On August 19, 2016, my world got turned upside down. I was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin primary mediastinal (thymic) large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) at the young age of 24. I was pretty much on the brink of death at that point of my diagnosis due to being misdiagnosed several times by doctors months prior. Through this journey from being diagnosed to being in remission (December 28, 2016), my body endured a tremendous amount of stress, not only physically but mentally and emotionally. My new normal was checking myself into the hospital as an inpatient every two weeks for a week to receive chemo since I was so severe. When I wasn’t receiving chemotherapy, I felt awful the majority of the time, low energy, but some days were better than others. What truly got me through this difficult time in my life was not only my family and friends, but most of all, my faith and prayer. One day at the hospital, while I was receiving my chemotherapy, a nurse told me that she attended Light The Night (LTN) and brought me things from the event. I was unaware at the time that this event even existed. Once she told me about it and that she walked for me, I told myself that whenever I complete my treatments and am in remission, I’m walking every year! By the grace of God, I’m going on 10 years in remission and have yet to miss a Light The Night event. It’s a reminder for me that I once wanted to attend while still in my hospital bed but could not.
During survivorship, I have been able to talk to others who were currently battling cancer and to give advice, talking amongst other survivors, or just being able to be an inspiration for others by sharing my story. That truly gives me fulfillment. Cancer was a chapter in my life that remains in my memory like a scar, but it made me realize how strong I really am and not to be afraid of going after anything I want to do or accomplish in my life.
Daphne
primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL)
