Living with Lymphoma

You might ask yourself what is Lymphoma? Well I was with you there as I got diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Follicular Lymphoma grade 4 close to 2 years ago. 🙁 It was a life changing experience to say the least. It made me realize that life is too short and we need to live it to the fullest.

This diagnosis came as a total surprise as there doesn’t seem to be any cancer in my immediate family but lymphoma isn’t hereditary. As I started to process the diagnosis, I felt my life had ended. Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma isn’t one of the most well-known cancers. I had to do some research just to see what was happening with my body and how to absorb the news. It is a blood cancer which is developed by a defect in white blood cells lymphocytes. The lymphocytes multiply and enlarge abnormally, rather than dying naturally and leaving space for new cells.

One thing I am grateful is that it was caught super early – via my annual mammogram – that way I can make sure to take care of myself. My first visit with my hematologist/oncologist (Dr. Curtin) at UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center was nerve racking. I had the full support of my parents and friends (Jori went with us so she can be there for support and take notes) which made that visit a little stressful. Dr. Curtin was very knowledge and very kind. He explained what lymphoma was, the symptoms, treatment, and the future of this disease.

The first time I went in to get my CT scan I was terrified as my only knowledge was what I had seen on Grey’s Anatomy…DOH! HAHHAA! Don’t get me wrong the machine is massive and you lay on this bed that moved into this tunnel looking machine. The tech explained what would happen during the procedure – there would be a contrast dye that would flow through my body and it would make me feel like I peed myself. I was like WHA!?!?! It was the weirdest feeling but the procedure took 10 mins or less.

The reality of living with lymphoma, at least for me, is that the first year and a half I haven’t had any symptoms (ie. fatigue, night sweats, fever, unexplained weight loss, etc) so my doctor visits, CT scans and blood work have been good. I have been lucky because not everyone has this experience. In August 2020, I have an appointment with my new hematologist/oncologist as my previous doctor retired so he referred me to a new doctor. Between late May and now (July 2020), I have been having some symptoms and my lymph nodes have been swollen and painful. You get to learn how to reduce the swelling and the pain but it makes it more apparent that I have blood cancer 😕

With each day that passes by, I thank God that allows me wake up and be grateful for what I have. I have the support and love of my parents, family and friends and that makes me want to fight and continue taking care myself so I can be around for a long time. ❤️🙏🏼

As you go through a hard time, take some time for yourself so you ca put life in perspective. Your family and friends are what is important and everything else complements life. Those you surround yourself with and being so much happiness and love are those that will get you through your hard times.