In October 2011, while at work, I fell after attempting to sit on a chair, and I went to the emergency for x-rays. As soon as the technician began the process, he entered the room to ask if I had scoliosis. I replied, "no" and he proceeded with the exam.
In 2012, I was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. I had 10 rounds of radiation and six treatments of chemotherapy (R-Chop). It was a very rough journey, however, by the grace of God, the love of family, and of course, the wonderful doctors and advances in cancer treatments I persevered through.
In the 1990’s, I was diagnosed with benign monoclonal gammopathy. In April 2013, I was experiencing severe back pain that lead me to the ER. The results of the x-rays lead me to seek medical treatment from a hematologist/oncologist. The bone marrow biopsy result confirmed multiple myeloma.
In October 2015, after a trip to the ER with pain in my abdomen, I was diagnosed with stage 3, large B cell, multiple location, non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
My oncologist originally told me that the treatment plan would include 10 chemotherapy rounds, followed with radiation. I was out of work for eight weeks until my doctor decided I was in good enough health to return work.
My father, Paul Scolaro, took advantage of every second he had on this earth. A former student at the School of Visual Arts, Art Director and Storyboard Artist, my father taught us to notice the beauty in everything.
This picture is of my brother and my son. Both fought valiantly from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and Hodgkin's lymphoma respectively.
I am a 26-year survivor of 4B Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and a 21-year survivor of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
I was 41 years old when I was first diagnosed, and I had three young children back then. Treatment was tough, but my husband was by my side every step of the way, and it made a big difference.
My son was rubbing my shoulders and noticed a lump on the side of my neck which freaked him out. He then told my wife about it and they demanded that I go have it checked. In November 2013, I was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
I was declared to be in remission from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) on Sept 1, 2015. To celebrate one year of remission, I biked from Waukesha, WI to Port Washington, WI, a total of 104 miles round trip.
I was first told I had non-hodgkin's lymphoma at the age of 20. I had no idea what that was, I just knew it was a form of cancer and that there was a possibility that I may not survive.
My first reaction was shock, then I was in denial, and then I felt scared. I came to an acceptance that I may not live but I have to at least fight trying.