Contents
It was not easy to go through chemotherapy, but now I appreciate my body even more.
I am not one of those people who, with a slight runny nose, immediately rush to the hospital. But one day, when a seemingly typical cough turned out to be especially persistent, I realized that I was starting to get sick. It was 2017 and I traveled a lot during that time. Many around me were often sick, so I decided that the infection had reached me too.
Jason, my boyfriend, and I had just returned from Europe, and my discomfort was more related to lack of sleep. Winter has come, a stormy work has begun, the Christmas holidays have come, and with them the New Year. In all this confusion, I somehow missed the fact that the strange cough never goes away, although in general I felt great, was full of strength and energy.
But the cough did not go away, and by the end of February 2018 it became even more persistent. I began to cough when I laughed or talked for a long time. I even had to give up telephone conversations at work, because as soon as I started talking, I immediately coughed. In addition, problems with weight began. He suddenly began to disappear somewhere, although I did not even plan to lose weight. As a result, my parameters decreased by size, and I literally swam in my old jeans.
Around the middle of March, I finally decided to see a doctor. Like his assistant, it seemed to me that we were dealing with a lingering and unpleasant bronchitis. The blood test showed minor abnormalities, so I was prescribed antibiotics and offered to have a chest X-ray. With him, I decided not to delay and went to the procedure after work on Friday.
Then I was diagnosed
X-rays showed a mass in the chest area. And then I started to get really worried. This is clearly not bronchitis. Computed tomography confirmed my worst fear: a 9-centimeter tumor was pressing on my right lung.
Within a week and a half, research confirmed the presence of lymphoma in my chest. I remember sitting in the office with my father and Jason and exclaiming: “How could I even say that?” I was sure that I had bronchitis or SARS at worst. It never even occurred to me that in two weeks I would talk about chemotherapy with an oncologist.
I have been diagnosed with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMVL), a very rare condition. Fortunately, it has not spread throughout the body.
Chemotherapy began to rule my life
It all happened very quickly. In early April, I started my first course. I decided to shave my hair beforehand to reduce the pain of hair loss. I had to come to terms with the fact that I would lose them. My friend and I decided to arrange a bald photo session for me to add confidence. And it worked.
I just turned 37, and every two weeks I spent five days in the hospital battling the disease with intensive treatment. In fact, the fight was going on 24/7, so it’s not surprising that I began to feel very lonely, despite the excellent support group from family and friends. But this battle was only mine, and no one could guarantee protection or victory.
When faced with life and death issues such as cancer, you feel insanely lost. So I called my tumor ugly Linda, because I wanted to add a little humor to the situation, and God began to lead. Initially, he was just my outlet, but gradually he began to gain an audience. People who had the same form of cancer or whose loved ones were currently undergoing treatment began to unite around the blog. I even found a support group online with about 1500 members from survivors to family members. Find those who have gone through the same thing, who will not be intimidated by questions like “Is this a reaction to chemotherapy?” or “it’s okay” is all very encouraging. I felt more confident, although the treatment was still difficult.
Only forward at full steam
When the treatment was over, and it was at the beginning of August, not a single hair was left on the body. After chemotherapy, I was hospitalized several times with complications and had multiple blood transfusions.
Somehow, the tumor practically disappeared. What was left was thought to be a tiny remnant of scar tissue. Doctors are still not sure what could cause cancer. It’s like winning the worst lottery in the world. There is no genetic risk specifically for this type of lymphoma. In the United States, only 300-400 cases are diagnosed per year. I may have been exposed to pesticides or other chemicals at some point, but I’m not sure about that.
Disease is definitely not the best days of life. My white blood cell count was almost zero, so my immune system was barely working. But it seemed to me that for the first time since the age of 13, when I stopped working, I felt some freedom.
It was a positive change in my life. The guy and I got closer. My mother died of cancer exactly five years before my last chemotherapy course. She had lost her battle, but I knew I was winning mine. There was so much pain in it, but my family came together to help me get through it.
Now I am in remission and I feel great, I go for a PET scan every three months and have regular blood tests. If there are no changes within two years, then I will be considered cured. “
I am grateful to my body for what it was capable of.
Fighting cancer made me appreciate my body
The side effects of the treatment made me rethink my principles. Before chemotherapy, I had long hair and I was proud of it. Now they are starting to grow slowly again, thick and curly, but I do not give it as much importance as before. Now beauty is power for me. I am grateful to my body for what it was capable of.
This is why you should never put off seeing your doctor, even if the concern doesn’t seem significant. I know that many acquaintances were shocked by my diagnosis, but it was this situation that made them go through a physical examination, start eating better and seek help when they feel that something is wrong. Your health is the first thing you have in this world, and if you do not control it, then you have nothing.