Surviving Cancer

I am a 47 year old white male who is currently in complete remission from non hodgkins lymphoma, stage 3B. I was orginally diagnosed on Oct.13 2006, the same day that my first grandson was born (Jacob Keith). I had previously been a chronic pain sufferer with over 10 years of constant severe low back pain with related pain down my left leg. It seemed unfair but the question to ask yourself is not “why me ?” but rather “why not me?” I originally noticed a large (about half the size of a lemon)painless, swelling in my left arm pit. My family doctor was immediately suspicious of lymphoma, but he refered me to a local surgeon to have a diagnostic biopsy.

By the time I saw the surgeon in about 2 weeks, my swollen lymph node had reduced in size and after a quick exam he determined (incorrectly) that I was fine. Another week continued and I was continuing to have night (and day) sweats and alot of fatigue. I ended up going to the local ER because of extreme fatigue and over the course of the next 5 days nearly died from the disease. After being correctly diagnosed (5 days later)I began high level CHOP chemotherapy. In about 3 days more I was sent home, still very weak. I was lucky the have the complete support of my family and especially my wife, Debra. After an additional 5 rounds of chemo I acheived complete remission which I have enjoyed now for over a year! I am currently still suffering from the chronic pain but in a month I am looking forward the receiving a “dorsal implant” to help with my pain.