In April of 2017, I was diagnosed with stage IV T-cell Rich Large B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. I faced the biggest challenge of my life— how does anyone survive cancer? As I navigated through the cancer treatments and health issues, family, friends, and strangers provided the strength I unknowingly needed to get to the other side of cancer. Many times, through this journey, people entered my life when I needed them most. It may seem unbelievable, but there is truth to the saying, “There are angels among us.” I feel so grateful to the angels who aided and guided me.

 During all the phases of diagnosis, treatments, side effects, and recovery, I searched endlessly for answers from health providers, the all-knowing Web, and anyone who shared their experiences. Most searches returned medical pamphlet level information. I needed more. I wanted details, honest personal accounts of what was going to happen. How did people survive? My story is about survival through the physical and emotional upheaval accompanying cancer and its treatments.

I am sharing my story in hope that it offers helpful experiences with medical tests and teams, side effects, coping ideas, and comfort to people with cancer and their families and friends as they face their battle against this beast that claims a home inside of us.