Another chapter

The swollen lymph nodes were in my groin, and since I was a kid they had a history of swelling.  Previous doctors had told me not to worry about it, so I didn't do anything when the lump reappeared.  A month later after a long day on my feet I noticed my whole left leg was swollen.  This was new, so I called my doctor.  My appointment was at noon, and by 3:00 she had me driving to the hospital for an ultrasound, blood work and a CT scan.  Three days later I was getting a biopsy, and four days after that I got called about the results.  "It's bad.  It's really bad." my doctor said, and then she told me I had Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  A few sentences later she asked if I had a will. 

My second chemo

It seems like so long ago, but it has only been one year and one day since I got that call.  The four days following the news were spent lying on the sofa in front of the television crying, except for an appointment to meet with an oncologist. Dr. Sprague provided detailed information on the diagnosis (Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, ALK positive) and on the treatment (CHOEP chemotherapy) I would undergo.  He was polite and concise, and he did not try to mollify me with cliched sentiments.  As we were following him out of the examination room he turned around to face me, and with a small smile on his face he calmly said "This is treatable. We can treat this."  Sadly it took a while for his words to reach me.

My second blood transfusion

The shift from victim to fighter started after I announced my diagnosis on Facebook.  The support was wonderful, and it came in the form of comments, cards, texts, phone calls, money and care packages.  It also showed up to clean my house, feed my family, do my laundry, and even weed my garden. My wonderful husband was there to pick up the slack around the house during my treatments, while working full time plus several weekends to pay for medical expenses.  He has never once complained.

My wonderful oncology nurses

My last three scan have come back clean.  No cancer.  They will do blood tests every six months for a while, and at some point they will (hopefully) say I am cured.  While the experience isn't one I would like to repeat, it wasn't all bad.  I have had several CT and PET scans (just like I have seen on TV), a biopsy, a few blood transfusions and went through chemotherapy all of which were interesting experiences.  I met several amazing people during my treatments... especially the oncology nurses.  During one of my chemo sessions the woman across from me was ringing the bell to celebrate her last chemo.  The nurses were gathered around clapping and smiling.  While this was happening an older frail woman stationed next to me was crying.  She had failed her blood test and was not well enough to receive her chemo treatment.  I watched the nurse rub her hand while murmuring words of encouragement with tears in her eyes.

My last chemo