A Light . . . at The Edge

 

Two years ago today, I was sitting in yet another doctor’s office. . . trying to figure out what was wrong with me.  Today – September 10 – marks the beginning of what would become a month-long march toward what I came to think of as . . . The Edge.  A month of appointments, tests, scans, referrals, biopsies, and – ultimately – answers.

Yes, being diagnosed with lymphoma took me right out to The Edge.  Going through four months of chemotherapy kept me there.  And now, over 18 months after treatment, I’m still stepping away.   The experience changed me – inside and out – as only a life-threatening illness can.

I’m really lucky, though.  A few years ago, a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma translated to . . . a pretty bleak prognosis.  But recent strides in research have brought new, more effective treatment options, and now . . . my future looks bright.  And healthy.  For the long term.

I’m also really lucky to have had the support and resources I needed out there on The Edge.  I had adequate health insurance coverage; access to excellent doctors – both at the Mayo Clinic and then, locally, at a top-notch cancer center conveniently located near my home.  I had the support of my family – every single day.  I could easily get my hands on the information I needed to make good decisions. 

I have experienced the benefits of medical research.  And I know – first hand – the value of a strong support system in facing a dread disease.  Now, I want to do what I can to be sure that others in my situation are just as lucky.  Heck, I want to do what I can to be sure that others don’t have to be in my situation!

And , so . . . I am once again walking in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night walk.  This year’s event takes place on September 25 in downtown Kalamazoo.  If you would like to support me in my efforts to support others when they’re out there on The Edge, I hope you’ll visit my fundraising page and make a donation.  (You can follow the link, or you can click the Light the Night logo in the upper left corner of my sidebar.)  I know many of you supported me last year – and I so appreciate your generosity.  I hope that you’ll consider joining me once again . . . as I Light the Night . . . and continue to step away from The Edge.