When I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a nurse so I could help people. I did become a registered nurse, predominately in critical care settings. So, when you receive a disease diagnosis, you treat the problem…right? Not necessarily I have learned.
I was recently diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). I felt as if I was tumbling down a dark, hot hole. “Not curable, treatable, lifelong”. This is “watch and wait” protocol diagnosis…an overwhelming concept…”watch and worry”, I was told, was another concept.
Ironically, I had volunteered for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society three times before, twice fundraising at 5k runs and another time swabbing for “Be the Match”. I also participated in a national “Pink Glove” video and dance for breast cancer awareness.
In Fall 2017, my husband and I formed "Team Dragonfly" and participated in Light The Night. I have lost many family members to cancers. Now, I am now the other side of cancer – not as a willing participant this time.
I appreciate the help I have received thus far from wonderful people at LLS and feel that writing helps with coping, understanding and patience. Please pray for me and others in this process.