• LLS
  • TEAM IN TRAINING
  • Light The Night
  • Visionaries of the Year
  • Student Visionaries of the Year
  • DIY
  • Big Climb
  • Community
  • Donate
  • Menu
  • About Light The Night

    About Light The Night

    • Mission
    • FAQs
    • Get More Information

    Our Partners

    Recognition Programs

    • Hero and Impact Award
    • Participant Recognition

    Find a Region

    • Chapter Link
  • Ways to Get Involved

    Light The Night Walk

    • Create or Join a Team
    • Walk as an Individual
    • Corporate Teams
    • Friends & Family Teams
    • School Teams
    • Become a Team Captain
    • Social Toolkit
    • Participant Resources
    • FAQs

    Get Your Company Involved

    • Sponsor
    • Retail Campaigns
    • National Teams
    • Executive Challenge

    Random Acts of Light

    Volunteer

  • Find An Event
  • Donate
  • Account
  • About Light The Night
    • About Light The Night
      • Mission
      • FAQs
      • Get More Information
    • Our Partners
    • Recognition Programs
      • Hero and Impact Award
      • Participant Recognition
    • Find a Region
      • Chapter Link
  • Ways to Get Involved
    • Light The Night Walk
      • Create or Join a Team
      • Walk as an Individual
      • Corporate Teams
      • Friends & Family Teams
      • School Teams
      • Become a Team Captain
      • Social Toolkit
      • Participant Resources
      • FAQs
    • Get Your Company Involved
      • Sponsor
      • Retail Campaigns
      • National Teams
      • Executive Challenge
    • Random Acts of Light
    • Volunteer
  • Find An Event
  • Partners
    • LLS
    • TEAM IN TRAINING
    • Light The Night
    • Visionaries of the Year
    • Student Visionaries of the Year
    • DIY
    • Big Climb
    Community

Search Events

  • All Survivor Stories Denise

Denise

Non-Hodgkin’s Follicular Lymphoma Survivor

Elmhurst, Illinois

  • Print

“I have cancer.” It took me a while to say those words out loud. But for three years now, I've been living with cancer. November 9, 2015 to be exact. That's the day it was staged and named, Non-Hodgkin’s Follicular Lymphoma. Like many, I felt a little blindsided. A lingering cough followed by some shortness of breath brought me to the doctor. I suspected bronchitis or maybe pneumonia. Well, it was pneumonia, anemia, and NHFL. That's the day this new life began. 

I did my chemo treatments and I instantly started feeling better. The cough left and I could breathe comfortably. Six months of treatments and a PET scan showed "good response to treatment" the best news! But a little something else popped up ..."verify clinically.” After some procrastination, I did just that, and wham! Another cancer hit, endometrial adenocarcinoma on November 18, 2016, almost exactly one year from diagnosis #1. I now had two cancers! I feel fortunate that surgery removed cancer #2. I will follow up with doctor often and in five years I can say I'm cured of this one. Two years down, just three to go. 

But my Lymphoma, that's a different story, as of today, my stage 4 blood cancer is considered incurable, but manageable. So that's what I'm doing, managing my new life with cancer. In February of 2018 ... I felt off, saw my doctor, and yes the Lymphoma had returned. A mere 23 months later. But this time treatment was much easier, you see this cancer was a wakeup call for me. I have been focusing on getting stronger, healthier, and preparing for the inevitable. It only took three rounds of chemo to beat it this time. 

Last year, I became involved with LLS's Light the Night Walk. In a cyber world of scary and often confusing information, LLS became my source for accurate information on my cancer, as well as the amazing strides being made with regards to developing treatment options and trials. Supporting this amazing group was the next step in my cancer story. Giving back, fighting for those too weak to fight and it is empowering knowing that my little contribution could help to someday alter my own treatment.  

I have cancer. I'm ok saying that now because I understand that my cancer story could potentially help others. I also now feel the tentacles of support reaching far beyond what I could imagine three years ago. My hope? That I get to change my story. My new story begins & ends with ... I HAD Cancer.

Previous Story Marina
Next Story Adam
Previous Story Marina
Next Story Adam

Contact InformationContact Light The Night by email or call 877-LTN-WALK

Follow Us

National Presenting Sponsor of Survivorship & Hope


Pharmacyclics-Janssen

National Presenting Sponsor of Celebration & Community


Pharmacyclics-Janssen
 

Leading Lights


Walgreens
The Wawa Foundation

Luminary


Abbvie
Amgen Oncology
AstraZeneca
BeiGene
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Burn Boot Camp
Elbit Systems of America
FIS - Empowering the Financial World
Genentech - Biogen - A Member of the Roche Group
Pfizer
Takeda Oncology

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all monetary donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by tax laws. Please check with your financial advisor if you have more questions.

  • Cause Reports Best In Class logo
  • Copyright
  • Privacy Policy
  • Security
  • Link Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Public Disclosure
  • Fundraising Disclosure
  • Refund Policy
  • Email Subscription Center
  • Work for LLS
  • Canada