Lymphoma*versary

Rocquie
Rocquie Member Posts: 869 Member
in Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin) #1

I am having an anniversary (lymphoma-versary). At the end of September, last year, I was told I had lymphoma and scheduled for a biopsy to confirm. Three days later, it was confirmed. And 2 days after that I saw my oncologist for the first time.

That day, I had an ultrasound, 11 vials of blood drawn, and a (unprepared for, never heard of) bone marrow biopsy! Due to the aggressive nature of my lymphoma, things moved very quickly. I was scheduled, that day, for another biopsy, one which would remove an entire lymph node not just a needle biopsy. I was scheduled for an echocardiogram to make sure my heart was strong enough to handle chemo, a PET scan, and scheduled for placement of a port.

Two weeks after I was told I had lymphoma, I was in the hospital for my first chemo--R-CHOP.

I was not one of the people who sailed through chemo into remission. I had an extremely difficult journey, with many serious side-effects, hospitalizations, blood transfusions, infections, including MRSA, so many antibiotics and the side-effects that come with those. I lost my hair and incurred significant peripheral neuropathy. Prior to this, I had never been sick in my life!

I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. And October is our star month. Last October, I was sick and spent most of the month hospitalized, much of the time sedated. A few months ago, I didn't have a hair on my head and had to get around on a walker.

Now, I am loving the bright blue skies of October. The trees are beginning to show their glorious colors. I have been in remission for almost 8 months. I have cute hair and walk just fine. If you saw me, you would never, ever, suspect how sick I was a year ago. I am so very thankful for the medical care I received.

A few weeks ago, I signed up for an art class at our local community college. I won't come out of it a great artist, but I love it. It gives me a way to express myself and keep my mind off my lymphoma, which, as you know, is hard to do.  I try, very hard, not to worry or concern myself with things beyond my control.

Life is good.

Hugs and healing to all,

Rocquie

 

 

Comments

  • Shoopy
    Shoopy Member Posts: 210
    #2
    Perfect

    Rocquie,

    You have the most perfect timing in the world.  I needed to read what you wrote.  THANK YOU!

    Karl 

  • jimwins
    jimwins Member Posts: 2,107
    #3
    Thank you

    Roquie, thanks for that wonderful post :).  We always have something to be thankful for.  I'm thankful for you.

    Hugs - Jim

  • COBRA666
    COBRA666 Member Posts: 2,401 Member
    #4
    GREAT NEWS

    Well that is some good news. Love hearing news like this. I celebrated mine 3 years ago this month. OOPS,...I almost fell off my soap box.LOL JohnTongue Out

  • Ailidh
    Ailidh Member Posts: 52
    #5
    Congratulations on your

    Congratulations on your lymphomaversary! and thankyou for posting such a positive message!

  • illead
    illead Member Posts: 884 Member
    #6
    Thank you Roquie

    Thank you for that, most of us or our loved ones have been there.  Your journey mirrors a lot of many, especially the horrible beginning.  Of course we all worry and it never leaves our minds, but one positive thing about most lymphomas is that it does allow us to live a good life while in remission and able to go back to the way things were.  I'm sure I reflect others in saying I hope all of of our journeys are successful and that we have learned to appreciate each other and of most importance our loved ones.  May we always continue to grow in our appreciation for one another and always keep our Creator first in our lives.  Thinking of you all, Bill & Becky

  • Jace974
    Jace974 Member Posts: 14
    #7
    Happy Anniversary !
     

    Happy Anniversary !

     

  • MChantal
    MChantal Member Posts: 107
    #8
    :)

    Life is beautiful. :)

  • Stalyn
    Stalyn Member Posts: 13
    #9
    Your first biopsy.

    Rocquie,

    im so glad you are doing well! 

    Do you mind me asking what type you have? And are all FNA biopsies that are positive never false?

    I'm asking because I had a FNA + for lymphoma / did ur excisional node appear to be lymphoma before sent to pathology?

    thanks for any response !

     

    #hugs

  • Rocquie
    Rocquie Member Posts: 869 Member
    #10
    Stalyn said:

    Your first biopsy.

    Rocquie,

    im so glad you are doing well! 

    Do you mind me asking what type you have? And are all FNA biopsies that are positive never false?

    I'm asking because I had a FNA + for lymphoma / did ur excisional node appear to be lymphoma before sent to pathology?

    thanks for any response !

     

    #hugs

    Stalyn

    I am going to reply to you more fully at the thread you started. More people will see your post there. But briefly, I am not certain what you mean by FNA, other than what you stated above--a biopsy. Not sure what you mean about a positive biopsy being never false.

    Don't worry about responding here, more people will see your posts at your own thread. I just wanted to be sure you know I am not ignoring you.

    Rocquie

     

  • girliefighter
    girliefighter Member Posts: 232
    #11
    Rocquie,
    Congratulations on

    Rocquie,

    Congratulations on surviving the toughest, longest at the same time fastest and most brutal year ever.......You are BLESSED to go through all of that that and literally walk out a CHAMPION.

    XXXOOO
    Carie

  • anliperez915
    anliperez915 Member Posts: 770
    #12
    Yahoooooo on your

    Yahoooooo on your lymphoma*versary....thank God that you're doing great and getting on with life! I've always wanted to learn how to paint but don't have a lot of time right now but as soon as I get a chance I will enroll in a class (maybe when my 5yr old is enrolled in college) haha! Take care and sending you a warm hug ^_^

    Sincerely,

    Liz

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