Lymphoma*versary

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