Getting to know Jim
Jim graciously shares that, at the age of 34 years old, he is working towards hope, healing and recovery. As we spoke, Jim reflected on his time beginning school at Temple University; while he was home for winter break, Jim experienced a seizure which led to his first brain surgery at 19 years old. Doctors found the cause was due to a grapefruit-sized tumor, which they estimated had been growing for anywhere between 7 to 12 years. Prior to the seizure, Jim experienced no symptoms indicating this tumor. Recovery from surgery went well and Jim returned to Temple University to complete his degree. After graduation, Jim decided to move to Chicago to pursue his career. Unfortunately, he was laid off from his job and decided to move back to Philadelphia. In the past few years, Jim was able to earn his master’s degree in education and earned an additional certificate from Temple’s Technical Education track program known as BCIT.
After undergoing his third brain surgery followed by radiation treatment, Jim suffered a stroke and is now in recovery. Reflecting on his journey, he recalls first being diagnosed with a brain tumor at 19, followed by another surgery at 22. At 25, he was diagnosed with brain cancer, a devastating blow at a time when he was just beginning his career as a young professional. For several years, Jim experienced clear scans and was able to enjoy life and focus on his work. But the tumor’s return at 25 changed everything. “It wrecked everything,” he said. Now at 34, Jim reflects on how cancer has reshaped his perspective: “Cancer has the ability to make things insignificant.” Through it all, Jim knows he “must beat cancer, again.”
Jim’s Cancer Journey
After the stroke, Jim underwent four months of outpatient physical therapy. He continues doing physical therapy twice a week. Jim feels that his progress is “very slow” and he hasn’t quite been able to regain walking independently. After three brain surgeries, he was able to recover; however, the stroke has proven more difficult to recover from.
Presently, Jim is in active chemotherapy treatment, which consists of a five-day cycle, 23 days off. He tries to keep a positive attitude since treatment is once a month, however, the side effects are difficult to manage.
Challenges
Trying to maintain a work/life balance is hard enough; between doctor’s appointments and treatments, some companies are not very compliant. Maintaining work and treatment was difficult. Jim was doing the work, going for treatment, doing what he believed needed to be done. By all accounts, he was doing it to the best of his ability, only to have his company eliminate his position.
Jim’s greatest challenge now is physical, as he relies on a wheelchair following his stroke. This shift has also brought an unexpected dependence on others, which is something he was not prepared for. He is deeply grateful for his family and fiancé, who continue to support him in every way they can. Still, transitioning from full independence to needing help has been difficult. With that reliance comes a sense of guilt. While he understands this feeling is common, it remains a heavy and ongoing challenge. Connecting with other young survivors has helped; there is comfort in seeing not only shared experiences among survivors, but also in watching their families connect and support one another. Even so, Jim admits that the experience of depending on others is hard to fully put into words, but his gratitude for the people around him remains unwavering.
Jim gains his strength by focusing on the connection he has with his fiancé, family and friends. Also included are his two dogs, Max & Otto, which he gives credit for much physical and emotional support. He has found resilience even when there are many obstacles in front of him. Jim said he is “learning to focus on the good stuff.”
Connecting with Bringing Hope Home
Jim’s mom is a social worker and was aware of Bringing Hope Home. He is grateful for help with his rent. There was no waiting, and assistance was well coordinated by the Bringing Hope Home Family Department.
Words of Advice or Encouragement
Through his journey, Jim shares that he came to realize “cancer is very isolating,” and can make you feel alone. Having the Young Adult Community and meeting members of their family/friends increases your connection with others. You begin to build a survivor community that joins each of your journeys; you have a common goal – to beat cancer.
Jim shares, “Being able to live through cancer is a great skill. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, take it day by day.”
A favorite quote that Jim lives by is “Comparison is the theft of joy”.