Inspirational Stories

Just a month before turning 60, I was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma (FL). I really had no symptoms. I had just finished a year of pretty much full-time, long-term substitute jobs at our local middle school. I’m a retired high school English teacher. I had also traveled with my family to both Williamsburg, Virginia and Las Vegas with my sister and her husband. We were only home for four days when I flew my daughter and two-year-old grandson here to Alabama for a week.

My general doctor checks my blood twice a year and noticed elevated liver enzymes. She had me go get an abdominal ultrasound which revealed that my kidneys were swollen and holding onto urine. I was swiftly referred to urology, and they did a CT scan. This revealed a mass the size of a medium apple pushing on my uterus going up and down the great vessels. Within four days, I had kidney stents inserted to keep my kidneys functioning (they are the devil). Four days after that, I had a painful biopsy, and to my disappointment, I had to be awake. It was removed from my back. I don’t recommend it.

The waiting was the hardest part! I had to wait 11 days for the results. I was referred to Dr. Pierce at Alabama Oncology. I was sent for a PET scan, and then my doctor said we would do six rounds of R-Chop and immunotherapy at the same time. I have five treatments under my belt. I am surprised at how well my body has taken this treatment. Although, number five has been tougher. The worst part is still having the stents in. I didn’t realize how much GERD I would have. The stomatitis has affected my throat, gums, and stomach, and hasn’t helped with the stent discomfort because it can affect your vagina as well.

I have one more chemotherapy session on January 7, 2025. I’m not sure what the future holds because FL is considered a chronic illness with a high rate of recurrence, but I have faith that I will have many years left to watch my grandson grow. My husband has been a great caretaker. He’s never missed an appointment. I sure am looking forward to getting my hair and eyebrows back! But most importantly, I’d love to have my energy back. Most see us cancer patients as strong or resilient, but we are more focused on each day, each blessing, and each thing to be grateful for. This is what gets us through.