I was not supposed to live.

BEATING A TRIPLE THREAT

I was not supposed to live. 

In April, 2012, my Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma needed treatment, but nothing worked. By the second core biopsy in October, 2012, we learned my blood cancer transformed to Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), an aggressive cancer, terminal if not defeated. Time is not your friend with DLBCL. Nothing worked until the 7th chemo cocktail in January, 2013, when my clock was ticking loudly, and believe me after all the salvage chemo I had, this effort was a shot in the dark, I think. It worked.

The problem with things not working had to do with an uncommon c-myc oncogene, a pathogen in my body that enables rapid cell growth. NOT good for someone with an aggressive cancer. My lymph nodes under my arms were literally softball size. Scary. So, I have two B-cell cancers in my body which is just bad luck, plus the c-myc oncogene. A triple threat.

I think if I can beat cancer, almost anyone can, given you do not get an always-terminal cancer diagnosis. How did I do it so far. YOU! Without you and your daily support, your "likes" and your comments (I treasure them) and your PRAYERS, (would be lost without them), and gifts (visits, card showers, and thoughtful things, soul food for a cancer fighter), it would have been a hard haul. YOU make the difference EVERY DAY. Early on, I faced how much time I would have if nothing worked, and what death would look like. And then I lived. I am one determined person who always believed I would be cured and given some more time, and I have great plans to do good with that time, God willing. God bless all of you for helping me everyday on my journey to wellness. I love you all! YOU keep me strong.

________________________________________________________

Originally posted to Facebook as BEATING A TRIPLE THREAT on March 16, 2013. It received to date the most likes and comments of anything I have ever posted, anywhere. I am venturing into blogging again and wanted this to be my "first" post on my blog, After Cancer. I am still grateful to all of you for giving me the gift of life.

Become a "First Connection" Volunteer

A wonderful opportunity to help others.

From the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Pennsylvania comes an opportunity to train as a First Connection Volunteer to help someone who is facing the challenges of blood cancer. If you are dealing with a blood cancer or are a blood cancer survivor, you can train to be a Volunteer. From the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, here is the background information you want to peruse about the Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program.

Find your Local Chapter

Recognizing the needs of families dealing with a blood cancer diagnosis, the Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program gives patients and family members the opportunity to share experiences with someone who has "been through it," and obtain valuable information about The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and the community resources available to support them. This unique match gives the patient or family member valuable insight from someone who also has experienced a blood cancer. First Connection participants and volunteers are matched by age, diagnosis and gender when possible.

Find your local chapter

Peers are trained in basic counseling skills and are armed with local resource materials so that patients and family members need not feel isolated as they begin the process of treatment. Anyone with leukemia or related cancers is eligible to receive a call or visit. There is no charge for this program.

Volunteers Needed

To become a peer volunteer, you should meet the following criteria:

* Have an interest and commitment to helping others
* Be screened by the chapter for the program
* Participate in all training provided by the chapter

To find out more, please contact your local chapter from the Chapter Finder or visit the Newly Diagnosed Forum on our website LLS Blood Cancer Discussion Boards.

Training dates and locations for Easter Pennsylvania

Main Office in Conshohocken First Connection Training Date:    Tuesday, March 15, 2011 Time:    10am - 1pm Ambassador Orientation Date:    Tuesday, March 15, 2011 Time:    2pm - 3pm Contact: Nancy Chhum  610-238-0360 ext. 234

Lehigh Valley Office in Allentown First Connection Training Date:    Tuesday, April 12, 2011 Time::    9am - 2pm Ambassador Orientation Date:    Tuesday, April 12, 2011 Time:    12pm - 2pm Contact: Megan Evans  610-266-8518 ext.10

Other Patient Services

• Information Resource Center (IRC)
• Co-Pay Assistance Program
• Free Materials

Ambassador Orientation is special training for new volunteers to LLS.

I can tell you first-hand that opportunities like this one put a face and experience to cancer. After my initial lymphoma diagnosis, I was invited to an evening seminar on my cancer sponsored by my local LLS. The benefit to me and my husband was exponential; it reinforced that we are not alone in challenging our cancer. When I retire after over 4 decades of teaching students in high school, I am participating in this training so I can continue to learn and teach others.

Related articles

• The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's: Woman of the Year: Kra Riddell (lethalrhythmslive.com)
• Shop for a Cure...Again! (missionpossible-svmb.com)
• Local HEROs Campaign Kicks Off! (missionpossible-svmb.com)
• Changing the World, One Penny at a Time (missionpossible-svmb.com)
• Get Help From a Leukemia Support Group (everydayhealth.com)