LesIsMore's Journey with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)

As most people, I wondered, "why me?"

When the VA team of oncologists, pharmacists and nurses explained what the side effects might be, I was afraid at first, but then resigned myself to the idea that nothing is easy, that the end justifies the means. Yes, I lost my hair and I lost some weight, but I was surprised and shocked that the side effects were painless. I was able to return to work just two days after each chemo session.

After 11 months of chemo, the cancer was completely gone, both in the abdominal tumor and the spine marrow. As you can imagine, I was extremely happy and grateful to the entire VA Long Beach team and to my family and friends who supported me and prayed for me throughout the ordeal. In fact, I wrote a letter of thanks to the VanGuard, the official magazine for the VA, and it was published. Shortly afterward, the VA held a special thank you luncheon honoring my doctors and nurses. (I guess the VA doesn't get too many thank you letters like the one I wrote.) So far, after four annual CAT scans, I remain in remission. Since I was diagnosed, I have been able to enjoy life to the fullest, including celebrating the birth of my two granddaughters and my 45th wedding anniversary to the Women's Army Corps member I married while serving in the Army during the Vietnam War. Life is good!