What Would You Do If You'd Have One Year To Live?

If you're looking for some fun stuff to read, please continue your scrolling and choose another post because this is not for you. This is a sad story and true, unfortunately.

@anomadsoul had an initiative the other day called The Doctor just said you're dying in one year | How will you spend it?. Kind of been there, done that and I can assure you, you don't know till you're in it.

It happened some time ago, I had to go see a doctor because there was something wrong with me and needed medical attention. I went to a medical imaging checkup where I was given a preliminary diagnosis and was advised to make an appointment to a surgeon that same day, without delay. Today information is available to everyone, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to know these things. I knew right away what this could mean. A diagnosis like this can change your life forever and at that young age cancer can be very aggressive.

I still remember those moments like it was yesterday. When I left the medical cabinet I was already a different person. I remember passing by a cafe where people were smoking on the terrace, laughing, having fun. Without knowing them, I thought it would be good to be among them, relaxing and having fun without being worried about your life. I thought it would be amazing to be able to turn back time and delete this last episode, make it not happen. Next I saw a fashion store with gorgeous clothes but that didn't matter either. I felt like a total outsider, a person for whom life stopped, the only people who got to live are the others. It's a strange feeling, can't really describe it, maybe people who went trough the same experience would understand me.

I remember I went to the university where I had classes that afternoon. It was early, had an hour to pass and was standing on the terrace of the cafeteria, smoking one cigarette after another till I felt sick to my stomach. I was smoking back then. All kinds of thought crossed my mind till I had to realize I need to make a decision what to do next.

My first thought and immediate concern was how to tell my family and who to tell first. I knew I had to protect my mom as she'll be devastating. Imagine finding out that your daughter might be dying and you can do nothing. The most suitable solution I could think of was to get help from my dad and brother and tell my mom together and give her as much support as we can. So I called my dad, told him in a few words what's up and without leaving him to much time to think, told him there's a bigger problem, I need his help to tell my mom. It was a strategy from my part, I don't know if he realized it, don't really care. He was out of town at the moment of my call for a few days so I asked him to come home and help, which he did right away. Needless to say, my mom was devastated, she cried but after some time she had to realize crying doesn't help.

Next I had to find the best surgeon, get an appointment and after three or so days I went to see him. After examining me and the results from the other doctor he said I need surgery right away and wanted to schedule me. I told him I had my thesis for my masters degree in three weeks and asked him if this can wait three weeks or I have to skip one year to do it. My concern (besides fighting for my life) was that l had my thesis ready and knew legislation will change in one year and have to do it again. It was a tough decision as I knew time is of the essence here but also had to think of what's going to happen if I'll be fine. I let the surgeon decide for me. He said it can wait three weeks but not one day more.

Next I had to put my things in order, especially my legal things so in case something happened, those left behind don't have to face legal hardship because of me. Then I had to continue learning. Imagine me learning for my final exam knowing I might die soon. I had some terrible headaches due to stress but had to learn regardless as I had no other choice. Other than that, I tried to spend as much time with my loved once as possible.

I took the exam but my presentation wasn't the best. My supervising professor asked me what's happened as (according to her) I had one of the best theses. I told her in a few words what I was going through, she was shocked and said not to worry about my grades, knowledge counts more. I remember all my classmates were celebration, being happy about the exam and I again felt like watching them from outside. This was on Saturday and I was scheduled for surgery on Monday.

The surgery went well and the next day the surgeon told me that based on his experience and what he saw during the surgery, he didn't think it was cancer but we must wait for the histopathology results to be sure. That took two weeks, two weeks full of stress and concerns. The results confirmed what the surgeon said, it wasn't cancer. I don't think I can describe what I felt that day.

I felt like I got a second chance even though my life wasn't in danger but during that month I didn't know that. Maybe others would choose not to think about the consequences but you can't. You must acknowledge it and deal with it. During the waiting time I had time to look back and reevaluate my life. I was young and had a different mindset back then. Some people had to go as they didn't deserve my time and friendship. Energy vampires, selfish people and opportunists that only think about themselves don't have place in my life. This was a test for everyone and had to find out the hard way that my so called best friend could care less about me. She owed me some money but was more concerned about buying herself a new tv and home cinema system than paying me back the money. With friends like that who needs enemies, right? I've learned to say no to people.

An ugly experience like that teaches you to value more what's good and cut out from your life what's not important and what affects you. Life is short and you can't waste it on things that don't matter and on people who don't deserve you.

When my mom got diagnosed with cancer and was given 3 to 6 months, I knew what to do. It was a huge sock for all of us but had to be strong to be able to give her the best care possible. She lived one year and a half, despite of the short time she was given initially. The doctors were socked, they said they've never seen a case like that, so a patient with her diagnosis to live that long. I guess love and good care can make miracles sometimes.

What would you do if you'd have only one year to live? Kind of been there, done that and I can assure you, you don't know till you're in it. People have different reactions, not everyone reacts the same way to a death sentence like that. As I said, these experiences have changed me and my life as well. If something happens and I got one year to live I know exactly what to do. I would put my legal things in order and make sure to spend as much time with my loved ones as possible. I would make every minute count and enjoy the time I have left by doing things that matter to me.

Another thing I would do is travel, visit a few places I like if possible but that depends on my health. People say they would travel, which is good but many fail to realize that if you're dealing with a serious illness that is going to end your life in one year, your health will not be the same as what it is now. The Bucket List is a very good movie but don't take everything for granted. If you have 365 days to live, that doesn't mean you can enjoy 364 days in perfect health and y feel sick only the last day. Many fail to realize that. So whatever you think you would do might change radically once you are in that situation.

Till then, surround yourself with good people, enjoy life to the fullest and don't let anyone run your life.

I guess my story is a little bit different from the other answers @anomadsoul got under his post but that' now I see things.