Strong as Hale

This is a guest post by Jeanetta Hale, 54, from Oregon, who was diagnosed with stage 1 adult Wilms tumor at nearly 47. She is celebrating 35 years of marriage this summer and is a proud mom of four and grandma to four grandchildren. 

It was a Friday evening in January 2019 when my doctor’s office called with the results of my MRI. I was having recurring pain two years after a previous back surgery, so they wanted to take another look. I was completely unprepared when they called to tell me they found something else: “You have a mass on your left kidney.” At that moment, everything seemed dark. 

There is a common saying that during difficult times, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I was scared and overwhelmed and just wanted everything to be okay. 

During the MRI, the technician happened to capture an image of my kidney. The mass was an incidental finding that had not appeared on any imaging we had done prior. I met with my urologist, and since you don’t just leave a mass on your kidney, we scheduled a robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy surgery for late March.

While recovering from my kidney surgery, my mom suffered a major, life-altering stroke. At the same time, I was anxiously awaiting the birth of my first grandchild. I already knew traveling to another state to be with my daughter after the birth was unlikely, though I still held onto a little hope.

Then, on April 4, while I was waiting for news of my grandchild’s arrival, my urologist called with my pathology results. At that moment, everything we had discussed at my post-operative appointment changed. I was diagnosed with a Stage 1 Adult Wilms tumor, a type of kidney cancer commonly found in children but extremely rare in adults. Because of the rarity of the diagnosis, my case, including the tumor findings and possible treatment plan, was presented to the Tumor Board for discussion at their monthly meeting.

I was surviving, both emotionally and physically. I was so exhausted that I couldn’t fully process everything that was happening. One moment, I felt like it was the best day, and the next, I was hearing the worst news. However, every year on April 4th, I am reminded of the brightest light from that day: my first grandchild. 

Everything moved quickly over the next month: I met with my oncologist, underwent additional testing, had a port placed, toured the infusion center, and started chemotherapy. It was at that point I remember friends reminding me that I was strong, sassy, and mighty and that I could be ’Strong as Hale’ through my treatment.

At my second infusion appointment, I purposely wore an orange shirt to represent kidney cancer awareness. I told my son, “Hey, wear orange with me,” and from that treatment forward, it became something greater, something brighter.

My husband, family, friends, and co-workers became my support team, wearing orange on Thursdays alongside me. Throughout the day, I would receive photos, text messages and words of encouragement from my support team. I have come to realize that the light is not only found at the end of the tunnel, but can be with you through that tunnel. 

After two weekly chemotherapy treatments, I noticed my hair was thinning, and after the next treatment, it became obvious that I was losing my hair. As I looked in the mirror, I hardly recognized myself. One thing I did recognize was that maintaining a positive mindset helped carry me through those difficult days. I needed those around me to see that I was okay and to know that the light they shared truly made a difference for me.

I did not always feel strong, and there were many days when I felt incredibly sick, completely exhausted, and overwhelmed. But even in the darkest moments, the love and support of others shined so brightly that they carried me through. When the tunnel felt dark and I felt weak, their unwavering encouragement reminded me that I was “Strong as Hale!”

During the years since, I have become increasingly aware of how blessed I am to have overcome this cancer. Knowing that many others do not receive a positive outcome, my heart goes out to them and their families. Today, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. Sharing life with them has brought me immense joy. I continue to carry a light forward with gratitude, strength, and hope. 

This past March, Kidney Cancer Awareness Month came around again, and I realized it had been seven years since my diagnosis and two years since being declared cancer free. I also realized just how strong I had become. To celebrate the month, I set a goal to walk with more intention and logged 53 miles.

As I reflected on my cancer journey, I began searching online for others within the kidney cancer community. I decided to share a short part of my story through the Kidney Cancer Association. I was contacted by Radha, Senior Director of Communications, who connected me with Lindsay Walker, a KCA Challenge Regional Ambassador and encouraged me to attend my first KCA meet-up. At that meet-up, I met three fellow kidney cancer survivors, another light guiding me forward.