This is why I don’t sleep…

I just awoke from a dream.

I was given a couple days to live.  They were able to give me some sort of something that would keep me strong enough the last couple days to not “feel the effects” of dying, but ultimately regardless of what happened, taking this stuff would guarantee that I wouldn’t make it past these couple days, it would destroy my body beyond compare.

I made it around to see everyone, for some reason it was my quest to make sure everyone got to see me.  I felt like it was some sort of responsibility of mine.

I wore a simple pair of blue jeans and a white v-neck shirt.  I was skinny again. Read more

Lymphoma/Cancer Support Links

These are some links to websites I have found helpful or that have provided some amount of information during my limited amount of research.  Now, I cannot stress enough to remember the disclaimer on my front page.  I am not a medical professional and cannot make any claims to the information listed on any site listed below.  I cannot and will not personally endorse or attest to the accuracy of any information you may find while taking a gander at the following sites.  That is up to a physician and a physician I am not.  I also cannot stress enough that if you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to your doctor or medical professional.

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/hm_lls

American Cancer Society

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp

National Cancer Institute

http://www.cancer.gov/

Medline Plus - Hodgkin’s Disease

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hodgkinsdisease.html

Mayo Clinic - Hodgkin’s Disease

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hodgkins-disease/DS00186

Lymphomation

http://www.lymphomation.org/

Web MD

http://www.webmd.com/

Cure Hodgkin’s

http://www.curehodgkins.com/

Seventy K

http://www.seventyk.org/

I’m Too Young For This

http://imtooyoungforthis.org/

Planet Cancer

http://myplanetcancer.ning.com/

What Is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?

Taken straight from the Web MD website.  The actual link to this article can be found below.

What Is Hodgkin’s Disease?

Hodgkin’s disease is a type of lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system is a network of nodes (knots of tissue) connected by vessels. Together they drain fluid and waste products from all the organs and structures of your body. The lymph nodes act as tiny filters, straining out invading organisms and cancerous cells. Organs that contain a lot of lymphatic tissue include the spleen, the thymus gland (in the chest behind the breastbone), the adenoids and tonsils, and the bone marrow.

The lymphatic system also is involved in producing important white blood cells called lymphocytes that help protect you against various infectious invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When the lymphatic system is fighting an active infection, you may notice that some of your lymph nodes and tissue in the area of the infection become swollen and tender. This is normal.

Lymphoma occurs when the lymph-node cells or the lymphocytes begin to multiply uncontrollably, producing malignant cells that have the abnormal ability to invade other tissues throughout your body.

The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin’s disease (also called Hodgkin’s lymphoma) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which are classified by certain unique characteristics of the cancer cells.

Hodgkin’s disease is most common in two different age groups: young adults (ages 15 to 35) and older adults (over age 50). It is somewhat more common in males than females. Because of progress made in the treatment of Hodgkin’s disease, the American Cancer Society states that most people with this cancer be cured with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

What Causes It?

No one knows for sure why some people develop Hodgkin’s disease. However, scientists have noticed certain associations. For example, people who have had mononucleosis due to infection with Epstein-Barr virus have a greater likelihood of developing Hodgkin’s disease. As do patients with immune deficiencies such as congenital (present at birth) immune deficiency syndromes, those treated with immunosuppressant drugs after organ transplantation and patients infected with the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

http://www.webmd.com/cancer/understanding-hodgkins-disease-basic-information

Blogging for Blood Cancer - Calling All Bloggers!

Tonight I was sent an email asking me to participate in the Blogging for Blood Cancer Event that will occur August 11-18.  The event is hosted hosted by Goodies for Mom and Friends of Heros (FOH) National Light The Night Team.  During this event, we are asking for bloggers of all types to blog about blood cancers to raise the awareness of the mission of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

“Friends of Heroes is a national Light the Night Friends and Family team. We are comprised of moms, dads, families and friends compelled to help find a cure for blood cancers.

Friends of Heroes is the largest team of this type in the country and we have raised over $960,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in the last 4 years through Light The Night Walks.”

I have recently been ashamed that I was not a part in an organization to help and better the lives of others that have been afflicted with some sort of disease.  The most I have ever done is donate a few bucks to Jerry’s Kids.  Now, seeing the other side of things, I realize how important it is to support organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and to participate in events like this blogging event and Light the Night Walks.  I have often mentioned that now I am not strong enough, but one day I will have the strength to participate in walks and even Hikes for Discovery, like the Seattle Team.  For now, I have the strength to blog - and I will, to help raise the awareness of blood caner.  I have personally been helped by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and without people like this, like you supporters, I would be in a different place now.  I cannot thank anyone and everyone enough for their time, effort, monetary donations and support.

If you would be so kind to help the cause - it might bring us closer to a cure,  I know I could use a cure right now, all of us would be forever grateful.  Even posting a banner on your site to raise awareness of the event would be more than appreciated.  If you would like to post a banner, please see the Goodies for Mom website listed above.

Thank you, again, to those who already have supported the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

“The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education, and patient services. LLS’s mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.”