Bald Mom

I faced the heartbreaking diagnosis of stage II Hodgkin's Lymphoma Cancer in 2013, after my brother was diagnosed. My body created a child and housed tumors at the same time. I decided to chronicle my journey in hopes of spreading awareness and helping others. The documentary series the mainstream media refused to air is now playing online. A blog about healing cancer with nutrition and natural therapies by chemo-free survivor Chris Wark.

[baldmom]

[mindlessly-waiting-deactivated2]

[sheisinrecovery-deactivated2017]

So far you’ve survived 100% of your worst days. You’re doing great.

(via suicidal-dreaminq)

[greeneyedmoonchild]

Science & Medicine

[baldmom]

greeneyedmoonchild:

When you really think about it, science and medicine are freaking amazing. I mean, here I am, a 21-year-old female human being with a condition that as little as 30 years ago would have probably killed me. For nearly six months now, on a biweekly basis, I have been receiving a dose of chemicals whose primary purpose is to kill living cells. Not cure, not heal - KILL. In the meantime my immune system has been destroyed, and something as innocent as a fresh apple garners enough bacteria to kill me. And yet every two weeks I pick myself up and leave to get more. More chemicals. More toxins. More damage to the healthy tissues in my body. The amount of trust we deliver unto our medical teams is beyond mesmerizing, because as a cancer patient, every two weeks I am literally walking into a near-stranger’s office, signing my name on a sheet confirming that I am accepting a therapy that on its own has a generous chance of killing me, and then I sit down with a half smile as I am hooked up to the IV and quite literally served my poison. To think of the trials and horrors that went into developing these therapies, dosages, and regimens makes my mind spin and ache with wonder.  I am so thankful for the progress we have made in this age, and I only pray that this progress evolves exponentially. This, I think, is another reason why I have decided to take on the path of medicine.

[stelbailey]

I just want to say you rock! I'm currently fighting lymphoma too and just finished my last chemo November 5th (next step for me, radiation =\) and you are keeping a pretty positive attitude! It will be over before you know it! Xoxo

It all seems like one bad nightmare. You’re thrown into a world of needles, medicine, and hospital walls. You feel like no one can truly understand but then there are other people, like you, living it too. Stay strong.

[stelbailey]

Hi there, I recently (Dec.18th) was diagnosed with Hodgkins -2B. I am 30. I have been under going IVF to preserve my fertility for the future. Chemo starts Jan. 28th and I am scheduled for 6 cycles (12 treatments). I just wanted to say that with all the research and hunting i've done on the web for people like me I have found your blog the most inspiring and helpful. My wedding is August 8th this year and I am full time art teacher. You are helping me to see, it is all possible. Thank you!

Thank you.  I’m so glad it was helpful!  Stay strong.  You are going to do amazing and those 6 cycles.  It seems like an endless road but you will make it through. We are in this together. 

[stelbailey]

Hey I'm Vicki, I'm 20 and just was diagnosed with HL in November. I have my 4 chemo of ABVD this Friday and 8 more to go :) just wanted to say hey and your awesome being a mom, with your husband being away and you still stay fighting and positive :) do you have a lot of aniexty going through chemo? And how do you deal with it?

I do get anxiety especially a few days before chemo and was prescribed anxiety medicine called Ativan.  They also started putting it in my IV the last few treatments because of nausea and anxiousness.  It helps me get through the diagnosis, the insomnia you get from steroids, and the outbursts from steroids (being on them can make you feel crazy).  You should defiantly talk to your Oncologist about it if you have any.  Be persistent.  You’re already going through so much and can use whatever will help along the journey to make it a little more easier.

[stelbailey]

I'm 19, and I've just been diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, I'm still waiting to see what stage it's at. I admire you enormously, for just the sheer strength that you display. Thank you for giving me hope <3

It’s crazy how common blood cancer is.  It’s good that you found it now rather than later.  We never know the reason why things like this happen but you will fight this with strength and beauty.  Keep in contact.  I’m here  through your battle and after.  Much love!

[stelbailey]

You're so beautiful and strong and amazing and your post about people with cancer brought years to my eyes. My bf of 5 years was diagnosed with stage III TC late Jan and it's been a journey to say the least. I just want to say thank you for your words and I am thinking of you <3

You are amazing for being by his side though one of the hardest times of his life.  Loving and caring for someone with cancer is an emotional journey itself.  Often times we forget to take a step back and recognize that it takes a tremendous amount of patience and love to care for someone sick.  He will be forever grateful for your amazing support.  I hope he continues to be strong and that we can bring awareness together.  Keep in contact and I’m here if you need anything.  Much love.

[baldmom]

An estimated 9,290 people living in the United States (US) will be diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013.

lls.org

[baldmom]

“Even though cancer is a part of your life, it doesn’t define you. You define yourself with your strength, your courage, your hope…”

Hallmark Card

[baldmom]

Hodgkin's Lymphoma Symptoms

About 1 in 4 people have symptoms such as;

A weak immune system.

Increased risk of infections (because of a low white cell count).

Swollen lymph nodes (learn where your nodes are). .

Pressure in your chest and/or upper back.

Breathlessness

Heavy sweating - especially at night (not from menopause). 

Dry cough that lasts weeks. 

Itchy skin. 

Unexplained weight loss. 

Extreme fatigue. 

Anemia. 

An X-ray may show abnormalities or a shadow.  This cancer can easily be misdiagnosed as bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, or a panic attack.  If you have persisting pain in your chest it’s good to get an X-ray and some blood work done.