uphym's Journey with Hodgkin Disease

I found a lump the size of a ping pong ball between my neck and collarbone. My mom thought it was a swollen gland, and I wound up getting a sore throat the following day. I saw my GP who gave me an anti-bitoic and told me to come back in two weeks (little did I know he thought I had stomach cancer!). Before the antibiotic was up I found another lump in the same area the size of a pea. My GP immediately sent me for a CT Scan, xray and blood work; he acted so fast because my uncle was diagnosed with Hodgkins around the same age as me however he passed away nine years ago from not taking care of his body properly post cancer.

Had the lump removed and tested, came back positive for Hodgkins Disease.

I ultimately decide on Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC because I needed somewhere that would work with me. Since I already work in Manhattan and had multiple connections to getting in this was clearly the choice for me.

I decided to participate in a clinical study that is two months of ABVD followed by a Pet Scan, pending those results I either continue with two more months of ABVD or receive radiation. It was very important for me to chose a study because I figured if I have to be sick I'd rather my sickness help out other people in the future.

Chemo is not what I expected it to be nor is it all that terrible. I love the nurses at MSKCC, they are very personable and I have formed some bonds already! The great part is the chairs recline, the lights dim and I can pass out.

I was VERY against getting a port installed. I did not want something showing on my body that would be a constant reminder that I have cancer, but my second chemo treatment beat me. They had trouble getting blood return from my veins and urged me to get the port. I settled for it, and it was installed before my third treatment. I am so happy I got the port it makes my chemo treatments go by much faster and it does less damage to my veins.