Today is the 2-year anniversary of my diagnosis. It was a Wednesday. Two days after I had checked myself into the ER for breathing trouble. That week I had a chest x-ray, CT scan, bronchoscopy, thoracic surgery biopsy and bone marrow biopsy. After 8 days in the hospital, I went home with vases of flowers and new physical and mental scars.
The first thing my oncologist said to me about my full diagnosis was “I have good news!” because my rare type of lymphoma was centralized and there was a very good chance it was curable. Things didn’t quite work out that way.
Two years later, I’m still fighting. I’m down to 1 2/3 lungs, I’ve got 7 new scars, 3 new radiation tattoos, and a port. My lung surgery in May was succsssful, but cancer remains in both lungs. I’m getting immunotherapy infusions every other month and will continue that for two more years.
My last CT scan in Sept. had some good news and some concerning news. I don’t know where things will go in the future, but I’ve learned to enjoy my life as it is and not get wrapped up in where I believe my path needs to lead.
My joy comes from the people around me, the gifts that the universe bestows upon me and the amazing things that my body can do. I delight everyday in the tremendous blessing that is my son. He brings so much light to my life. I’m thankful for every day that I get to spend with him.
