Inspirational Stories

I am a 36-year survivor of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). In 1987, I went through six months of chemo, had one month off, then went through 25 straight days of radiation. It is an amazing story, one which I may write about when I retire in about 12-16 months.

My son wasn't even two yet when I started treatments. Today he is 38 and has the two cutest, little girls a “Poppop” could ask for. After the chemo, they told me there was a 70% chance I'd be sterile from the treatment. We found out my wife was pregnant in December 1989. My daughter was born in August 1990.

What got me through all this? God did, no question in my mind. The support of my wife, family, friends, church family, the work of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and doctors over the years, and lots of prayers is why I'm here 36 years later. The stories of events that transpired are worth writing about, if not for publishing, then for my family and friends to read about my faith and determination to beat this disease.

My goal was to survive and see my son grow into an adult. I was blessed to see that, his wonderful wife, and two cute, little girls. And my daughter, who I refer to as the miracle child, has grown into a wonderful high school teacher. When she was three, my mother said, “I can see her growing up to be a teacher.” Unfortunately, Mom didn't see that, but she was very prophetic in her comments.

Today I'm 65. Yes, I've had more health issues as a result of surviving this long, but I have no regrets at all. I am grateful beyond words. I have some hearing loss from the radiation in 1987, and I had a shunt in my head as a result of a cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) leak out of my nose and ears in 2014. That is a few chapters in itself which I won't elaborate on here.

Back in 1987, my doctor said, "You have the best of the bad." He was so right. I am thankful for him and every doctor whose path I crossed since then. I wouldn't be here without the gifts God created in them to help me through.

I've been supporting LLS since I got through that unforgettable part of my life. As one of my coworkers said many, many years ago, "Keep the faith." I have and always will.