Roberta’s Story

Site created on August 9, 2022

So… the background… After having some mild symptoms of an unproductive cough, shortness of breath and the occasional chest pain for a few months (or longer), I finally went an urgent care at the urging of my hubby. Never ever did cancer cross my mind as a possibly, yet here we are. A spot on a chest X-ray led to a chest CT and then test after test to figure out what type of cancer this mass was in my chest….

My diagnosis is non-Hodgkins primary mediastinal lymphoma, stage II. And yes, I’m fully intending on beating this thing and getting “Milton-the-Masshole” OUT of my body! Honestly, while I’m writing this I feel great, I don’t feel sick at all. But that is also thanks to 3 radiation treatments to shrink Milton a bit and bring me some relief while I waited for the full diagnosis.

It’s been a rollercoaster of activity since mid-June but my journey is just starting. How do you prepare for this kind of fight? How do you prepare your family for this when you don’t know what to expect yourself? Well, for now we are just focusing on staying open and positive.

I’m thankful for this place to share updates with friends and family and will appreciate every note of encouragement you take the time to write!

Newest Update

July 20, 2023

Journal entry by Roberta Harriff —

RING! RING! RING!!! 
My oncologist has said I am cancer-free and am on my journey to recovery!  I’m excited to start celebrating too!

Yes, that mass tissue that was causing me concern is still there, but it is not cancerous tissue, it is not a host for the reoccurrence, it’s probably just a mix of scar tissue and dead cells.  So I am focused on filling that space with good things (like healthy lung capacity and a strong pumping heart) to knock that yucky stuff out.  

How am I recovering? Well, being more selfish and finding my happy places…
  • I started taking voice lessons again.  I spend part of each lesson on breath control and exercises that really engage my brain again (like whole step scales, sight singing, and chord progressions).  And some pieces of music from my college repertoire that remind me how “out of shape” I am!
  • I joined a cancer survivor recovery class 2 days a week at the YMCA.  It’s a small group of cancer fighters and survivors trying to regain balance, stability, mobility, nerve loss, muscle, core strength and stamina.  It’s been really really good for me. The trainers are aware of the treatment effects and how to focus on our specific needs and watch outs.
  • I have tried to watch my work hours more. I still love my job, but if I don’t take care of myself, I won’t be able to work anyway
  • I’m making plans again. Probably not something most people think about, but when you are in treatments for months, then getting tests and doctor appointments and more treatment, more waiting, more worrying, you don’t make many plans. Now I want to go on trips, see people, do things, be present, or just sit alone and do a puzzle at home if I want to!
  • Our family will be going on a short trip to Wisconsin and Chicago soon! Waupun family & friends- I’m going to the ALTO FAIR! Who wants to meet up and celebrate with a hot ham or piece of pie with me?!  Oh yeah! And then to Six Flags to ride the coasters!  Woo hoo!!! 
  • I even auditioned for a local choir! Wish me luck - hoping to find out if I’m in early next month!

So, I’m hoping this is my last post on this site.  For everyone who has been praying, I am grateful beyond words and I hope that God will hear my prayer of thanks for each of you and bless you.  Most of this journey, I did not have the courage to pray for my own healing, but those of you who did never wavered in that prayer for me.
For all the meals, cards, calls, visits, emails, texts, FB messages, I couldn’t reply to them all but was touched by each one!

And I hope that if you know anyone in this fight against cancer now that you will continue to support them in any way you can. A text, a call, just a few words can come at just the right time!  I am blessed to be able to “ring the bell” but some will live with cancer the rest of their lives and it is an unwelcome burden.  Many put on a brave face and just forge ahead but there are many days that feel like the last day you want to fight and you want to be done being brave, be done feeling yucky, be done with it and not have to wait for next steps or answers. And not just those with cancer but those near and dear to them - along for the fight but feeling a bit helpless and need encouragement too!  

Keep praying! Keep sending positive vibes! Keep telling those close to you that you love them! 

I hope to be able to share what I’ve been through with others, to be more empathetic, to be more attentive to others needs. Though this past year+ was not something I expected nor do I ever want to do again, I have learned from it, grown from it, even connected a bit to what my dad may have been going through at some times.  Can’t help but be changed by it, I guess, right?

Ok, signing off for now!  Will have my 3-month tests for a while to monitor things but just assume no news is good news!  Thank you again for Al the care, love and support for me and my family this past year!  

Love and hugs,
Roberta




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