Things that need to be said.

Today has been a real tough day for me. As you all know I have been going through a lot lately. As per usual I only tell half of it. Why?

There are many reasons for this. I don’t want to be a complainer. I also need to keep things to myself so I don’t worry others. I know that isn’t the best way to do things but it is me. So I do what I feel is necessary. For me and for the benefit of others. I know that is selfish of me, but sorry not sorry, deal with it.

Most of my life has been a series of ups and downs. I am sure many of you know what that feels like.

I have dealt with childhood leukemia. I have dealt with foster homes. I have dealt with my Mom being sick most if not all of my life until she passed away in 2001. I dealt with my father not being in my life most of my life.

I say this not for pity at all. I say it for understanding. I always thought in the ways of survival. Not in the ways of right and wrong for a long time. Don’t get me wrong I didn’t look to do bad things. What I am saying is that my decision making was skewed by how to survive. Let me tell you it sure is not a great way to live. Not at all!

So as I grew up, it took me awhile to figure that I didn’t have to think like that anymore. It was freeing. It was also scary for me.

So life made me who I am… Isn’t that what life is suppose to do?

So I get the call today.. Something I have been told by others but hearing it from this doctor makes it so real…. Don’t keep your hopes up to get your defibrillator/pacemaker.. No surgeon or doctor will do any kind of surgery on you now or maybe even ever… My white blood cell keeps on going up and up. So far up that nobody would dare open me up for anything. What makes it worse is that they have no idea why it is climbing.

So if I go in the hospital with my White Blood Cells so high I will catch something and possibly die. If I stay home I could catch something and die. So what do I do? I have made my decision to live. I can’t live on the what ifs. I can’t live my life in a bubble either. I haven’t been feeling well lately. But every test has come back normal. What is it? We don’t know.

I do know one thing…. I am going to fight and be me. I am not trying to die but I am trying to live while I can. I won’t lie the news did depress me. It is scary to keep on hearing bad news after bad news.

So I wrote this post because like the title says these are things I needed to say. I may show an outward strength, but I am just human. I worry, I get depressed, I cry, and I ask why me? I also ask how much longer can I take this?

I do know that I will still be me, smiling, fighting and saying I will be okay. But know deep down I am scared just like anyone else would be. I am wondering what is the right thing to do?

So we you see me smile just know that I am not “fine.” I am just being me and not showing everyone the physical and most importantly mental pain and anguish. I am also not showing the uncertainty of am I doing the right thing and for that matter what is the right thing!!

Just know I am not ever giving up. I am just doing what I know to do. Is it right to put on that strong face? For me that is who I am. I will be a bit more making sure I am being careful, but I need to be me.

I don’t know if this post makes any sense at all. I am a bit scrambled lately. But I always have been one to say it how it is. I also have always written what my thoughts are right now! I hope you can understand and truly get to know me.

Author: fjr311

Frank Rivera- Founder/President- Sarcoidosis of Long Island Founder/President- RareNY Frank Rivera founded Sarcoidosis of Long Island in 2012. In 2011 Frank was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis after being misdiagnosed with lung cancer for 7 years prior. Since opening Sarcoidosis of Long Island he has been a local, state and federal advocate for Sarcoidosis to raise awareness for Sarcoidosis in the government sector. He has also spoke at two Congressional briefings for Sarcoidosis. Frank is a National Ambassador for Foundation for Sarcoidosis Patient Ambassador for Illumina Frank organized RareNY in 2016, to raise awareness for Rare Diseases in New York. He organized “A Day for Rare Diseases” in October 2016 in New York with Global Genes. The event raised awareness for all 7000+ rare diseases to the public.

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