Processing

Since I saw the hematologist/oncologist I have been researching  Hodgkin's Lymphoma. One thing I have discovered is that I DON'T FIT. Read this: The risk factors according to the Mayo Clinic. Your age.  Hodgkin's lymphoma is most often diagnosed in people between 15 and 30 years old and those over 55. A family history of lymphoma.  Having a blood relative with Hodgkin's lymphoma or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma increases your risk of developing Hodgkin's lymphoma. Being male.  Males are slightly more likely to develop Hodgkin's lymphoma than are females. Past Epstein-Barr infection.  People who have had illnesses caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, such as infectious mononucleosis, are more likely to develop Hodgkin's lymphoma than are people who haven't had Epstein-Barr infection.  I am a 48 year old woman, who has no history of Epstein-Bar. I have a family history of cancer, but I don't remember ever hearing anything about Hodgkin's. So NONE! No ris...

 Anytime you hear the word biopsy it is scary. It's crazy how one word makes all kinds of emotions come to the surface. True, the "C" word was more nerve wracking, but I hadn't heard that word yet. So I was plenty scared with biopsy. And doctors always make it sound like it's no big deal. "We just go in with a super thin needle and take a few samples. We will numb you and you will feel totally normal in a few hours." they say. I am here to tell you, that is not true. Perhaps it's because I am old, but I believe it is a big deal. I was still in pain the next morning and there was a HUGE bruise that turned into a scab right in the middle of my neck. I have never worn more scarves than I have this month!  Here's the details and process of the needle biopsy. The doctor numbs your neck with lidocaine. It's the same stuff used for numbing your mouth for a filling. You can still feel the pressure, but not the pain. Once it's numb enough the nurs...

 My name is Mendy. I am a happily married woman (for 26 years) and mom to two amazing kids (Katie 20 and Eli 15). I have had a blessed life. I was raised in a loving family with parents who still love and adore each other after 60 years. I met an married the love of my life when I was 21 years old and have never regretted that decision. Life has been relatively easy, Sure there are regular problems. I have a chronic illness called Fibromyalgia and with that comes chronic fatigue. We tried medical help but eventually realized that eating a VERY low sugar and higher protein diet helped tremendously.  We had a hard time getting pregnant, but eventually God blessed us with two amazing kids. We had friendships that disappointed us and parent's illness that worried us. But overall, we have been blessed beyond reason.  This brings me to the point of this blog. I want to document what is happening in my body. Partly to process all I am feeling and thinking. And partly as a place ...