Imagine having excruciating pain in your left hip and upper thigh. You are 43, active and healthy, so you think you may have strained a muscle.

You go through a normal day of routines: work, grocery shopping, collect your daughter after school and finally drive home. You get to your door and suddenly your left leg is paralysed. You nearly collapse but you grab the door frame. Your child seeks help, the ambulance comes and takes you away.

This was the beginning of a shocking cancer journey for Debbie Zuill on August 24, 1996 which is still continuing.

When the ambulance took Mrs. Zuill to the hospital she was a bit shaken and frightened. The doctor ordered X-rays and a various medical workup was completed.

Later that day Mrs. Zuill was told that she had cancer in her hip bone. She was emotionally devastated after hearing the word "cancer''. Her mind contemplated thoughts of death and final separation from her loved ones. She was overwhelmed by her own grief. Her devoted loved ones were shrouded by sadness.

Mrs. Zuill and her family were stunned and disheartened.

"I couldn't believe I had cancer,'' Mrs. Zuill said. "I thought it could never happen to me. It didn't run in my family history.'' Mrs. Zuill had only been hospitalised when she gave birth to her two children.

Initially, Mrs. Zuill was hospitalised for ten days. Her hip was immediately operated upon and a pin was inserted. Mrs. Zuill's doctor referred her to P.A.L.S. and a nurse and volunteer were immediately assigned.

Her devoted family pulled together and managed to resume their school and work routines.

Mrs. Zuill is proud of how her children and husband handled the stress of her critical illness; her 15-year-old son Sakir became cook and housekeeper along with his nine-year-old sister Meishka while her husband Conrad was out working double time to keep up the house mortgage and everything else.

The family shared the extra responsibilities that Mrs. Zuill always provided such as doing the laundry and cooking.

"When I was in the hospital it meant so much to me to know that my children and husband were managing and coping well. Just knowing they were OK helped me focus on trying to get better,'' Mrs. Zuill said.

"Without P.A.L.S., I don't know how my family and I would have made it,'' continued Mrs. Zuill. "They have helped with medical treatments, medical equipment for me and assisted with medication that cost as much as $700 per prescription. My nurse and volunteer were there for me and my family in so many ways during my crisis.'' Since the initial crisis Mrs. Zuill has been to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore twice for radiation treatments. The cancer moved up into a shoulder and her back. More radiation and bone strengthening procedures were performed.

This "cancer experience '' has changed Mrs. Zuill's life.

She says she has a keener appreciation of people and nature and acknowledges simple things more. Her parenting style has softened towards her children and she speaks more gently to them.

"I have had to learn to slow down. I have a vulnerability that wasn't there before. My sister-in-law says I was very saucy prior to cancer. I feel I'm more mellow with people now, more loving, patient and understanding,'' she reflected.

Mrs. Zuill said her priorities have changed in life and her focus is more serious. She is driven to live as long as possible for the sake of her family.

"I take one day at a time, hoping and praying for recovery,'' she concluded.

Mrs. Zuill's volunteer, Fay Leseur, says of her prognosis: "Dr. (Kathy) Siddle had recently advised that Mrs. Zuill's condition has stabilised. It is not life-threatening as no body organs have become invaded with cancer.'' Mrs. Zuill stated that Mrs. Leseur -- who was present during the interview -- has become her best friend. "Fay visited me every day when I was in the hospital. When I need her I just call and she comes.'' The disease has taken its toll on Mrs. Zuill but, she remains cheerful and positive and in fact has returned to work part-time driving a taxi. It has been a debilitating and painful process with many ups and downs; Mrs. Zuill walks with a cane and wears an elegant turban.

Her dedicated P.A.L.S. nurse visits once or twice a week and the family is always pleased to see her. They are grateful for all of Mrs. Zuill's nursing care.

As writer Luciano de Crescenzo said: "We are all of us angels with one wing.

We can only fly while embracing each other.'' P.A.L.S. has been with Mrs. Zuill every step of the way and will remain until recovery is completed.

RECOVERING cancer patient, Mrs. Debbie Zuill HEALTH HTH