In September 1989, at the age of 22, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes.) I was in college studying to be an Occupational Therapist; had just started dating my husband; and felt fine, other than having a knot above my collar bone. I had extensive blood work, bone marrow biopsies, CT scans, and staging surgery that removed my spleen, and some of the lymph nodes in my abdomen.
It was determined that I was Stage IIA, which meant that I had tumors in two sites, with no other symptoms or involvement. From there, I underwent two long rounds of radiation which consisted of 21 treatments each. It was a long, rough road, but thankfully, I had many friends, family, and my church behind me. In May 2000, I celebrated 10 years Cancer Free! **PRAISE THE LORD!**
During that 10 year period, I married the man that stood by me through my battle with Hodgkin's, I continued to go to school, worked part time, and I had my first child--a beautiful, healthy son.
On September 1, 2000, I was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), after several months of being misdiagnosed with the flu. I was in a critical state and immediately received Induction Chemotherapy. I was in the hospital all of September. I went home for the month of October to rest, and returned for Consolidation Chemotherapy during the month of November.
There were many complications along the way, and I was very close to death. During this time the Lord was so very real to me and showed me that no matter how insignificant you think you are in the lives of others, you still make an impact. I had people all over the world reach out to me with love, prayers, and support. The fact that I was a young wife and mother really touched people and made them think of their own life, and how they would face such a situation.
This could have been a time of asking, "Why me?", or "Why do I have to go through this again?" Instead, I realized that God was giving me an avenue to minister to others. He was guiding me in showing others what Faith is about. There were countless doctors and nurses that commented on how well I was handling my situation. I admit, there were some very low times, but each time I reached that point, I looked to the Lord for my strength and courage. Knowing that He was in control of EVERYTHING gave me such peace about it all---from taking care of my family in my absence, to healing my body.
Many positive things have come out of my most recent battle with cancer. A benefit concert was held in my honor at my church. It was truly a blessing to praise the Lord with others in song. A drive was conducted to sign people up for the National Bone Marrow Registry. We had 105 people register from our community. I have been told that at least one of those people has been called to be a donor for someone! It thrills my heart to know that my situation is helping someone else. If you are interested in becoming a bone marrow or stem cell donor, or hosting a drive, you can find out more information at www.marrow.org.
Tests as of December 2003 show that I am in complete remission from the Leukemia. **PRAISE THE LORD!** I will only need a bone marrow transplant IF the Leukemia comes back. Thankfully, an unrelated donor match has been identified for me, should the need arise. I continue to battle fatigue and some other minor complications and irritations, but generally---I am doing well. I still marvel at the impact my story has made on others. Knowing that in some way, my situation has helped others, makes it much easier to accept.
My new motto is: Celebrate EVERY day, because EVERY day is worth celebrating! Make it yours too!
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