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I Have Cancer

It’s not clickbait, friends. It is not a bad dream I will wake up from. This is my actual life right now.

I have been diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, a blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system. 

I am including a video that I saved from my Instagram story, where I explain everything.

I have been sick for many months, and my symptoms seemed sort of vague and generic.

What are symptoms of Hodgkins Lymphoma?

I am including this as a PSA, in case anybody out there reading this needs to go get checked. I had most of these, except for a few.

  • Shortness of breath ✅
  • Dry cough✅
  • Night sweats ✅(only recently)
  • Itching ✅
  • Strange sensations in the center of my chest – not pain, just pressure that would come and go. Plus a spasming-like feeling that would also come and go. ✅
  • Chest pain (none for me)
  • Fatigue✅✅✅
  • Fever (none for me)
  • Chills (none for me)
  • Decreased appetite ✅
  • Unexplained weight loss ✅

Having these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean that you have cancer. But I would encourage you to get checked out by your doctor.

Getting Diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma

I went to see my doctor in August. I was having breathing issues, plus a horrible cough and fatigue. The breathing issues started out very mild, almost unnoticeable at first, but they had gotten progressively worse.

She treated me for allergies, asthma and acid reflux…all while ordering some extra tests: a chest X-ray and and echo to check my heart.

My symptoms that got nearly unbearable by the first week of September. I somehow drug myself to my sweet son’s 6th birthday party at Chuck-E-Cheese.

I felt horrible, though. My breathing was extremely labored, I had an awful cough, and I felt just awful. That was a hard day. I didn’t look sick on the outside, though, and nobody knew anything was going on.

The chest x-ray is what actually clued my doctor in to what was going on. She ordered a CT scan to get a better look, and she called me in to her office on Monday September 10 to discuss the results.

That day was the first day I heard that I likely had some type of lymphoma. Nobody was more shocked than me.

Biopsy surgery was scheduled very quickly. Thankfully, they surgeon was also to removed a large amount of fluid from my lungs, which has eased my symptoms significantly.

The biopsy confirmed what I was initially told – that I have Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Processing a Cancer Diagnosis

Processing both the emotions and the practical aspects of this has been very difficult. Up until two weeks ago I had never had any type of surgery, no medical issues, etc. I have never even been on prescription medication, other than occasional antibiotics for a sinus infection.

My mom has been staying with us for a month, which I am so thankful for. I have no earthly idea how I would survived the last month without her. Practical chores and caring for my children seem very overwhelming right now.

It is very, very strange to suddenly be “that girl who has cancer.” I never saw this coming. I am so careful about my food choices and the types of products we use in our home…and life choices in general.

Processing that I am actually going to be going through chemotherapy has been tough. I have some fears coming up around that, but ultimately I know there are very good outcomes with treatment for this type of cancer. It typically responds very well to treatment, and for that I am so thankful.

Getting Back to Living After a Cancer Diagnosis

I am craving normal things more than ever. Playing with my kids.

Going on dates with my husband.

Testing recipes and photographing the food to make it look beautiful. Writing. Hanging with friends. Going to choir. Meeting friends for lunch. Walking outside. Simple things. I cannot wait to get back to those things!

Life doesn’t stop when you suddenly find yourself in a health crisis. Things still break around the house. Laundry still appears. Kids’ school activities keep moving forward. Birthday parties happen. I find some comfort in that, oddly enough.

I don’t know what will happen or how I will feel once I begin treatment. I am hopeful that I will tolerate treatment well.

I intend to keep living “normal life” as much as possible, laughing as much as possible and finding things to enjoy and be thankful for. Even in the midst of this very hard thing that I am dealing with.

I can do hard things, though. I am strong. I am determined. I am loved. I am supported. I am covered in prayer.

Thank you to all the love and support you have sent my way already – from those of you who already know. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have no idea how loved and supported you have made me feel.

 

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Comments

  1. Melissa says

    I just found your blog. I too was diagnosed with hodgkin’s lymphoma. I was diagnosed August 8, 2008. One of the scariest times in mine and my husband’s life. A lot of what you wrote and the leading up to your diagnosis was very similar to what I went through.

