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Diagnosed in 2008 at 21 with Stage II Burkitt’s Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, missed 1st semester senior year of college, 6 rounds of treatment, 12 plus transfusions, 30 odd days in the hospital, bone pain, countless pharmaceuticals and endless hours spent laying on the couch. But since then have used athletics to prove to myself and others that I may have had cancer but it never had me.Thousands of miles pedaled, hundreds run, countless laps swam and miles paddled all working to show that cancer isn’t synonymous with weak - take that stupid cancer! Check out more: http://www.mikesmithscancerchallenge.com/

Diagnosed in 2008 at 21 with Stage II Burkitt’s Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, missed 1st semester senior year of college, 6 rounds of treatment, 12 plus transfusions, 30 odd days in the hospital, bone pain, countless pharmaceuticals and endless hours spent laying on the couch. But since then have used athletics to prove to myself and others that I may have had cancer but it never had me.Thousands of miles pedaled, hundreds run, countless laps swam and miles paddled all working to show that cancer isn’t synonymous with weak - take that stupid cancer! Check out more: http://www.mikesmithscancerchallenge.com/

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33 years old, happily married, mom of an amazing 3 year old, minding my own business trying for a few years to have more children, when BAM.  Life course forever altered.  Primary Mediastinal Large B Cell Non-Hodgkins.  This was after months of breathing troubles, cough, and crazy itch.  A terrifying diagnosis period led to 6 rounds of chemo that didn’t quite do the trick.  20 rounds of rads, 3 months of waiting, 1 trip to Disney, 2 scans later:  remission.  Aaah.  Now the fun really begins.  As I get closer to my first cancerversary, I try harder to make sense of what happened and how I can go on, not doing the same old thing.  My husband is incredible, my child outstanding and my family irreplaceable.  http://teammamamia.blogspot.com

33 years old, happily married, mom of an amazing 3 year old, minding my own business trying for a few years to have more children, when BAM.  Life course forever altered.  Primary Mediastinal Large B Cell Non-Hodgkins.  This was after months of breathing troubles, cough, and crazy itch.  A terrifying diagnosis period led to 6 rounds of chemo that didn’t quite do the trick.  20 rounds of rads, 3 months of waiting, 1 trip to Disney, 2 scans later:  remission.  Aaah.  Now the fun really begins.  As I get closer to my first cancerversary, I try harder to make sense of what happened and how I can go on, not doing the same old thing.  My husband is incredible, my child outstanding and my family irreplaceable.  http://teammamamia.blogspot.com

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You’re 29 years old and you’re told you have cancer. I could not believe what I was hearing. It all started back on Feb. 14, 2004 when I had a seizure.  I had been diagnosed with hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, before this. After my appointment with my endocrinologist and further tests that came back normal, I was referred to a neurologist. A CT scan revealed a fist size mass in my left frontal-temporal lobe. I was immediately referred to a neurosurgeon to have a biopsy taken. The biopsy came back dysplasia. I was referred to MICEP epilepsy center in Minneapolis, MN. I spent 3+ months going to appointments in Minneapolis and the end result is the doctors they were going to wait 6 months and see if anything changed. I of course was not happy with this, so I made an appointment at UW-Madison. The same thing was said there. So I made yet another appointment at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. It was at the time of me reading the results of the biopsy the nurse said “My word…that is cancer.” I was put on the schedule in just two weeks, unheard of at the clinic. I was scheduled to see a oncologist, neuro-oncologist and neurosurgeon the day after Thanksgiving 2004. I had a WHO Grade II/III Oligodendroglioma, found in less than 4% of Americans. January 4, 2005 I began 5 months of chemo.The chemo was Temozolomide which was orally taken for 5-days a month and I would be sick 5 days after completing the chemo for 5 days. I had to go once a month to Mayo and have an MRI, meet with the onocologist and the neuro-oncologist and pick up my chemo.  Then the daily headaches started and by June of 2005 I was on steroids to combat the headaches.  I mean the pressure was high due to the tumor actually growing into  the side of my skull. The chemo was holding the size of the tumor stable, however not shrinking it.  It was at that point that I had decided to have the risky surgery.  Dr. Fredric Meyer, who I owe my life to, was my surgeon and Chair of the Neurosurgery Department.  He had told me that there would be a 15% - 18% risk that I would have a deficit on my right side and with my speech.  July 7th, 2005 was the day surgery was scheduled.I was walking across the street thinking this maybe the last time I would walk.  The 7 hour awake brain surgery was to remove a 8cm x 6 cm tumor, or roughly the size of a soda can.  I will always remember the point where I lost speech and my right side was paralyzed.  I told my Mom that I would walk out of the hospital and on August 2nd, I did, with the aid of a cane. With many months of physical, occupational and speech therapy I amaze the Dr.’s at Mayo.  I can do almost everything that I could do before I had surgery. With the exception of my hand.  You see I can grab onto things, but I can’t release.  I can move my fingers slightly, which is a good sign.  I can walk, but not run.  With regards to my speech…I still have trouble finding the right words and explaining myself… but I am getting much better. I go back to Mayo every 6 months to have a MRI and see my neuro-oncologist. 

