A Profile of Hope—Nancy of KY

In Nancy’s own words:

I was diagnosed on March 21, 2005, three days after my 25th birthday and on the day my first baby turned three months old. My diagnosis was skewed due to a recent C-section and not knowing the affects of being a new mother, but I soon came to have severe, unbearable leg pain which lead me to the doctor. I was told I had arthritis. This began a weekly visit to the doctor trying to get relief. I was getting nowhere and finally went to the emergency room at another facility and was given a diagnosis of gallbladder issues and siatica nerve pain. I was being prepared for gallbladder surgery when a standard chest X-ray showed a 10cm mass on my chest wall . . . things changed quickly!

I had emergency testing that consisted of bone marrow biopsy, liver biopsy, spinal tap, multiple scans and blood work. I was diagnosed with stage 4 Large B-cell non-Hodgkins lymphoma. My bilirubin levels were too high for chemo, but there was no other option so I had a round of CHOP-R with horrific side effects, especially due to the bilirubin levels. My white count went to zero after each chemo and I was hospitalized for about 4-5 days each time. I had eight rounds of chemotherapy followed by seventeen radiation treatments. Still not in remission, I had two more rounds of RICE chemo and finally was matched for a bone marrow transplant. I had a very rough time with side effects from chemo, mostly weakness, nausea, blood components dropping and trying to be a mommy all at the same time. I had to have daily help to function.

I have learned that each day is a blessing and we should treasure it. I also have learned to stay positive in time of despair with being diagnosed. It is okay to ask for help. It is difficult to go through this on your own. Prayer, faith, and my baby was what kept me sane. Through this journey there will be pain and suffering physically and emotionally but it will pass and it is worth it ALL in the end! Surround yourself with positive people and try to laugh often. I have also learned that life is what you make of it and to live each day with joy and do your best to treat others how you want to be treated. Encourage people and share your story of hope with them. I have learned I am only human and times get rough but God will carry you through the toughest times if you will allow Him to.

I am almost two years post transplant and three years post diagnosis and I am cancer free and doing great! I am a stay at home mom to my precious miracle 3 year old. He truly was my motivation and my medicine. I do suffer from chronic fatigue and chronic pain in my muscles and bones, but physical therapy has helped. My memory isn't the best and I continue to have issues with appetite, but overall I am EXCELLENT and could not be more blessed. I have scans every three months and take one day at a time.

My diagnosis changed me in so many ways it is hard to say how, but mostly that I can't take anything for granted. It is not promised. I love more deeply and appreciate things SO much more even the smallest things. I also have realized that there are angels that are sent by God to help us through this ordeal. My oncologist and staff were such great people and my community rallied with me.. I was a Christian before my diagnosis which was a blessing, but I try to thank God for my blessing more often and share my story with others so they can have hope. I am a SURVIVOR and my heart goes out to those that have had to hear the words: It is cancer, and that includes any type, not just lymphoma. I take part in my community Relay for Life and I get great satisfaction from that.

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