Welcome to my blog. I have created this so friends and family can keep up to date on my progress as I journey through the trials and tribulations of my battle with Lymphoma.
A Little History...
On Sunday, January 15th I went to the hospital with severe chest pain. Although neither Don nor I voiced it out loud we were both fairly certain I was having a heart attack. That in itself was shocking but what followed would prove to be more so and alter the path of our lives forever. After ruling out a heart attack and a couple of other possibilities I was off to the CT scan. We went in to the hospital at about 12:30pm by 12:30am the Thoracic surgeon was giving us the diagnosis. I had a mass in my chest about the size of a tennis ball. It was possible it could be something else but the most likely candidate was a tumor caused by Lymphoma. I was admitted to the hospital and scheduled for a biopsy.
My surgeon Dr. K. Evens, performed the biopsy on Tuesday morning and the results were confirmed that afternoon. It was in fact Lymphoma but I would have to wait to know exactly what kind we were dealing with. In the meantime I was introduced to my Oncologist, Dr. Kerry Savage part of the BC Cancer Agency and one of the top experts in her field. Dr. Savage is part of a group of Dr.s led by Dr. Conners who are among the leading experts in the Lymphoma field in the world - so I knew I was in good hands. She sent me for more tests, CT's and X-rays while I was in the hospital to further my diagnosis. All in all I was in the hospital for 8 days.
The same morning I was released from the hospital I went to see Dr. Savage to get my results. I was diagnosed with Primary Medistinal Large Cell B Lymphoma, Stage 2B. The tumor was localized and there was no spread to other lymph nodes or organs. Knowing what I know now about Lymphoma I am very grateful for the diagnosis I have. The road ahead is tough but there is an excellent cure rate. I was scheduled to get into chemotherapy right away.
Chemotherapy:
First day was January 25th. I was in a great mood going in because that very day my brother Robert and his wife Jessica welcomed their new daughter (My new niece!) Sophia Simone. What a wonderful blessing! Chemotherapy itself is pretty boring. I had a great nurse who was informative and funny. I think both Don and I were still in shock and disbelief that we were where we were. Everything had happened so fast. After chemo is what everyone talks about, the side effects and other things that happen. I have to say thus far I have been very lucky. I did have some problems but no nausea and vomiting. The biggest thing was getting back on my feet after being in the hospital for so long and dealing with fatigue. Some days I have had to go slower than others. Now with my next round a couple days away I am hopeful that all the healthy eating and positive thinking will help me have the same experience. I know that as I go down this path I can expect the recovery to be harder but I have so much and support and help and love that I just know that will keep me going.
While we are on that topic. Thank you for your notes, cards, cookies, meals, love, prayers, shoulders, tissues, advice, swear words, wig advice, music, visits, healing stones, LOVE.
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