In 2011, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 follicular lymphoma while training for a marathon. I was no stranger to cancer. In 2005,I lost my mother to gallbladder cancer. Soon after my diagnosis,I was put on watch and wait and continued to train running my fifth marathon to keep my body strong and mind focused. In 2013, I began chemotherapy treatment.
In spite of all of the challenges that I encountered during and after my treatment, I have a positive outlook and attitude. With various setbacks post treatment and with a Fibromyalgia diagnosis in 2017, I now live in what I call the “grey zone”. Meditation helps me manage pain and anxiety and allows me to listen to my body more intently. I am currently back on watch and wait.
Through my blood cancer experience, I learned that everything happens for a reason and every event –whether positive or negative –gives me a chance to grow. I am happy I now have an opportunity to give back to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada by volunteering when I am physicallyable to do so.
