Wafa'a Badriyeh's Battle with Hodgkin's

I was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in April 2002. I was 22 years old and cancer was the last thing I had ever expected. A tennis ball sized mass was found when I was having X-rays taken for an unrelated pain in my chest. The following weeks I had a series of tests that would result in my diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma.

I was unwilling to let the disease change my life. I was a year away from graduating from my University with honors. In the last months of the semester I had a surgical biopsy, bone marrow biopsy, and began chemotherapy, all while studying for finals. Over the following 6 months I would finish my 4 months of chemo, 23 sessions of radiation, and take a summer class. I would like to say that was the end, but as many know, life is never that simple.

On the one year anniversary of my diagnosis, I was diagnosed again when another, yet smaller, tumor located in an unlikely place, appeared. Somehow my Hodgkin's had jumped from my chest to an empty area between my heart, liver, and diaphragm. This was somewhat baffling since Hodgkin's tends to move by lymph nodes and the area of the new tumor was not around any lymph nodes.

So it was back to radiation. Although this time they used a higher dose that covered a larger area. I was relieved to not have to undergo stem cell transplant, which was one of the other options. It is amazing that we opt to put chemicals and radiation into our bodies in order to survive. It was like one of the doctors told me, "You could get into a car accident driving home, but on the other hand you may make it safely. Whereas if you never get into your car, you know you will never get there". In other words, yes, these treatments may have side effects, but it is worth the try, if it can save your life.

Well it has been a ride that is for sure. In September of 2003, pet and CT scans showed no more signs of Hodgkin's. Less than one year later, March 2004 I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's once again. I have just finished going through radiation treatment for the third time. I refuse to let this take over my life and therefore continue to live my life. Now it is one day at a time.

Through all of this I still managed to graduate on time and am trying to enjoy life to the fullest by appreciating today and not obsessing over an unknown future. I had spent so much time studying and stressing over my degree and constantly worrying about being a responsible adult. I had completely lost sight of the girl that was so crazy and alive, filled with excitement and curiosity. Having cancer awoke a part of me that had become sedated and since then I have made enjoyment one of my priorities.

I am still haunted by cancer and know that it may return in the future. However, I am alive today and with the strength I have found in myself, I hope to experience all that life has to offer and continue growing and surviving.