In Dec. 2001 I was diagnosed with NHL stage IV. I was in hospital 3 months, had several surgeries and CHOP. My bone marrow stopped producing after my 5th chemo so I was again hospitalized for blood transfusions. My bone marrow returned and I continued my 8 rounds of CHOP. I was then 55 years old. Now, 10 years later, I am a healthy retired female. Twice I had heard the nurses discussing me and how they thought they would be carrying me "out the backdoor" any day, and how very very ill I was.

I was diagnosed NHL (grade 3) in July 2010. In June I had fever and rashes on my face and arms. A few nodes were also present on my neck, but the doctor dismissed it as a viral fever. In a couple of days my fever and rashes were gone, but nodes were still there. As days passed I felt tired and finally it ended in rectal bleeding and I was admitted in the hospital. Endoscopy, colonoscopy and CT scan were done. They found a tumor in my appendix and it was immediately removed. It was 10 cm long and 3 cm diameter. The biopsy report showed Lymphoma. I didn't have the slightest thought that I would have cancer. My treatment included monoclonal therapy and chemotherapy. In November 2010 I had my last chemo and in Jan 2011 I had my CT Scan done. The region included neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis. The result was normal. I struggled very much during my treatment. My family and friends supported me especially my sister. I lost all my hair, eyebrows and eyelashes. Now everything is back. I look the same to the people who are undergoing treatment don't get disappointed, you will be fine. Be positive, there's a beautiful life for you. Fight back. You get a positive result if your mind is positive.

I originally presented to my nurse practitioner with a lump in my throat and premature ventricular contractions. I was referred to a cardiologist for evaluation and blood work was done. The cardiologist did not identify any abnormal findings in the blood work because the lab reported the findings as within range; however, no range values were given. Three weeks later my nurse practitioner called and told me that the lymphocytes and neutrophils were abnormal. She sent me for a CT with contrast. About a week later the results showed that I had a swollen spleen and lymph nodes in my chest, auxiliary area, and abdomen. I went to the oncologist and he scheduled a lymph node biopsy followed by a PET scan. I am very frustrated because the surgeon did not call me to schedule the biopsy and I have lost even more time now to the holiday. Now I must wait until the surgeon's office opens to schedule the biopsy. Even after I get the biopsy the lab will have to provide the results before a diagnosis and treatment plan will be made. It seems like it's taking way to long while my symptoms seem to be getting worse. I am feeling like a cog in the medical system. I am very frustrated. I don't want to lose more time. I want to get a diagnosis so that I can start treatment.

My daughter was 2 when we were told she had 5 tumors, 4 on her kidneys 1 in her mouth and the treatment made her so sick. She is the youngest of 7 children and it was so hard. Two years of treatment, I thought she would never pull through. She did, to everyone's surprise--she's such a little fighter. She is now 19 and living a full life. Don't anyone give up hope.

Just up and thinking about my dad. Well, it feels like yesterday that we all gathered up and heard the news that dad was at stage four of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. I can't tell you as a little girl how many months I spent in the hospital with my 3 young siblings as we watched our healthy 33 year old father rapidly decline in health. I remember hearing his screams in the night. His poor legs would cramp up so terribly. Before he was sick I don't believe I ever remember him being in pain. He went from a healthy 188 pd man to about 80 pds. That was 20 years ago. He just married off my sister and she works in oncology as does my eldest sister. Guess it all touched our hearts. Congrats on going 20 years when only told 3 months! Have faith folks :) you can beat this monster.

I was diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma six months ago. This is the most aggressive cancer known to man. I am now done with treatment -- lost every single strand of hair on my body. It is now growing back five weeks later. Cancer sucks. Stay positive though, remember you're the boss! I'm fine now, I would suggest anyone reading this to start a vegan diet and exercise daily. I mean, the reason you got cancer in the first place is what you're putting in your body. If you eat all natural foods, you will never get cancer.