Continuing the Fight

Written by: Debbie Hayes

My cancer journey started 13 years ago when I had breast cancer. I have a family history of breast cancer. Thank goodness I beat it. Fast forward 13 years later, I was diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer, stage 4. I would be lying if I said that I was not afraid. I has started chemo, gearing up for the fight. I have no memory of waking up my son, Michael, and asking him to take me to the Emergency Room. My heart had stopped a few times; then, I coded. My daughter and son decided to hook me up to a ventilator. I somehow pulled the ventilator tube out. So, it was up to me, for real, to fight to live. A hospitalist advised my children to take me home and call hospice. He said it could be two days or two weeks, nobody really knew. I thank God I am still here almost two years later. I do believe God did this! He is an Awesome God! 

To continue, evidently, I had been in the hospital for approximately two weeks. I vaguely remember working with a therapist to walk again. I vaguely remember my sister, Judy, pushing me around in a wheelchair, so that I could get out of the room. I remember Carol Turner, my friend, staying with me so that Michael and Maresa could work. And she did her best to get me to eat. I had lost a lot of weight. I weighed under 100 pounds. I was having trouble discerning what was real or what was a dream. 

I woke up, and I was in a strange bed and a strange place; I could see a clock on the wall in front of me. It said 6 O’clock. I looked outside, and it was dark. So, I assumed it was 6:00 a.m. I saw my cell phone lying beside me. I picked it up. It felt like it weighed 20 pounds; it was so heavy. I made my first call. I don’t remember the order I called everyone in. I can tell you they were surprised and glad to receive my call. I asked where I was. They told me I was at Rome Rehab. All kinds of thoughts were going through my mind. I had vague memories of different doctors talking. One doctor said if she does not eat, she will die. I remember Dr. Khan’s voice. He was always kind and encouraging. I talked to my sister, Judy. She came to Rome Rehab and filled me in on what had been happening. During my stay at Rome Rehab, I had a few medical issues, but they were there helping me get through to the next step. The therapist helped me to walk again. Everyone there was awesome. 

Some of my other spotty memories are of Michelle Gibson telling me I would be fine, my sister Reane, combing my hair out, and Reane singing Elvis Presley songs. I remember hearing Judy, my sister, praying. 

Finally, I could go home! It was wonderful! I could walk with the aid of a walker. Stuart Johnson, of Johnson’s Home Services, built me handrails at my front porch! 

I have to praise my Hardy Realty Family. They have been and are wonderful! They have shown so much love to me and my family. They visited and prayed for me when I was in the ICU. During my hospital stay, they brought by goody bags for the family. After I came home, they sent entire meals. I will always be grateful for them. 

The staff for Doctor McKemie, Doctor Khan, and Doctor Mumber are the best in the world. Every one of these wonderful people are all heart. From the people who answer the phones, to the person who takes your blood, to all the nurses, to EVERYONE there—each of these wonderful people smile every day and lift up every patient. Many of them have had personal experiences with cancer. They are wonderful, healing people. I am blessed to know them. They are Angels in our midst!!! 

Today, I will continue the fight! I do enjoy each day! I strive to live in the moment! I do BELIEVE!!!