Happy Easter 

The Results Are In!

Well my test results are in! There is absolutely no sign of Hodgkin's. Phil and are completely thrilled with the news. We were so worried. I tried to call to get the results early but the doctor hadn't read the results and I was told to call back at lunch. As I went back and forth whether to call or just wait until my appointment I decided to wait. Once in the room we had to wait another 30-45 minutes in which Phil was pacing the floor. There must be a better way to get back test results!

God is good ALL the time!

Nervous with Hope

I am slowly approaching what will be my 1 year post chemo. I have a PET/CT scheduled for March 9th. I am a little nervous but I really can't control the outcome. All I can do is HOPE and pray that God's Will will be done and that His name be glorified.

The Struggles of Infertility

Phil and I have been trying to start a family for sometime. It has been 4 years to be exact. In 4 years we have conceived twice and I have miscarried both times. During this time there was also the little cancer thing. We are over that and ready to move on.

In July I decided to have some testing done to make sure there was not a chromosome disorder. Well it turns out there is. I have what is called a balanced translocation. After doing some research I have discovered that 5% of all couples that experience recurrent miscarriages have this disorder. Basically, I have all the right number of chromosomes but two switch places.

Phil and I decided to go ahead and consult a fertility specialist who we have seen before but before this current diagnosis. It wasn't the visit I had hoped for. While we were there I also found out that I tested Low Positive for Anticardiolipin Antibodies which basically is my body rejecting the placenta. It is possible that maybe this test was hindered by the recent chemo. I am in the process of checking on this.

Anyway the doctor did not paint a good picture for us. He would like us to see a genetic counselor to find out the odds of us having a baby.

Phil and I are now struggling with all the issues that couples have while struggling with infertility. All I ever wanted to be was a mother. It really is a difficult time for us both right now. We won't know anything until we see a genetic counselor. Please, pray that God will show us His will and that we will be at peace with this bump in the road.

One Year Ago

Exactly one year ago today I began this long cancer journey. It was last year I went for a CT scan and that evening I found out that I had a form of lymphoma later turning out to be Hodgkin's. It was a whirlwind of events that transpired right before Thanksgiving.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving was the first time I had ever entered an oncology office. I was the only young person there. The whole time I was there I was fighting back tears. Then a young, frail woman entered the office with her husband. She looked so sick. She literally had a box full of meds. This scared me but thankfully I did not have as rough of a time.

I have a lot to be thankful for this year. I have definitely grown from this experience and view life with a different perspective. This year the holidays will be different! This year I am cancer free.

the port has left the body

I can officially say my port has been removed. I had it taken out on Friday. It was much easier coming out than going in. The incision is a little sore but that is it. When I first had the port my entire arm was sore for several days. I tried to see if I could keep the port but the nurse said something about having to check for all the parts to make sure they got it all, which I hope they did. The port did help with chemo but now it is gone and that is the last sign of cancer for me. I am now trying to lead a cancer free life and trying not to look back but look ahead to see where God leads me!

Light the Night 2005

I completed my first Light the Night walk this evening. It was an enjoyable evening complete with illuminated balloons. My team Hope for Hodgkin's raised $585.00. We raised this with little to no fundraising efforts. Next year we plan to fundraise and raise even more money.