Living with Cancer (part 1)

It’s really hard to start writing your journey with cancer. I’ve been wanting to do it for a while but just didn’t have the courage to do it. I have cancer, which is hard to say, so yes, I said it. The big “C” word. Everyone who has it hates to say it but must come to grips with it just like I did or at least I think I have.
I have lymphoma or to be exact Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). It’s a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It progresses slowly, usually affecting older adults. (yes thats me, I’m old now). CLL may not cause symptoms for years, but when symptoms do occur, they may include swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, easy bruising and even an enlarged spleen.

I’ve had CLL for seven years now and symptoms have begun to show up within this past year. My blood work has been off to some degree, and I have swollen lymph nodes around my neck and under my arm pits. I also at times have felt fatigued/drained and it just seems like I can’t do a whole lot that particular day. I have also been diagnosed with an enlarged spleen which is part of this cancer as well.

It has also affected my immune system. I am what they consider immune compromised, so because of this I have infusions now about every twelve weeks (depending on blood work which I also have every 12 weeks). I have to be careful when I’m around people/crowds because if I get an infection it takes forever to get rid of it. They say this cancer may not kill you but the infection you get could.

I know that treatment could be around the corner. I’m praying I do not have treatment, but if I do, please understand it would not be chemotherapy. It would be various means of treatment like maybe taking a pill for life or an infusion for a year. No matter what, I pray that God’s will be done.

Living with cancer has changed my life completely. I have to frequent myself with doctors, watch what I eat, exercise, do selfcare in which I check myself frequently for any symptoms from this cancer.

I know God has this and know that He is in control. I seek Him every day for His guidance and will.

Thanks for all your Prayers! To God be the Glory!!

Stan