February 2020 will be two years since my lymphoma diagnosis, but my symptoms started to really affect day-to-day life in November 2017.  Two years later, it has been a long, hard, roller-coaster ride of getting worse, getting better, getting diagnosed with a new disease, getting . . . and so it goes.  All along the … Continue reading What is Hope?

Of my various health challenges, Crohn’s disease has been the most surprising.  As my mom has said, the commercials for various Crohn’s medications suggest it causes frequent restroom trips that are miraculously stopped by the advertised medication.  Well, after 10 months, we have learned that is an extreme oversimplification of a serious illness that affects … Continue reading My “Get Well” Charms

I know it has been a while, and I have a reason (or, perhaps, an excuse).  I am sure you have all heard the saying—if you do not have anything good to share, then do not share.  Well, I have not always had good news to share, and I hate to disappoint everyone who is … Continue reading The Absent Blogger

It is hard to believe my last treatment was three months ago.  I have been frustrated by what I thought was a slow road to recovery.  I expected to improve quickly after my last round of chemo, but last week one of the nurses explained that it will take a full twelve months to recover … Continue reading Cancer Makes Me Feel . . .

This morning, I finished my six-month chemotherapy regimen.  HOORAY!!  I am looking forward to celebrating in the coming weeks and months, especially as I rebuild my strength.  We actually started early when we went to a Maroon 5 concert a couple of weeks ago.  We had an awesome time, especially after the sun set and … Continue reading A Bittersweet End To My Chemotherapy Journey

Today is day #1 of my last cycle of chemotherapy.  My last infusion is tomorrow.  (Yay!)  One of the things I have learned from my experiences – and from talking and reading about others’ experiences – is that cancer care costs a fortune.  I knew this in theory, but that is different than seeing the … Continue reading The Fortune Of Cancer Care

Last week, we received the great news that the chemotherapy is doing its job.  All but one of my lymph nodes is now normal size, and the one that is still a little large shrunk from 4.9 x 5.4 cm to 15 x 12 mm.  In addition, my blood work continues to show that my … Continue reading The Chemo Is Having A Real Impact

I thought I was handling my diagnosis and treatment fairly well, but recently I started seeing signs that may not be the case, at least not entirely.  In the past couple of weeks, several people have mentioned “acceptance” to me.  I thought I was there.  Then I started to tally up the side effects I … Continue reading Resistance is Futile

On April 26-27, I received the second of six cycles of chemotherapy.  Thus far, I know my experience is still “mild,” and I am thankful. The Good I am continually grateful for our decision to get a second opinion and go with the second oncologist, as the facility is bright and my nurse (Nikki) is … Continue reading Cycle # 2 – The Good, The (Somewhat) Bad, and The Blessings

The past three weeks have been full, ending with the start of cycle 2 of my chemotherapy, i.e., infusions on April 26 and 27.  I will save that for the next posting, though, because April was full of adventure and fun that made so many days special and made memories that will continue to brighten … Continue reading Lighting Up Each Day