I was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 27 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). I was a healthy 27-year-old who went to college playing golf and lacrosse. We found the tumor right by my heart, which was inoperable, so the chemo had to work. My husband and I moved back to Cincinnati to get treated at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
I was never ready to hear the “C” word. No one at any age is ready to listen to that diagnosis. My treatment regimen was hospitalized for a week, hooked up to 24-hour chemo, then out for two weeks, and then back in again for a week, up to eight cycles.
Having cancer was challenging not only for myself but also for my husband and our families. My mental health was deteriorating and so was my body. I thought my body had failed me. Working out was a big part of my life, and when the doctor told me I couldn't work out, depression and anxiety started settling in.
Throughout the cancer journey, I thought of Pilates. I knew Pilates was for anyone at any stage of life or fitness, so I asked the doctors if I could practice it for my body at the time. It gave me peace and fulfillment of what my body could take. I knew in my heart that if this made me feel somewhat “normal” during my treatments, it could help my mental health and physical health. I would want to become a teacher so I could help others.
After remission, I became a teacher and opened my own business. Through all the trials, without the support from my husband, family, and faith, I wouldn't have any of this. My mission is to continue to blog about recovery, being a teacher, and forming a family. I have infertility issues now due to cancer. With that, I know I'm not alone, but I also want to continue spreading love and awareness on that journey. This tragedy renewed my faith and taught me to love endlessly with compassion, have empathy, and live with purpose and passion.
Allison
non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
