I am thrilled to announce that I am done with chemotherapy!
In November last year, I noticed an unusual bruisey bump on my chest. I didn’t remember running into anything that would explain the bump and it was getting worse not better so I went to the doctor to get it checked out. After a slew of tests, I was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in early December.
I had a softball size tumor nestled in with my heart and lung and pushing out between my ribs which was the bump I could see and feel. Even having been through it myself, I will never understand how people can have these huge tumors and not even know it. Had mine not poked out between my ribs, it wouldn’t have hurt and I wouldn’t have noticed.
Chemotherapy began in mid-December and I’ve been going every two weeks since then. After eight treatments, another slew of tests was done and they showed no more sign of the cancer. The tests are only accurate down to 1cm so I needed two more months of chemotherapy to be sure any possible areas smaller than 1cm were also eliminated.
I get a three week break now but it’s still a long road ahead. The tumor is dead but it’s still mostly there, so I need 18 sessions of radiation therapy scheduled for June and July to get rid of the mass itself.
Hopefully life will start getting back to normal come August.
Related posts:
Mono Girl
Today is my Last Day of Radiation
Can I get a USB Port with that?
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Oh my goodness! I clicked over to your blog since you just commented on mine. And WOW, you have gone through a lot! I am so glad to know that you are done with chemo and will be following your journey while thinking positively for you!
thinking positive thoughts for you carrie! nothing but blue skies ahead of you!
Congratulations! May you now be blessed as you work to regain energy and strength.
So glad you’re done with chemo, Carrie! Here’s to good health for many years to come!
Here’s to a very quick arrival of August.. and an amazing future.. tumor free!
I hope you get lots of rest these next three weeks. I pray for your recovery Carrie and will be sending good thoughts your way as you complete your radiation therapy. I most sincerely wish you all the best!
Hurray for you! I had no idea you were battling cancer…take good care of yourself!
Congratulations! I am so happy to hear that. August will be here before you know it.
I wish you so much peace. I was just diagnosed with skin cancer. As mild as it is (though the huge chunk from my face + stitches sure doesn’t seem mild to me!), I understand that it’s hard to go through something at this age. I’m 27. If I would’ve been to the doctor sooner, I would’ve been 24 and diagnosed.
May God bless you. Congrats on an end to chemo and may you be cancer free!
Oh no. My dad just had some skin cancer on his face too. Took him 5 years before he went to the doctor to get it checked. The surgery they gave him was pretty much the same as a face lift.
Carrie
You have been through alot, my first visit and you older posts caught my attention, I did not think it was you. And seeing your response above about your Dad, I am blogging about skin cancer and sunscreens and trying to educate people on the proper use of sunscreens & sunblocks and what the difference is.
We ahve been so uninformed by our own FDA on the protection we have offered to us. Anyway, be well and keep your strength up. I will be with you in thought the whole summer.
Pamela
Congratulations!! I remember how it felt for me 21 years ago I wish you many happy future celebrations of this day
Hi! Carrie, I’m pausing here and say a little pray for you. Hope you’ll be totally free from the cancer cells..
Stay Strong!!!
*hugs*