A Second Chance - Miracle of Travis Ristig
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I want to share with you an amazing story about a young man who nearly lost his life several times and yet today stands taller than most because of his battle and will to live. It all began late one chilly night in October at a fine dining establishment where he worked. He felt a pop in his back as he was walking down the stairs to the wine cellar. Two weeks later the pain had increased significantly enough to disable him from any future work.
This was only the beginning of his troubles. After three separate misdiagnoses from different doctors, a crisis brought the answer. For the second time in one week, he was rushed to the emergency room. This time he got the answers he needed. The doctor who saw him was astounded he had been prescribed fifteen to eighteen thousand ml of Vicodin daily for pain relief and quickly ordered a blood test. Finally, he understood why he had been unable to walk for the past three days. He had leukemia and a tumor growing on his spine was gradually paralyzing him. Later, doctors revealed that he was only two days away from complete and permanent paralysis.
Because the cancer had spread throughout his body so rapidly doctors immediately administered several rounds of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, this would cause what is known as septic shock! Two areas of his large intestine were causing him to bleed to death. Doctors would not operate as his chances of survival were at best 5%, but taking no action would result in death undoubtedly. Dr. Coustoufides took the challenge and removed all 6 feet of his large intestine beating the odds and ultimately saving his life. This in part contributes to the miracle of Travis Ristig!
Not long after his surgery, Travis went into cardiac arrest during which he experienced three separate Code Blues as medical staff sought to revive him. If this wasnt enough, the cancer in his blood needed to be treated as well as the spinal tumor. This meant more radiation and chemotherapy which affected him so badly he ended up in the intensive care unit (ICU) for six horrifying weeks. The usual period is only two days. After he slipped into a coma for eight days, his family were pushed to breaking point. However, The Man upstairs was watching over him and once more he won out against staggering odds and awoke from the coma on the eighth day. This is yet another part of the miracle of Travis Ristig!
Only three months later, Travis went into full remission and was released from hospital. Unfortunately, his battle was not over with the cancer returning only nine months later. When cancer returns, the patients prognosis is not good with survival rates halved at best. As a last resort, his doctors agreed to provide a bone marrow transplant even though the survival rates were likely to be in the lower range of fifteen to nineteen percent. Yet, Mr Ristig persevered and did not give up the battle for his life despite the challenges he had already faced.
Not only are his chances minimal at this point they dwindle more due to the type of transplant. Having a rare blood type and over 2 million unsuccessful searches for a bone-marrow match he is forced to a transplant that is 50% less effective and more difficult in recovery. Despite all these challenges and extremely low percentages he has managed to survive with a fantastic attitude.
Believe it because its true; the bone marrow transplant was successful resulting in a complete recovery. This was yet another step in Travis Ristigs miracle journey. Despite the extreme difficulties he faced and the poor prognoses given by doctors, he has shown great physical and mental courage and determination against great odds. Yet, his journey of personal growth and success has only just begun. Three years on, after overcoming the physical and mental after effects of high doses of chemotherapy, he has moved onto new challenges. He is now a successful online marketing entrepreneur and successful team leader, having earned over $240,000 in his first year alone. This is an amazing accomplishment since 97% of online marketers fail.
Of course, as well as the big challenges Travis faced, he also had to deal with countless battles on a daily basis, like learning to walk once again because his muscles had atrophied. I would like to offer my thanks to Travis and his family for allowing me to interview them and sharing with me their story. The miracle of Travis Ristig can inspire and encourage anyone who is facing serious challenges in any area of their life. If he can win out over such appalling odds, they too can overcome their difficulties. You can contact Travis by clicking the link to his website which has his contact information, including a link to his Facebook page, available.
July 29 2009 | Cancer | No Comments »