Why getting Brain Cancer changed my life

It probably wont make sense hearing someone say this, but i am grateful i got brain cancer. I bet you never thought you would hear someone say that. I dont mean it in a bad way, but ever since i was sitting in the ER being told they found a mass in my head i havent felt one bit of fear or sadness. Having this diagnosis has really changed my life as it has helped me refocus on things. Here is why i needed this wakeup call.

1: Refocus my mind. Over the past few years i had become very bitter and negative with the world i was living in. Some of it stemmed from losing my dad 3 years ago, others just from being grumpy and not seeing the good in things. I was prioritizing money over happiness. Sure i did a lot and ive been able to experience things most wont, but there was so much more than that. I no longer care about having money, i care more for being happy and having all my debt paid off.

2: Refocus my Faith: The reason i hadn't felt any fear or sadness is because i knew if i were to die where i would be. Over the past few years i had lost my way when it came to Church and how i was raised. Even though I was out of it, a Pastor Greg Murphy from my Church came and prayed over me before surgery. He left his card and a little note so I would know he was there. It was also so nice when Pastor Adam Cunningham (just hired by the Church) walked in 2 days after surgery just because he wanted to see how i was doing and pray with me. He was shocked i was sitting in a chair. He said he expected me to be laying in the hospital bed. Lastly, 3 days after surgery, Pastor Tommy Campbell came and saw me and asked if he could pray for me. Both of these pastors are very new to Idlewild so coming to see someone they had never met just to pray for them was a sign from God that my Church is my home.

During this entire process i have felt this sense of calm and happiness and i owe that all to God. This brain tumor was his way of waking me up for becoming a different Patrick. I remember 5 days after surgery i asked my mom if she would take me to our Church and she was happy to. One of the Pastors (Brian McDougall) came up to me, gave me. a hug and said he was hugging a miracle. It felt so nice so praise and worship in Church again and i am looking forward to more!

3: Focus on Friends/family/family friends: The outpouring of love has been so wonderful. I have never been one who needed praise, special attention, or anything else. Im very humble and always put others before myself. The love shown to me from everyone during this time just cant be put into words. I hope nothing bad every happens to anyone i know but if it does you can bet ill be on that journey side by side with you.

4: Focus on Health: Amongst other things i lost control of over the past few years, health was a big one. I had balooned close to 300lbs, my A1C was out of control at 10.2. A Month prior to going into the hospital, i decided i would take steps to be healthier. This included giving up all sugary drinks(soda, Starbucks, gatorade, etc...), eating much healthier, and getting some exercise. As of this blog entry, I am down to 244 lbs, my A1C is now 7.1, and my blood pressure reasings are better than normal each time. I am continuing to push myself as my goal weight is 220 then 180. I feel so much better and my body does as well.

5: Ending thoughts: Thank you all for reading through my journey of Brain Cancer. It really helped to journal my thoughts and feelings. Thank you Rhonda for pushing me to do so. No question is off limits and if you would like to talk to me about any part of my journey id love to sit down or have a phone call with you. When it comes to Church and God, if anyone would like to come sit with me some Sunday I would be honored to have you next to me. I realize Church (especially big ones) can be intimidating but as you could see from my 3rd point, this is a place that cares. Im grateful for this journey I am on and so grateful i still get time with those i care about the most.

Patrick Amato