When I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a nurse so I could help people. I did become a registered nurse, predominately in critical care settings. So, when you receive a disease diagnosis, you treat the problem…right? Not necessarily I have learned.
I was recently diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). I felt as if I was tumbling down a dark, hot hole. “Not curable, treatable, lifelong”. This is “watch and wait” protocol diagnosis…an overwhelming concept…”watch and worry”, I was told, was another concept.
Ironically, I had volunteered for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society three times before, twice fundraising at 5k runs and another time swabbing for “Be the Match”. I also participated in a national “Pink Glove” video and dance for breast cancer awareness.
In Fall 2017, my husband and I formed "Team Dragonfly" and participated in Light The Night. I have lost many family members to cancers. Now, I am now the other side of cancer – not as a willing participant this time.
I appreciate the help I have received thus far from wonderful people at LLS and feel that writing helps with coping, understanding and patience. Please pray for me and others in this process.
Dianne
NHL Survivor
