters.)
Then tragically in 1991, my husband was diagnosed with brain cancer. Somehow a melanoma (skin cancer) on his lip went to an infected tooth and directly to his brain. Three months later, he lost the fight. I am grateful that he was taken quickly, and I'm thankful that I had the chance to love him, bear his son, and be loved by him.

peeking dragon

At the time, I had a very dear friend that would help me with repairs around the house and other odd jobs. Turns out, he really helped through the grieving part of my husbands death. I would come home to a clean house, laundry done, food cooked, and flowers on the table. He even helped with my then 2-year-old son. Wow! After almost two years of him being at my side, we got married! I never thought I could love deeply again, but I did. He was my soul mate. A wonderful, caring man that took my son as his own. Who could ask for anything more? Finally, life was worth living. I was clean, sober, and happy.

On May 8th, 1999, tragedy struck my life again. My husband and son were in a single car freak accident. (wind sandstorm) My husband suffered a broken neck and was killed instantly. My son was ejected from the car. As the car flipped several times my son was thrown from the car. When the car came to rest, it landed on my little 9-year-old boy.
He was taken nearest trauma hospital, with several injuries to his lower body. After 10 surgeries, he is my little angel. He struggles, but is an inspiration to us all. Out of his wheel chair, back to school, and giving me that big grin makes my life all worthwhile.

With all this going on, I went to the doctor because I was depressed, fatigued, had achy joints, and couldn't sleep. I thought it was stress from the accident. (you think?) Tests came back positive for Hepatitis C. Just what I needed, another cross to bear.
My numbers are on the rise, my liver biopsy shows Stage 2 Fibrosis. The doctors want me to do treatment, but I am going to wait a while. I have some symptoms, but it's not something that's going to consume my life. I have it, I'm dealing with it. I WILL FIGHT IT!

You see, now that you know part of my life, you know that I AM a survivor. And you should be too. Take it from me, life is way too short to let things get in the way of just living your life the best you can. Look at what you value, hug your family, live healthier, find support, make a difference in something you do, and above all, FIGHT TO SURVIVE.