Alan®

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I was diagnosed with stage IIIA Hodgkin’s lymphoma in early 2004. Hearing it for the first time was a very surreal moment. I thought that the Doctor was talking about someone else at first, then I looked at the tear rolling down my wife’s face, and I knew it was me. I’ve always been a very active person; just six months before this, me and my two awesome kids (see my pics and videos) had earned our 1st Degree Black Belts in Tae Kwon Do. I’ve always been a fighter, and it was very hard to have to step back and go into treatment, but it was time fight a different fight. I was afraid, but I knew I would win this one, I knew I’d be fine.
I underwent six cycles of ABVD (chemo) and two additional cycles of ABV. (Those last two were without the Bleomycin, which has harsh side effects and has given me some difficulties.) Each cycle consists of 2 chemo treatments. I would get a treatment and wait two weeks to recover, then get another. I did have a mediport put in for the chemo. After all that, I underwent 40 cycle’s of radiation therapy, which was not as bad as the chemo. All this took a little over a year. (This is the short “clinical” version of the whole treatment experience.)
It’s been close to three years since my last treatment and I’m doing well. I do get easily fatigued and a little short of breath now, (Bleomycin) but I’m doing good for 42 years young. I had a lot of family support and I tried to keep a positive attitude the entire time.
Right after my treatments, my oncologist explained to me that because of the advanced stage of my lymphoma at the time it was diagnosed, my chances of recurrence was about 60%. (60/40...I'll take it, I like my chances) He also said that the further out I get from my last treatment the lesser the chance of recurrence. My percentages would have been different of course if I were originally diagnosed at a lower stage. (And at a younger age too) I’ll be following up with CT scans and lab work and what ever else over the long term.
I don’t mind sharing my experience. There's been so much in a relatively short time; it sometimes overwhelms me to think back over it all. But I am continuing everyday to get better physically, mentally, and spiritually. I volunteer for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and also the American Cancer Society. That has become my new medicine. Along the way, I’ve heard and read a lot of inspiring stories of strength and survivorship and I love them all. Everyone has a story to tell, and I’d love to hear yours.
Also check the Lance Armstrong Foundation website - http://www.livestrong.org/ - for more information and some excellent video Survivor Stories. Those are great.