You’re 29 years old and you’re told you have cancer. I could not believe what I was hearing. It all started back on Feb. 14, 2004 when I had a seizure.  I had been diagnosed with hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, before this. After my appointment with my endocrinologist and further tests that came back normal, I was referred to a neurologist. A CT scan revealed a fist size mass in my left frontal-temporal lobe. I was immediately referred to a neurosurgeon to have a biopsy taken. The biopsy came back dysplasia. I was referred to MICEP epilepsy center in Minneapolis, MN. I spent 3+ months going to appointments in Minneapolis and the end result is the doctors they were going to wait 6 months and see if anything changed. I of course was not happy with this, so I made an appointment at UW-Madison. The same thing was said there. So I made yet another appointment at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. It was at the time of me reading the results of the biopsy the nurse said “My word…that is cancer.” I was put on the schedule in just two weeks, unheard of at the clinic. I was scheduled to see a oncologist, neuro-oncologist and neurosurgeon the day after Thanksgiving 2004. I had a WHO Grade II/III Oligodendroglioma, found in less than 4% of Americans. January 4, 2005 I began 5 months of chemo.The chemo was Temozolomide which was orally taken for 5-days a month and I would be sick 5 days after completing the chemo for 5 days. I had to go once a month to Mayo and have an MRI, meet with the onocologist and the neuro-oncologist and pick up my chemo.  Then the daily headaches started and by June of 2005 I was on steroids to combat the headaches.  I mean the pressure was high due to the tumor actually growing into  the side of my skull. The chemo was holding the size of the tumor stable, however not shrinking it.  It was at that point that I had decided to have the risky surgery.  Dr. Fredric Meyer, who I owe my life to, was my surgeon and Chair of the Neurosurgery Department.  He had told me that there would be a 15% - 18% risk that I would have a deficit on my right side and with my speech.  July 7th, 2005 was the day surgery was scheduled.I was walking across the street thinking this maybe the last time I would walk.  The 7 hour awake brain surgery was to remove a 8cm x 6 cm tumor, or roughly the size of a soda can.  I will always remember the point where I lost speech and my right side was paralyzed.  I told my Mom that I would walk out of the hospital and on August 2nd, I did, with the aid of a cane. With many months of physical, occupational and speech therapy I amaze the Dr.’s at Mayo.  I can do almost everything that I could do before I had surgery. With the exception of my hand.  You see I can grab onto things, but I can’t release.  I can move my fingers slightly, which is a good sign.  I can walk, but not run.  With regards to my speech…I still have trouble finding the right words and explaining myself… but I am getting much better. I go back to Mayo every 6 months to have a MRI and see my neuro-oncologist. 

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I was diagnosed with colon cancer on June 28th, 2011, just under two months after my 30th birthday. I underwent successful surgery 2 weeks later where I learned that the cancer was Stage 1 and no lymph nodes were involved…absolutely the best news possible.  It’s genetic, so it could rear it’s ugly head at any time, but I’m not letting that stop me.  I’m an avid hiker and climber and have been getting out after it!  Hiked 25 miles in 1 day through the mountains of New Hampshire and have been truly trying to live every day to its fullest.  I have a new outlook on life and want to help others with cancer as much as possible!  

