Tammie Morris

Six years ago I was given a terminal Stage IV cancer diagnosis. I will never forget when I asked my radiation oncologist what I was looking at facing. Her response was, Youll be gone in 18 months. to which I asked, and with treatment? Her response was a surprise. That is with treatment, without it, youll be gone in six. So began a journey a period of introspection and living one day at a time as my body underwent severe radiation, chemotherapy, and surgeries. I wrote my will and I became as reconciled to my death as I think anyone in their 40s can become. The solitude and monotony of treatment left me exhausted but also with nothing to focus on except my impending death. I decided to go back to school to give myself something to focus on. I deteriorated for over two years. Then, against all odds, I didnt die. I hovered on the edge of it for about two months and slowly, oh so extremely slowly I began to improve. Prior to my illness I spent many years as a small business owner and led a full life. My background was accounting but I wanted to change direction and learn more about people, so I choose sociology. Then due to the unwavering care of my husband Brendhan and the support of my family, I went into remission. I would live but all my assets have been consumed in living expenses and treatment over the last six years. I have undergone 15 surgical procedures in 11 surgeries, the most recent on January 27, 2020, with more to come. I am still currently unable to work. I am permanently disabled from the radiation damage and my daily physical care requires some ongoing assistance. But living requires earning a living so my decision to go to school was a fortuitous one. I am now looking into graduate school and where I want life to take me from here. I do not know where it is heading, but I know that I am grateful for being here for the ride.