Self

Cancer Sucks!

For those of us, that have been diagnosed with Cancer, we never once would have imagined ourselves in this situation. With Cancer Survivor's day right around the corner (June 1st), I find myself counting my blessings that I have made it, yet another year. My father passed on from cancer, when I was 3, and I know I have always had that fear, that I would get it.

In December of 06' I got into a car accident that endedup saving my life. It was that accident that forced me to get checked out at the hospital, and in turn, I found out that I had Leukemia (final stage - I had it for 2 months already). I ended up being treated at the City of Hope in Duarte, Ca, and my Dr saved my life. It's scary to think that I had cancer that was so far along and the only symptom I had were the bruises I had all over my body. I went through two intensive rounds of chemotheraphy, was in a drug induced coma for almost two weeks and was in remission by the time I left the hospital January 17th, 2007.

But it didn't stop there, I relapsed in October of 07'. Do you know how it feels to hear that you've relapsed? That the cancer has come back once again? It's like a heartbreak, but far worse. I had barely made it to my birthday this past year, and now I was starting again, with the treatments and the let down, and the thoughts of what I had to go through this time.... What was next? My relapse was still Leukemia, even though it was in my spinal fluid. The treatments were far different from the previous ones and I wasn't looking forward to all of the spinal taps that I was set to have. (If you've ever had one of these, you know how incrediably uncomfortable these are!) Next, I was given the option to have a brain surgery and get a device a lot like a shunt put into my head. I opted to do it, cause I wouldn't have to tolerate the spimal taps anymore, and the treatments would be easier. Within two weeks of my chemo treatments, I was in remission once again - whew! And you think I was done with that? Not even close.

The treatments have continued, and will continue for the next year (till October 08'), which isn't that bad. My doctor eventually brought up news that I would have to have an Autologus Stem Cell Transplant (my own cells are used, not a donors) in the near future, as well as total body irradiation and extremely heavy chemo - this was scheduled for this past April 08'. So, I edured the radiation for 10 treatments - all with a smile on my face and a positive outlook, I went through the heavy chemo regimen, which killed mny immune system, and then the stem cell transplant. I recouperated quickly and was out of the hospital within three and a half weeks. My blood counts went back up to normal within two weeks after I left the hospital and now I am back at home, trying to put the pieces together.

Having been diagnosed with cancer, has taught me how strong I really am, iit's been a long, hard fight not only for me, but for my family. It's been a year and a half of fighting and treatments, and reoccurances. I have held my head up, and stayed positive. Attitude is everything when battling a disease like this, if you keep your spirits up, it helps your immune system rebuild itself. So, here I am, showing you that for me, I Fight 2 Live. I fight 2 be here for my family, for my friends and for others diagnosed with cancer. I speak at events, and speak at my old high school about my experience with cancer. I know that it gives others a sense of hope, that you can beat it!

So, as I am in the works of getting my life back on track, and helping my family as much as I can, I ask for your help. I will be having a fundraiser Sunday July 13th, 2008 in hopes of raising enough money to get my family and I back on track. We have incured so many financial difficulties, and really need as much help as we can get. I will post more information about this fundraising event, as soon as I can. But for now, I will tell you to stay strong, and keepo on fighting this disease. Together we can find a cure!