I was diagnosed with colon cancer on June 28th, 2011, just under two months after my 30th birthday. I underwent successful surgery 2 weeks later where I learned that the cancer was Stage 1 and no lymph nodes were involved…absolutely the best news possible.  It’s genetic, so it could rear it’s ugly head at any time, but I’m not letting that stop me.  I’m an avid hiker and climber and have been getting out after it!  Hiked 25 miles in 1 day through the mountains of New Hampshire and have been truly trying to live every day to its fullest.  I have a new outlook on life and want to help others with cancer as much as possible!  

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I was diagnosed with a brain tumor on January 23, 2008, at 33 years old.  After a bout of strep throat and a bad neurological reaction to an antibiotic, the tumor was found.  I had surgery on June 29, 2009, and it was a gross total resection of a Grade II Oligodendroglioma.  I am married and have two young children, and this has devastated our family emotionally, financially, you name it.  I had gone back to school when this was found shortly before I graduated.  Finally almost two years after my surgery, I was able to take my dream job as a drug counselor at a prison.  I have MRIs and appointments with my neuro oncologist every four months.  I recently passed the two year mark from my surgery, and I remained free of any signs of recurrent tumor or regrowth.  As time goes on, it gets scarier, but I’m thankful to have my husband and kids to support me.

I was diagnosed with a brain tumor on January 23, 2008, at 33 years old.  After a bout of strep throat and a bad neurological reaction to an antibiotic, the tumor was found.  I had surgery on June 29, 2009, and it was a gross total resection of a Grade II Oligodendroglioma.  I am married and have two young children, and this has devastated our family emotionally, financially, you name it.  I had gone back to school when this was found shortly before I graduated.  Finally almost two years after my surgery, I was able to take my dream job as a drug counselor at a prison.  I have MRIs and appointments with my neuro oncologist every four months.  I recently passed the two year mark from my surgery, and I remained free of any signs of recurrent tumor or regrowth.  As time goes on, it gets scarier, but I’m thankful to have my husband and kids to support me.

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July 2004, age 19, I was diagnosed with Stage IV T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, an extremely rare, extremely aggressive form of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma with no known causes and no known genetic predispositions.  I was taking Summer classes at the University of Washington at the time but quickly put those on hold while I started immediate and intensive chemotherapy regimens to try and keep the cancer from spreading further.  While this type of Lymphoma spreads very fast, grows very quickly, and had already established large tumors in my chest and abdomen, I was lucky in that it hadn’t breached my spinal fluid yet; I probably wouldn’t be typing this if they had caught it just a couple weeks later.I was blessed with amazing doctors who blasted the Hell out of my tumors with just the right drugs to halt the Lymphoma dead in its tracks.  Because T-Cell grows so rapidly, it’s especially vulnerable to extremely hard chemo treatments, and my team of oncologists pronounced me tumor free after several months of induction therapy.  My treatment continued for another two years after that, but on a lighter scale, and I was able to go back to school, go back to work, and go back to being a (mostly) normal Underclassman.  I’ve had some lingering side effects, but none worth complaining about too loudly, and thanks to my hirsute Sicilian and Portuguese ancestors my hair’s come back stronger than ever (I actually grew it back faster than some of my friends who did a solidarity-shave; they’ll never let me forget that).  This year I celebrated 7 years without cancer.  I look forward to celebrating 70 more.

July 2004, age 19, I was diagnosed with Stage IV T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, an extremely rare, extremely aggressive form of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma with no known causes and no known genetic predispositions.  I was taking Summer classes at the University of Washington at the time but quickly put those on hold while I started immediate and intensive chemotherapy regimens to try and keep the cancer from spreading further.  While this type of Lymphoma spreads very fast, grows very quickly, and had already established large tumors in my chest and abdomen, I was lucky in that it hadn’t breached my spinal fluid yet; I probably wouldn’t be typing this if they had caught it just a couple weeks later.

