My name is Thomas, and I was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) two weeks after my 30th birthday.
Nobody wants to hear the words, "You have cancer," and even though my wife had some suspicions due to my recent weight loss and lower energy levels, it still came as a shock to both of us. The news hit hard, especially since all other aspects of my life were going extremely well. My wife and I had just moved to a new state earlier in the year, I received a promotion at work, we had just returned from a business trip out of state, and overall, things seemed to be going our way. Receiving my diagnosis was even tougher for us because all of our friends and family were back in another state.
When we shared the news with our parents, they were devastated. They immediately packed their bags and made the 4½ hour drive to the hospital where I was staying. I was happy they came to see me but even happier that my wife would have additional support as well. My mother-in-law left her job and moved in with us to help me and my wife with chores, errands, and so on, which was massively helpful to us, and something I will be forever thankful for.
My initial treatment plan was to undergo six cycles of chemo and to get a scan once completed. When the big day came, we drove to Stanford Hospital and anxiously awaited the results of the scan. The moment my doctor stepped into the room, I could tell that the news wasn't what I was waiting for, and they confirmed that the chemo wasn't as successful as they hoped. I would need to undergo further treatment, including a stem cell transplant. I was devastated, how could this be? I felt physically better than I did prior to starting treatment. I followed all of the doctors' orders, but somehow, I still needed additional treatment. It felt unfair, and I was scared of what was to come. But I would do anything to get back to full health and to move on and continue to experience all of the highs and lows that come with this beautiful life.
Over the next 2½ years, I completed additional cycles of chemotherapy, a clinical trial that went sideways, multiple surgeries, grueling preparation for my stem cell transplant, 20 sessions of radiation, and an additional year of maintenance immunotherapy. Throughout the entire journey, two things kept me going: First, the love and support from my wife who was my caretaker, my advocate, my rock, my everything. Without her staying by my side 24/7, making sure I took my medicine on time, helping me bathe, eat, handling insurance issues, coordinating with my care team, managing our household, and more, I would have had so much more stress and anxiety on my plate. She truly carried an enormous weight during my journey to remission, and I owe her my life and the world. The second thing was the hope I felt seeing stories from other survivors, particularly stories from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Seeing their words of encouragement and motivation made me want to get better and be a source of inspiration for others going through a similar journey.
I am truly grateful for the support I received from my wife, family, friends, and LLS. The resources that LLS provides to patients and families are truly helpful, and I would be honored to be a part of the mission to help others find strength, courage, and comfort as they go through undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges one can face. I finished my last maintenance treatment in May of 2021 and am only scheduled for follow-up appointments every six months. I completed my autologous stem cell transplant in September of 2019 and will be five years post-transplant in 2024.
Thomas
Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)
