Just a stool? Think again – read The Whole Story.
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The Photograph
The Whole Story
The story behind the photo is complex and simple all at once. In October of 2005 I had emergency surgery to save my life at the last minute possible. I had stage 3 colon cancer. I was 29 years old.
I underwent 6 months of absolute hell taking doses of chemo, that was worse than the cancer in many ways. Getting sick for me now means a long recovery time, more so than other people, after chemo, my body changed for good. A round of bronchitis is 3+ weeks recovery, steroids and antibiotics, down time I don’t have.
The doctor’s stool represents my story. I have told my story to innumerable doctors, interns and nurses, and it gets arduous. Anytime I have to fill out a medical form or get a pill, see any doctor I’ve not yet met, I have to tell my story. I have told it so many times to jaws dropping, eye popping faces, it has become a tale.
In the medical field, my story and survival is an anomaly. The only reason I remember it sometimes are the scars I bear on my body. I am blessed, I have that unusual gift of a second chance, I can’t waste a minute, so I passionately shoot and create as much as possible.
(To read more about Shelley's journey please visit her blog.)
The Photographer
Find Shelley: EyeEm / Flickr