Journal entry by Krissy Otto —
Today I did something out of the ordinary! I went full fb public. Here is my post.
I've got a secret, and it's finally time to share.
If not for the wise words of my son, our family would still be hiding this secret.
Before I share why this day, of all days I share, here is a little back story of why my family and I have been quiet. (This is not a pity post by any means)
2018: Lost friends due to standing behind the truth. Diagnosed with M.S. and my whole world began to change.
2020: Covid shut down the world. I lost the best job I admired. Riots. State active duty and friends again lost due to politics and not conversations.
2021: My husband was involved in a very near fatal accident. TBI, skull fractures and more. And then it hit. The secret. I was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin's Lymphoma cancer. Months of treatment and then the word of all emotions, remission.
2022: Just kidding, cancer came back smiling. Months of waiting to research and see how the cancer would grow to best decide on treatment. 3 weeks of radiation 5x per week. During all this for a year, I had to stop my M.S. medication so you can imagine the deterioration of my cognitive and physical means. Finally an MRI with neurologist, M.S. progressed to 10 lesions on the brain, 3 on spine and a brain infection.
We just recently lost a friend due to demons. Explaining this to our son, he turns to me and says, "this is why we should always share the good and the bad with everyone and anyone."
Today, January 1st, 2023 I sit here with full vulnerability to the world that today is my 600th day fighting cancer. I will keep smiling, keep living my life the best way I can and know this....I am a badass!
PETCT in a couple of weeks to see if radiation works so I leave you with this.....I love you all, hug often, be kind and tell all they matter.
I've got a secret, and it's finally time to share.
If not for the wise words of my son, our family would still be hiding this secret.
Before I share why this day, of all days I share, here is a little back story of why my family and I have been quiet. (This is not a pity post by any means)
2018: Lost friends due to standing behind the truth. Diagnosed with M.S. and my whole world began to change.
2020: Covid shut down the world. I lost the best job I admired. Riots. State active duty and friends again lost due to politics and not conversations.
2021: My husband was involved in a very near fatal accident. TBI, skull fractures and more. And then it hit. The secret. I was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin's Lymphoma cancer. Months of treatment and then the word of all emotions, remission.
2022: Just kidding, cancer came back smiling. Months of waiting to research and see how the cancer would grow to best decide on treatment. 3 weeks of radiation 5x per week. During all this for a year, I had to stop my M.S. medication so you can imagine the deterioration of my cognitive and physical means. Finally an MRI with neurologist, M.S. progressed to 10 lesions on the brain, 3 on spine and a brain infection.
We just recently lost a friend due to demons. Explaining this to our son, he turns to me and says, "this is why we should always share the good and the bad with everyone and anyone."
Today, January 1st, 2023 I sit here with full vulnerability to the world that today is my 600th day fighting cancer. I will keep smiling, keep living my life the best way I can and know this....I am a badass!
PETCT in a couple of weeks to see if radiation works so I leave you with this.....I love you all, hug often, be kind and tell all they matter.
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Krissy Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Krissy's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?
