My cancer journey began February 14, 2012, Valentine’s Day. I couldn’t project my voice while singing at church. After tests, it was found that I had 4th stage lymphoma in my lungs. We started chemotherapy right away. A tough fight with a lot of twists and turns along the way but successful! We followed up for 5 years.
In May 2017, my cancer returned only this time the lymphoma was throughout my body. The journey continues. I went to Seattle for a second opinion. Both were the same. So, extreme chemotherapy plus autologous stem cells were given. It was 3 weeks in the hospital and hard, but I am 6 months out of treatment and doing fine. So far no signs of cancer’s return!
Cancer is a journey that takes you many places. I feel like a walking, talking miracle. My family and friends have been amazing! If you have a friend or family member with cancer, drop them a card once in a while. In this time of electronics, you cannot imagine how a card can lift spirits. I give a lot of credit to my medical teams at MSTI and St. Alphonsus. They worked hard to find a cure for me. My husband, David, has been at my side through it all! All of this has been in God’s hands. Thank you for this honor. I hope I can help others to realize you can survive 4th stage cancer.