I was blessed with amazing doctors who blasted the Hell out of my tumors with just the right drugs to halt the Lymphoma dead in its tracks.  Because T-Cell grows so rapidly, it’s especially vulnerable to extremely hard chemo treatments, and my team of oncologists pronounced me tumor free after several months of induction therapy.  My treatment continued for another two years after that, but on a lighter scale, and I was able to go back to school, go back to work, and go back to being a (mostly) normal Underclassman.  I’ve had some lingering side effects, but none worth complaining about too loudly, and thanks to my hirsute Sicilian and Portuguese ancestors my hair’s come back stronger than ever (I actually grew it back faster than some of my friends who did a solidarity-shave; they’ll never let me forget that).  This year I celebrated 7 years without cancer.  I look forward to celebrating 70 more.

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I was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma when I was 22 years old. I am now 25 and stage 4. I’ve had 4 surgeries, recurrences and 2 rounds of radiation therapy. This April is when the melanoma progressed to stage 4. I was rushed to the hospital with a brain tumor that bled. I was paralyzed on my entire left side and couldn’t walk because of it. I am walking now, not normally but I’m hopeful that I’ll get there. Since the surgery in April I’ve had new brain, spine and lung tumors found so I started two new drugs- one immunotherapy and one in pill form. Both have shown amazing results so far on all of my tumors and although they are not a cure for the disease, it gives me hope. I’m staying very positive, enjoying everything in my life that I am blessed with and awaiting more miracles from God!

I was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma when I was 22 years old. I am now 25 and stage 4. I’ve had 4 surgeries, recurrences and 2 rounds of radiation therapy. This April is when the melanoma progressed to stage 4. I was rushed to the hospital with a brain tumor that bled. I was paralyzed on my entire left side and couldn’t walk because of it. I am walking now, not normally but I’m hopeful that I’ll get there. Since the surgery in April I’ve had new brain, spine and lung tumors found so I started two new drugs- one immunotherapy and one in pill form. Both have shown amazing results so far on all of my tumors and although they are not a cure for the disease, it gives me hope. I’m staying very positive, enjoying everything in my life that I am blessed with and awaiting more miracles from God!

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In May 2011, I was diagnosed with stage III melanoma at age 22, just as I was finishing up my student teaching.  I was excited to begin my post-college life but instead was given this stupid roadblock.  I missed my college graduation because the day before I had surgery to remove the cancer and some of my lymph nodes.  I am currently on weekly immunotherapy treatments which will last for one year.  Despite being sick from the treatment I’m working full-time and trying to keep my life as normal and fulfilling as possible, living each day to the fullest, and appreciating the little things a little more than before.  I go for my 6 month scans next week and I am confident that I’ll hear no evidence of disease!

In May 2011, I was diagnosed with stage III melanoma at age 22, just as I was finishing up my student teaching.  I was excited to begin my post-college life but instead was given this stupid roadblock.  I missed my college graduation because the day before I had surgery to remove the cancer and some of my lymph nodes.  I am currently on weekly immunotherapy treatments which will last for one year.  Despite being sick from the treatment I’m working full-time and trying to keep my life as normal and fulfilling as possible, living each day to the fullest, and appreciating the little things a little more than before.  I go for my 6 month scans next week and I am confident that I’ll hear no evidence of disease!

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My name is Mari and I am a  breast cancer survivor! I was diagnosed when I was 29 and with the help, love and support of friends and family I went into remission six months after my diagnoses. I have been healthy and happy since (except for the occasional pain and ache here and there!). Although my life is different than those of a typical 32 year old because of the side effects of chemo and radiation I am here to stay. I decided to go back to school for nursing and will be starting in the fall. I can relate to being sick and and people should be treated with dignity. I feel my experience as a cancer patient will help me be a caring, warm, affectionate and great nurse!I’ve also learned to go outside of my comfort zone and have started rock climbing which I’m totally addicted to!! Life is too short to not do stuff cause you’re scared- so go live!!!

My name is Mari and I am a  breast cancer survivor! I was diagnosed when I was 29 and with the help, love and support of friends and family I went into remission six months after my diagnoses. I have been healthy and happy since (except for the occasional pain and ache here and there!). Although my life is different than those of a typical 32 year old because of the side effects of chemo and radiation I am here to stay. I decided to go back to school for nursing and will be starting in the fall. I can relate to being sick and and people should be treated with dignity. I feel my experience as a cancer patient will help me be a caring, warm, affectionate and great nurse!
I’ve also learned to go outside of my comfort zone and have started rock climbing which I’m totally addicted to!! Life is too short to not do stuff cause you’re scared- so go live!!!

