Dreams Do Come True: Cancer Survivor

Holy shit I had Cancer! Yes I'm writing about this experience to help others know that my cancer was very curable and if you have this Cancer hopefully you can see maybe what to expect. Everyone's bodies do work different but this is what happened to me and my symptoms. If you have any questions of course feel free to ask.

In 2008 my life paused for a bit I was 26 yrs old working as a cardiovascular tech at the hospital. I felt totally fine just tired from late working hours but overall nothing out of the ordinary. Except for this unexpected lump that just popped up in the middle of the night. I actually didn't know it was there until my boyfriend Jason felt it on my neck when his hands were on my shoulders. I didn't know what it was? The day before I was kyacking with friends and I thought I got bit by something. It didn't hurt...And I didn't have insurance at the time so I just ignored it. Well I happened to get insurance because I know it's important to have it. Seven months later I went to the Dr. to get rid of my cold she was more concerned about the lump on my neck. I went to get a ct scan that day and hours later she contacted me and told me I had masses in my chest and that I had to go see a thoracic surgeon for further follow up. She also said that she thought it was some type of cancer. What!!!!??? This was actually the most scared I've ever been in my entire life, and for the first time I actually thought even more about my future and if I would actually be here with everyone else. So scary!.... well I'm here :)

Tests done:

CT scan w and without contrast

Pet scan

Mugga scan for heart

PFT for lungs

Bone marrow biopsy

Tests I hate most and why

PFT- breathing was hard for me because I always had this cough.

Ct with contrast -because sometimes I felt nauseous and had to go number 2 haha

And of course the Bone marrow biopsy -because well we know why Its a giant needle!! But actually it wasn't as bad as I thought it was. The numbing hurt more and the anticipation of the whole procedure. I have to say that it went very quick and my Doc was amazing!

I got a biopsy right away and was Diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma Nonbulky disease stage 2. I was asleep during the biopsy. Don't remember a thing. I went to an Oncologist Dr. Swanson the best Dr. I could have asked for. What's funny is I totally met him in the hospital before and didn't even know he was a Dr. When he walked in and saw me he was so surprised but I am so happy that he was my Dr. I went also to get a second opinion at Moffet Cancer Center in Tampa, FL and Dr. Swanson also wanted to go the same route 7 months of Chemotherapy . ABVD

A-Doxorubicin

B-Bleomycin

V-Vinblastine

D- Dacarbazine

I got a port put in my chest for chemo treatments. I was put asleep for this too. It was sore when they put it in for a little bit.

When I went for chemo treatments it lasted 3 hrs. So I would sit in a chair and stare out into the water because I'm very lucky to have a Dr. Office that was on the water ! My boyfriend Jason which we will talk about later :) always sat by my side. After chemo I always wanted to go shopping and every time I didn't really realize how bad I felt until I got there ugghhhh!! So It was straight to bed. I slept for hours and hours.

The drugs that helped me during Chemo:

Emend! This was a must for me. Helps with Nausea. Only took one before every chemo treatment.

Ativan- Helped with nausea and anxiety. This always put me to sleep.

Prednisone- Helped with nausea

Neulasta shot- got one or two weeks after chemo treatments. It is used to treat neutropenia , a lack of certain white blood cells during chemotherapy. Chemo kills everything!! YUCK

Compazine- for nausea always took this with emend and ativan as needed.

Symptoms before Chemo:

Hard Lump on my clavicle around 4cm

Nothing else

No pain

No fever

No weight loss

No lack of energy only from my working hours at the time

Symptoms during Chemo:

All hair lost ( head, body, eye lashes, eye brows)

Mouth pain

Muscle pain

Fatigue

Nausea

So hard to explain the feeling. But just weak.

Did not have a menstrual cycle

skin- gray, green sometimes

skin- then sometimes red after neulasta shots

Heart burn/chest pain they said neulasta shot caused pain in the chest sternum area.

Gained 30 pounds from prednisone

So during my experience of chemotherapy at times were very emotionally and physically draining, but you just have to do what you have to do! Finish the nasty poison that they put in your body. So Hodgkins Lymphoma yes It is the best Cancer that I could of had because I'm a survivor and I'm here and very very blessed and Lucky. I had a lot of support from my boyfriend that was with me for 3 yrs till I got diagnosed in 2008 and in 2009 he proposed to me and In June 19, 2010 we got married! April 10, 2012 a gift from god also came into our life Luke Jason Boyd. He is 4 months now! I had no problems trying to have a beautiful baby boy. And great support from family and friends. You will know you people who really love you in your life so keep them close.

So now I do live a healthier life style. I workout and watch what I eat. I eat sugar very rarely only on special occasions :) I do not smoke. I always use sunscreen. They say you don't know how you get this cancer. Stay healthy eat right and take care of the body you have! we only have one, and it's a lot of work for sure!!!

Pictures to come.......

Before chemotherapy: