03: Zielinski

Can you describe your Cancer experience?

Before my diagnosis, I was on disability, living in government housing.

Basically, not doing anything with my life.

For me, it was not knowing how long I had to live.

They did tell me that without the surgery, I’d be a goner within a week.

At that point, I had pretty much full blown AIDS, which means I’ll T-Cell less than 200.

Cancer was probably induced by the weakened immune system.

I wasn’t ready to go yet. I was fighting for my life.

I really did not have a life when I was recovering from Cancer.

I was depressed before Cancer yet - and when Cancer hit, it made me even more depressed.

How has the experience changed your life and who you are as a person?

I made it through, all the humps and hills and valley, the good and the bad, and here I am. I like to think I’m a better person.