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I’m a two time cancer survivor – Breast Cancer and Melanoma.  I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer at the age of 31 when I found a lump in my breast while doing a self exam.   The doctors of course thought it was nothing to worry about but I should have it removed “just in case”.   I had 2 surgeries,  6 weeks of radiation therapy, and took the hormone/chemo drug Tamoxifen for 4 years.  Tamoxifen was very hard on me and I stopped it a year before it was suggested because I wanted some quality of life back.  It caused severe depression as well as all sorts of physical side effects.  Two years after being diagnosed with breast cancer, I noticed a very dark mole on my arm that I didn’t remember being there before.  I saw a dermatologist and she removed it and it was diagnosed as Melanoma In Situ…or Stage 0.  Luckily, it was still just on the surface of my skin and hadn’t started growing downwards.  I had a small surgery to remove the surrounding tissue and check it for any signs of cancer….it was clear!  I am finally going back to the beach this year since my Melanoma diagnosis.  I have been very paranoid, but have made the decision to live my life and enjoy it!!  I will take precautions, but I will not let cancer dictate my happiness! I have been Breast Cancer Free for 5 years and Melanoma Free for 3 years and I feel great!  I have been very lucky to have a husband who has been extremely supportive and right by my side every step of this journey.  It wasn’t easy to get to the place we are today, but we are both finally getting back to feeling like ourselves and focusing on today and not worrying about what may or may not happen in the future.  I plan on sticking around for a LONG time!

I’m a two time cancer survivor – Breast Cancer and Melanoma.  I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer at the age of 31 when I found a lump in my breast while doing a self exam.   The doctors of course thought it was nothing to worry about but I should have it removed “just in case”.   I had 2 surgeries,  6 weeks of radiation therapy, and took the hormone/chemo drug Tamoxifen for 4 years.  Tamoxifen was very hard on me and I stopped it a year before it was suggested because I wanted some quality of life back.  It caused severe depression as well as all sorts of physical side effects. 

Two years after being diagnosed with breast cancer, I noticed a very dark mole on my arm that I didn’t remember being there before.  I saw a dermatologist and she removed it and it was diagnosed as Melanoma In Situ…or Stage 0.  Luckily, it was still just on the surface of my skin and hadn’t started growing downwards.  I had a small surgery to remove the surrounding tissue and check it for any signs of cancer….it was clear!  I am finally going back to the beach this year since my Melanoma diagnosis.  I have been very paranoid, but have made the decision to live my life and enjoy it!!  I will take precautions, but I will not let cancer dictate my happiness!

I have been Breast Cancer Free for 5 years and Melanoma Free for 3 years and I feel great!  I have been very lucky to have a husband who has been extremely supportive and right by my side every step of this journey.  It wasn’t easy to get to the place we are today, but we are both finally getting back to feeling like ourselves and focusing on today and not worrying about what may or may not happen in the future.  I plan on sticking around for a LONG time!

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Stupid Cancer Video Diaries Vol. 1

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Shannon OBrien is a 17 year survivor of primary brain cancer although her medical team has confirmed that Shannon was born with her brain tumor/cancer as a result of a 1967 x ray to my 4 month pregnant-with-twins belly, Shannon and Sean.  That actually makes Shannon a 43 year survivor of brain tumor/cancer …diagnosed in 1994, with a tumor the size of a grapefruit at the age of 26.  Over the years Shannon has gracefully endured 4 conventional brain surgeries, 2 radiosurgeries, radiation therapy - twice, Temodar chemotherapy - about 4 years total, Gliadel wafer chemotherapy, Avastin alone, Avastin/Temodar, Avastin/carboplatin, Avastin/CCNU, and dendritic cell vaccine therapy.

