Article Contributed on: 9/4/2008 9:23:58 AM
Hi, I wanted to share my story with you. In 1980 my then 8-year-old son was diagnosed with a lymphoma cancer called Burkitts Lymphoma which at that time was only prevalent in South African males. We were very lucky to have a surgeon that knew someone at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD. My son was part of the research on chemotherapy for that type of cancer. He is now 36 years old.
Six years ago I was diagnosed with a type of what the doctors said was lung cancer but were never able to biopsy it since it was resting on my t-2 vertebrae and on my spine. I am still not sure what type of cancer it was but I was treated with intense chemotherapy and have been cancer free for 5 years.
I was given a preventative drug after my chemotherapy to help with my bones since the tumor was resting on my spine called Zometa. Not only has it kept my cancer from coming back but has helped my bones stay strong. My doctor is also on the National Cancer Institutes board of doctors that are searching everyday for a cure. At the same time I was fighting cancer one of my best friends was also fighting breast cancer. Talk about sisterhood. We are both cancer free now!
Thanks so much for letting me share my story! God Bless to all and especially the survivors.