I was diagnosed with cancer when my son was one week old. I was a new first-time mom, looking forward to all the joys that motherhood brought. A few days after my son came home from NICU, I started having trouble breathing and noticed a lump on my neck — something I had never seen before. My immediate thought was PE, so I rushed to a primary visit to get checked. I was sent to the ER for X-rays and scans. I still remember the very moment that the doctor walked in and told me I had cancer with such a straight face. I cried as I pumped milk to send home. I was devastated and remembered thinking, “My son won’t remember me if I die now. Please give me five years with him.”
I am now eight years in remission and have two more beautiful sons. My boys are my sun, moon, and star.
I am so grateful for every day and grateful to the Blood Cancer United (formerly LLS) volunteer I spoke with when newly diagnosed, who reassured me that everything would be okay. At that time, she had been in remission for eight years.
Pooja
blood cancer