Shannon OBrien is a 17 year survivor of primary brain cancer although her medical team has confirmed that Shannon was born with her brain tumor/cancer as a result of a 1967 x ray to my 4 month pregnant-with-twins belly, Shannon and Sean.  That actually makes Shannon a 43 year survivor of brain tumor/cancer …diagnosed in 1994, with a tumor the size of a grapefruit at the age of 26.  Over the years Shannon has gracefully endured 4 conventional brain surgeries, 2 radiosurgeries, radiation therapy - twice, Temodar chemotherapy - about 4 years total, Gliadel wafer chemotherapy, Avastin alone, Avastin/Temodar, Avastin/carboplatin, Avastin/CCNU, and dendritic cell vaccine therapy.

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My husband and I were excitedly expecting our first child last August when I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer.  I was 32 years old and 12 weeks pregnant.  I have no family history of breast or related cancers, and we were shocked and terrified by the diagnosis.  We soon learned that I could treat my cancer aggressively while carrying the pregnancy.  So, at 15 weeks pregnant, I had surgery to remove the lump and check my lymph nodes for cancer.  They were negative, which was great news.  At 20 weeks, I started four cycles of adriamycin and cytoxan chemotherapy.  That first infusion was one of the hardest days of my life.  I felt so guilty.  My amazing husband was there with me every minute, reminding me how important the treatments were, telling me how lucky this baby was to have me as her mommy.  After finishing 12 weeks of chemo, I decided to stop treatment for a couple of months and let my baby be born at term.  Our gorgeous, perfectly healthy daughter was born just a few days before her due date.  Three weeks after she was born, I started back on 12 weeks of another kind of chemo along with a targeted drug.  I then completed 33 days of radiation.  Today my daughter is nearly seven months old and she is thriving.  Going through cancer treatment with a newborn was exhausting, but I would do anything to be here for every moment of my baby’s life that I can.

My husband and I were excitedly expecting our first child last August when I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer.  I was 32 years old and 12 weeks pregnant.  I have no family history of breast or related cancers, and we were shocked and terrified by the diagnosis.  We soon learned that I could treat my cancer aggressively while carrying the pregnancy.  So, at 15 weeks pregnant, I had surgery to remove the lump and check my lymph nodes for cancer.  They were negative, which was great news.  At 20 weeks, I started four cycles of adriamycin and cytoxan chemotherapy.  That first infusion was one of the hardest days of my life.  I felt so guilty.  My amazing husband was there with me every minute, reminding me how important the treatments were, telling me how lucky this baby was to have me as her mommy.  After finishing 12 weeks of chemo, I decided to stop treatment for a couple of months and let my baby be born at term.  Our gorgeous, perfectly healthy daughter was born just a few days before her due date.  Three weeks after she was born, I started back on 12 weeks of another kind of chemo along with a targeted drug.  I then completed 33 days of radiation.  Today my daughter is nearly seven months old and she is thriving.  Going through cancer treatment with a newborn was exhausting, but I would do anything to be here for every moment of my baby’s life that I can.

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At 14 years old, I was excited to begin my freshman year of high-school and looking forward to what high school had in store.  I never thought my well check-up for high school, would turn into a diagnosis of cancer.  The doctor did a thorough examination of my neck, felt a lump and started asking the “questions” as I would call them.  ”Any night sweats?”  ”Fatigue?”  ”Pain”  ”Bruising?”   I was sent for blood work and a ct scan.  My scans were sent to a cancer center in NYC.  The doctors were going to look at my scans and said I should go away on my scheduled vacation to a resort upstate.  I was not there for even 24 hours, when we were called back to NYC to undergo a biopsy and broviak catheter placement, as treatment needed to started as soon as possible.   I was diagnosed with stage 3b hodgkins lymphoma and underwent 8 months of chemotherapy (BEACOPP) and 6 weeks of radiation.  Treatment was tough.  The steroids made me swell, the bone pain was unbearable, and all the while I was trying to be as normal a teenager as possible.  My treatments were through and I was looking forward to the start of summer and my sophomore year of high school.  Around November 2002, of my sophomore year, I started to feel really tired and noticed more bruising on my body.  The doctors were concerned and performed a bone marrow aspirate.  On January 1st, 2003, just weeks before my sweet 16, I was diagnosed with myleodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a pre-leukemic condition.  My hopes for  survival was a stem cell transplant.  Again, I was isolated from the world I wanted to embrace.  I was at the hospital 3-4 days a week getting blood and platelet transfusions while the search for a stem cell donor match pressed on.  My condition turned into leukemia in July, a sign things were getting worse but I never gave up hope.  I went through each day with a smile surrounded by family, friends, and my cancer family as well.   On July 7th 2003, the miracle I was waiting for entered my life.   They had found a 6/6 match for my transplant from a guy all the way in Germany, age 24, (which was all I knew of him at the time).   I went through 9 days of intense chemotherapy in patient and received my transplant.  The year after was a long recovery to feel like myself again, but here I am 8 years later living life and succeeding, all because of my donor, Frank, who is now my brother.  I am living my life, graduated college 2 years ago, working as an oncology nurse in NYC and pursuing my goals.   Cancer cannot stop me!

