I’ll be 88 in a month, a four-time survivor of large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL). R-CHOP put me in remission for 11 months. Next was a stem cell transplant; all the while I kept a very positive attitude and had fabulous support from family and friends. Lucky me. My life continued positively (except losing my husband of 51 years two months before finding out the cancer was back).
I had reached out to Blood Cancer United (formerly LLS) and was delighted at the myriad of benefits available. Even a clinical trial was discussed at length. My oncologist was quite sure he could harvest my stem cells and rid me of the cancer with the current regimen. On July 21, 2010, my grandson’s birthday, I, too, had a second birthday. Sure, it was not a walk in the park, but I believed each day would be better. Being cared for by family and friends gave me much happiness.
For years after, I worked on the board of Climb to Conquer Cancer in Red Lodge, Montana, where I’d moved in 2011, a very rewarding experience. During those years I traveled with friends to beautiful places, a luxury I didn’t think I’d have. Yes, some health issues popped up — neuropathy, interstitial lung disease, and a pacemaker. It was a small price to pay for 13 years cancer-free. Then came a variant called leg lymphoma (mine is tumors on my arm). Go figure. It was fatal for older people until recently. New drugs are working. So, I’ll celebrate another birthday with joy.
Shirley
large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL)
