After the Diagnosis

Six-years ago...

6-years ago today, I began what would be a three-year trek to save my life. I had just received a diagnosis of an incurable lymphoma.

For the first year, it began commuting 1,800 each way, several times a month for a clinical trial, and ended up with me inpatient locally for chemo, followed by two years of maintenance infusions. By my own choice, I then ‘divorced ‘ my oncologist and am living my best life.

The journey was grueling, daunting, overwhelming, and terrifying.

At the time of my diagnosis, I was informed that the average life expectancy for someone with stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma was five years. It’s been six years now, and while I’m still living a wonderful life, I’m riddled with unseen issues: fatigue, anxiety, PTSD, and survivor’s guilt.

The PSA here is that just because someone ‘looks’ healthy, or as if they have their s*** in order, doesn’t mean they are, or they do. We come from a lifetime of “everything’s fine,” “All good,” and “no complaints.” But that is not real life, not even close for most.

Please remember you likely have no idea what someone has been through or where they are; let’s practice kindness and grace. 💚