Inspirational Stories

I was diagnosed with stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in April 2022 at 27 years old. After months of debilitating symptoms and a week-long hospital stay, I finally had an answer as to what was going on with my body. I was relieved to have an answer, but "cancer" was the last thing I expected. Ironically, after my diagnosis and first chemotherapy infusion, I felt better than I had in months. I didn't feel like I had cancer; the only reminders were a few enlarged lymph nodes and the mediport protruding from the right side of my chest. 

I went through six months of chemotherapy immediately after my diagnosis. I watched myself change into somebody I didn't know or recognize. Eventually, my long, dark, curly hair fell out. I struggled to put on weight. The drugs made me feel like I'd been hit by a car after running a marathon. Nonetheless, I persisted, and I made it through. In late October 2022, I was declared in complete remission. It was like a late birthday present, and I started my 28th year cancer-free. Two weeks after I finished chemo, I started a job that I absolutely loved. Life finally seemed like it was starting to get back to normal. Or at least my new normal. 

Unfortunately, my remission was short-lived as I relapsed three months later. And double, unfortunately, I was laid off from the job loved. Over the course of a few months, my normal life came crashing down, and I was back to riding the waves of uncertainty. I once again went through six months of chemo and made it to remission for the second time. I recently had an autologous stem cell transplant to keep the cancer away for good. It was one of the most difficult things I've been through, however, I made it through, and I feel like a bad*ss.

Despite continuously picking the short straw, I have had a very positive outlook from the beginning. Yes, this sucks, but there's nowhere I can go but forward. I have my bad days, but as far as I am concerned, I'm just "a little extra sick" and need to go to the doctor a little more than the average person. I am not going to let my cancer define me or how I live my life. I still go out and do things I love like going to concerts or trying new foods. I still like to get dressed up and play with makeup. In fact, I would wear a different bold makeup look every time I went to chemo to help me feel more like myself and to make the monotony a little less. 

Though I would've never chosen this life for myself, there have been silver linings to my diagnosis. Somewhat strangely, it has helped me become more confident and more "me." Prior to cancer, I wouldn’t ever have rocked a mohawk or gone out in public without brows or lashes. I am so much more sure of myself and the person I am. My relationships with friends and family have become stronger, especially my relationships with my mother and oldest younger brother. I've made new and fulfilling friendships that have helped to keep me sane. I got to spend a lot of quality time with my dogs, and they took on the role of unofficial emotional support dogs. I finally made the jump and have started therapy and working on my mental health, something I had always wanted to do pre-diagnosis but never got around to. And like most cancer patients, it has helped me reevaluate the priorities in my life, and I am learning how to live my life for myself. 

I am grateful for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and the work they do. I was eligible for financial assistance, and it has been the biggest blessing. I tell every blood cancer survivor I come across about LLS and how they can assist. LLS is so amazing, and I am so thankful for how much they've helped me and other survivors.