At 14 years old, I was excited to begin my freshman year of high-school and looking forward to what high school had in store.  I never thought my well check-up for high school, would turn into a diagnosis of cancer.  The doctor did a thorough examination of my neck, felt a lump and started asking the “questions” as I would call them.  ”Any night sweats?”  ”Fatigue?”  ”Pain”  ”Bruising?”   I was sent for blood work and a ct scan.  My scans were sent to a cancer center in NYC.  The doctors were going to look at my scans and said I should go away on my scheduled vacation to a resort upstate.  I was not there for even 24 hours, when we were called back to NYC to undergo a biopsy and broviak catheter placement, as treatment needed to started as soon as possible.   I was diagnosed with stage 3b hodgkins lymphoma and underwent 8 months of chemotherapy (BEACOPP) and 6 weeks of radiation.  Treatment was tough.  The steroids made me swell, the bone pain was unbearable, and all the while I was trying to be as normal a teenager as possible.  My treatments were through and I was looking forward to the start of summer and my sophomore year of high school.  Around November 2002, of my sophomore year, I started to feel really tired and noticed more bruising on my body.  The doctors were concerned and performed a bone marrow aspirate.  On January 1st, 2003, just weeks before my sweet 16, I was diagnosed with myleodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a pre-leukemic condition.  My hopes for  survival was a stem cell transplant.  Again, I was isolated from the world I wanted to embrace.  I was at the hospital 3-4 days a week getting blood and platelet transfusions while the search for a stem cell donor match pressed on.  My condition turned into leukemia in July, a sign things were getting worse but I never gave up hope.  I went through each day with a smile surrounded by family, friends, and my cancer family as well.   On July 7th 2003, the miracle I was waiting for entered my life.   They had found a 6/6 match for my transplant from a guy all the way in Germany, age 24, (which was all I knew of him at the time).   I went through 9 days of intense chemotherapy in patient and received my transplant.  The year after was a long recovery to feel like myself again, but here I am 8 years later living life and succeeding, all because of my donor, Frank, who is now my brother.  I am living my life, graduated college 2 years ago, working as an oncology nurse in NYC and pursuing my goals.   Cancer cannot stop me!

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Saludos! My name is Jomaly, I’m a 22 year old Cancer Survivor. On November 5th 2005 I was Diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia at the age of 16 and had finished treatment November 5th 2008. Cancer was the best and worst thing that ever happened to me simply because it gave me a gateway to help those in need. I’m a strong believer in the saying “everything happens for a reason”, and my reason is to make sure that before my soul leaves this earth, I’ve made at least ONE persons heart smile. Life can be scary but its amazing what simply being there for someone can do… and that’s what God put me in this earth for.

Saludos! My name is Jomaly, I’m a 22 year old Cancer Survivor. On November 5th 2005 I was Diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia at the age of 16 and had finished treatment November 5th 2008. Cancer was the best and worst thing that ever happened to me simply because it gave me a gateway to help those in need. I’m a strong believer in the saying “everything happens for a reason”, and my reason is to make sure that before my soul leaves this earth, I’ve made at least ONE persons heart smile. Life can be scary but its amazing what simply being there for someone can do… and that’s what God put me in this earth for.

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