    Reply

  2. Murielle rovner says

    Hello Marjorie,
    My husband purchased an instant pot a month ago and I was not too keen on the idea as I don’t cook much anymore. He tried three recipes which were delicious and I decided to look for recipes on the internet and see if I could “master” one. Today, I looked for chicken recipes and found yours, copied three or four till I read your blog from last September and I did a double take as I thought this was a mistake on my computer, but no…I am 76 year-old and a retired rn and I feel for you but darn it, you are a brave, courageous soul with a great positive outlook and thirst for life as well as having a tremendous support system. I am sending all my positive thoughts in your direction and will follow your progress with diligence. And btw, every one of your recipes that I’ll make will be an Hallelujah to you. Hang in there
    Big hug, Murielle

    Reply

  3. Bonnie hibbard says

    03/30/19
    Hello..going to try again to leave you a message. I am new to your blog. I am sorry to hear you have cancer. It is a hard word to have on your own life. I had kidney cancer surgery in 2016 and now it has returned. One never knows what life hands us. Life is life and all we can do is trust in God. I myself will be having the right kidney totally out 4/8/19, but i am blessed to have a healthy left kidney as of now. I wish you best of luck in getting along with this terrible disease and glad your family is there for you. I am 68yrs. And even though i do have 3 kids and grandkids i do trust in the lord. I also would like to say..i love your recipe site and want to try some of them. They look do good and not to time consumeing. Your in my prayers and also your family.
    God Bless and always trust in yhe lord.
    Bonnie in michigan

    Reply

    • Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says

      Thank you so very much Bonnie! Prayers going up for you. Cancer is tough. I just finished up my last chemo 1.5 weeks ago. Now I am waiting to get a scan in May, which will hopefully show that I am in remission. Sending hugs!

      Reply

  4. Sarys Lira says

    Kelley,

    You are an amazing young lady and god is going to keep you around for a while because many of us need you and you have so much to give, you are a channel of god’s peace. I understand you because I have chronic heart failure and chronic kidney disease, and what little or long time I get I am most grateful for and I live life with a purpose. By the way I would love to buy the set of your quick pot recipes. Do you have an easy download I could pay for? I don’t want to go to Li los and print your intellectual property. Thanks in advance. Lots of love,

    Mrs Sarys Lira 🙂

    Reply

  5. Eileen c. says

    Kelley,
    I just had to respond to your post because it touched my heart so deeply. When I read your post the very essence of the words shined brightly your love for Jesus Christ and His light shines brightly within you. (this post will not letting me capitalize Jesus Christ or His, it is not my doing. Please know that I do take reverence in his name.)
    You have such a gentle, compassionate and loving heart, to offer your time, yourself and especially offering wonderful Scriptures to uplift her.
    Also, Amen! In what you stated that know matter what circumstance we go through in life, we are never alone! God is always with us and will never leave us!
    God bless you!
    Eileen c.

    Reply

  6. Anlaura says

    This is my first visit to your website: came looking for wild rice pilaf recipe and noticed this post. Maybe encouraging for you: my husband was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma 25 years ago (clinical stage 2B bulky type). He underwent both chemo and radiation (brief, for cleanup). It wasn’t fun, but even back then Hodgkins treatment had come a long way and was much more tolerable than the stories you hear. He went Into remission and stayed that way, and has enjoyed good health and a vibrant life with only a few minor residual effects. We even had 3 kids after his treatment. It wasn’t easy, for either of us. But we now agree that his cancer was such a blessing, was used by God to grow us and bless so many people, that we wouldn’t go back and change it even if we could. I pray that the same will be true for you: quick and permanent remission, God’s fingerprints all over this season, and a deepening of your relationships with God, your husband, and your kids that you wouldn’t trade for anything.

    Reply

  7. amber emile says

    I was suffering from pancreatic cancer which has spread to my liver. At this time I am not taking any chemo. I have a fair appetite and at times have pain at the left side of my stomach. I don’t know if the pain in my bowel comes from the cancer, I take pain meds for that when needed. I read a lot of blogs where people who shared their testimonies on how Doctor Fabien cured people of cancer. I just followed the email address that was shared on these testimonies; I got lucky when I got a reply from he, he told me not to worry or think anymore i will be cured. And told me what to do which i did and asked a few questions I followed his instruction, used Herbal Medicine in less than 4 months, then go for a hospital test and i went after 1 month and my doctor confirmed me totally cured of cancer i was very happy. for over 2 year. Contact him 832 734-3657

    Reply

  8. Jessica Romacho says

    Hi I just started reading your blogs and want you to know yes it’s hard yes you will get through it and yes it’s life changing for everyone. January 4, 2017 we heard the words no parent ever wants to hear your 6 year old son has leukemia. We are all making it through and we see him have his ups and downs and it’s heartbreaking but we have to remain strong for him. But your whole family and you will get through it. On a lighter note I’ve made two of your recipes and they were wonderful! Jessica

    Reply

  9. ANGEL says

    I will continue to pray for you and your family.
    16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-19 NIV

    Reply

  10. lb says

    Hello, this is my first time visiting your blog. My best to you and your family and please know you are in our prayers!

    Reply

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