Kathy Burleson

I was diagnosed with rectal cancer on 3/6/17. I started radiation and chemo. On 4/29/ my colon ruptured and I was kept at my local hospital for 4 hours, which was way too long. By the time I arrived at a larger hospital an hour away, I was septic. (Sepsis and Cancer, Sepsis and Perforated Bowel)

I stayed in a coma for 2 weeks, had 4 surgeries totaling 15 hours. I ended up staying 42 days in the hospital. At one point my family was told to tell me goodbye, that I would never survive. With lots of prayers from family and dear friends I did survive.

It has been over a year now. I have no memories of the entire month of May. When I woke up I could not walk, feed myself. Even after a week at rehab I went home with home health nurses and physical therapists who helped for about 4 months. I am much better but my life has certainly changed. I came home with an ostomy, and because of all the surgery, I cannot control my bladder. I am deaf in one ear and blind in one eye. I have permanent nerve damage to my left hand and can no longer bend or grip with that hand. I have aches and pains everywhere. (Sepsis and Post-Sepsis Syndrome)

The biggest change is my personality. I used to love to shop and now I never leave the house. I sit in my den and watch my family come and go. I can no longer see to read or sew and tv does not interest me. I can do a little housework and cooking but the majority of the housework falls to my dear husband who has been awesome. I worry about the burden I am placing on him. Don’t get me wrong, I am very thankful to be here, but sometimes I wonder why I am still here. Sepsis is life changing.