Hello World!!

Hello Everyone!

This is my first blog entry, so bare with me. As many of you know, I have been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, which is a form of cancer. Today was my first day, of knowing the truth. As I have been talking to so many of my loved ones, many of them had mentioned to me about possibly making a blog or something, just so I can write down my feelings, but also to be able to let every know what's going on during this mini journey in my life. It's not for people to feel sorry for me or anything, its just a way to express myself and to let people to know that everything is going to be okay.

Day 1:

I woke up at 5 am, wide awake. I had so many thoughts going through my mind. It's not the whole "Cancer" diagnosis that really gets me. I think it is more of not knowing what is going to happen next. I mean, I know that I will beat this, and that I am going to live a very long life, but still, it's intense. I think I feel more sad about how the people in my life may feel. I mean, this isn't something that is easy to share or soak in. But, I know that I accepted this trial before I came down to this earth, and that the Lord has a plan for me, and for all of you. Okay, now where was I? .. I woke up at 5 this morning, and literally laid in bed staring at the ceiling for about an hour. I started to think just about everything. I can't pinpoint exactly what "everything" is, but, its a lot. My Mom and Dad have been so wonderful through this. My Mom was on the phone all morning with doctors and the insurance company, so all the hard stuff is out of the way. She and I were literally on the phone for a few hours with one person at one point, but they got all the paperwork and files put together so I can start treatment. A friend of mine named John, is in a Business group with me. His wife was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer, and has had No Evidence of Disease for 10 years now. Through Clinical Trials, Eastern and Western Wellness and Medicine, Acupuncture and all that jazz, Lori, is Alive and Thriving. Lori called me this morning and told me that she and John will be there every step of the way. They actually have a cancer foundation which they started together and have been able to help so many people whom have been touched by cancer.

What is Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

That was my question, I had heard of it a few times, a few relatives and peers of mine have been touched by this diease, but I still had no idea what it was.

According to the National Cancer Institute, Hodgkin's Lymphoma is " A cancer of the immune system that is marked by the presence of a type of cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell. The two major types of Hodgkin lymphoma are classical Hodgkin lymphoma and nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma. Symptoms include the painless enlargement of lymph nodes, spleen, or other immune tissue. Other symptoms include fever, weight loss, fatigue, or night sweats. Also called Hodgkin disease."

So Basically, My cancer is in the lymph node near my collarbone. I still don't know too much about it. But, I do know that the mass is about 4 inches in diameter, and it is about 1 inch above my aorta, and very close to my lung. I had a needle biopsy about 2 weeks ago, and the results came back as "inconclusive". So, on Monday, the doctor's did a surgical biopsy and removed part of the tissue. From my own personal research, I would say I am in Stage 1. But, I will have to wait and see what the doctor's say next week to know for sure. Stage 2 is when the cancer has spread through the lymphatic system to the diaphragm.

This is also from the National Cancer Institute:

" This type of cancer is also called Hodgkin disease. Every year in the United States, more than 8,000 people learn they have this disease.

Cancer research has led to real progress against Hodgkin lymphoma. Most people diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma can now be cured, or their disease can be controlled for many years. Continuing research offers hope that, in the future, even more people with this disease will be treated successfully."

So, there in a nutshell is all that I know. I Love each and everyone of you, and am so grateful for your support, love, and prayers. Now, what we need to do, is to keep living life, and be happy, and this will be over in a breeze!

Love you!!!

Lauren :)