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Handle:	RBgogo
Status:	Cancer Survivor
Cancer Type:	Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin's, Adult
Sub-Type:	Follicular
Gender:	Female
Age:	65
Country:	CANADA
Last On:	Nov 18, 2008

Officially Diagnosed with Cancer by a Doctor: December 2005

Stage of Cancer at Diagnosis: I

Date I Began/Begin Treatment: January 2006

My Cancer Story:

Overnight a lump appeared on the front portion of my neck. The following morning I immediately consulted medical help. Within weeks I knew I had Non-Hodgkin's Follicular Lymphoma. More specifically, "Diffused Large B-Cell Transformation in Follicular Lymphoma, Grade 3/3. I was in shock as having been an active, healthy, non-smoking, occasional drinker and not generally abusing my body. I exercised three to four times a week and could not possibly imagine where this could have come from.

I had heard of "Hodgkin's" but never "Non-Hodgkin's" Lymphoma and did not know what all this meant. Not knowing what was involved or where to find the specific information I wanted and needed, I felt totally lost and overwhelmed.

At this point my children came to the rescue. This support they offered with so much love...I will never forget this for the rest of my life. My husband was devastated and did not take my diagnoses very well. As we got over the initial shock, my family and friends rallied around me. They could not have been any better.

As we found and learned more about Non-Hodgkin's, all did not seem as bad as we had thought originally and felt that possibly all would turn out well. Also I wondered how I could possibly feel and look so well, yet be so sick. Within five weeks of finding the lump and diagnosis I started R-Chop Chemo Treatments. After six treatments three weeks apart, I had completed my chemo and am happy to report that all signs of the cancer are gone. I was lucky having found it extremely early, with only one lymph node involved and no significant signs of cancer anywhere else.

What I wished going into treatment was information related to the actual chemo treatment. For example, how was it done, what were the side effects and more specifically, was it going to hurt.

I attended an information session at the Hospital for all just diagnosed with Cancer . Side effects covered were generalized to all cancers and I came away feeling more apprehensive and concerned then when I had first arrived. Basically, at this point I was only interested in what would apply in my case, not everyone else's. This was MY life we were dealing with.

I did encounter different side effects on account of the chemo. Mentioned in my JOURNAL notes are things I felt helped alleviate and counteract some of the side effects for ME.

What I learned from my experience and touch with cancer is never take anything for granted, take each day as it comes, especially appreciate your family and friends and live life to the fullest. Above all trust and believe in God for this will give you the strength needed....and foremost stay positive.

Advice I would offer others diagnosed with the same cancer type would be to get all the facts before jumping to conclusions. Deal with those issues not just by yourself, but with the help of those close to you and your doctor. Never think you are imagining things when you have symptoms and do NOT let anyone convince you otherwise.

I completed treatment April 14, 2006, and overall I am feeling really good. There have been a few minor problems which are to be expected, but with time should hopefully remedy themselves. Because of the chemicals that entered my body during chemo, I recently embarked on a cleansing program. With the help and guidance of a qualified herbalist I'm hoping to make it easier for my body and organs to do just that.

As time passes, I am focusing on new and positive experiences for as long as life will bring them.