Care for Chloe – Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Journey
Donation protected
I am a solo mumma to my son Ryder, who has just begun year three. In 2018 I moved from my hometown down south to Palmyra, Perth to pursue my passion and finish my degree in Holistic Nutrition and Dietetics. For the past 5 years I’ve been working hard, part time in two jobs, to support myself and my little man, who is the sunshine of my life.
I began feeling unwell around the time I moved to Perth but although I was feeling constantly tired and fatigued, I somehow managed to complete 5 subjects in 2019. I’ve been pretty determined to continue on my life journey to becoming a holistic nutritionist, although, unfortunately, my health continued to decline and the past 12 months ended up being one of the most difficult and challenging years of my life. I’ve suffered with nausea, stomach pain, severe back pain, chest pain, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, almost on a daily basis. All these physical symptoms have really affected me emotionally as well, and I have struggled to cope with just the everyday demands which I used to manage so well. Living with pain on a daily occurrence over months and months slowly takes everything out of you, and although I’ve always been quick to smile and find joy in the little things my mental health has really suffered. I’ve not had the energy to connect with my friends as much and it has affected my connection with Ryder as I don’t have the energy to engage and play as much as I used to.
Since December 2018 I have progressively been in and out of hospital, initially due to the discovery of multiple polyps in my gallbladder which were causing nausea and severe gastric pain. Then, due to the inundation of patients in the public health system, I waited 11 ½ months to receive a cholecystectomy on November 5th, a procedure which, ultimately, was aborted during the operation as they found lesions on my liver. From that day on, there have been numerous, ongoing medical appointments, scans, procedural complications and medical emergencies, and subsequently, over the past 4 months especially, I have lost so many work hours that it has seriously impacted my ability to manage my daily living expenses such as food, rent and bills.
On Thursday 30th January this year, I was diagnosed with a rare form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, called BALT Lymphoma (Bronchial Associated Lymphatic Tissue). Whilst I was sitting in the appointment listening to the oncologist tell me that I have lymphoma, a cancer in my lung, it felt so surreal, I thought she had made a mistake. She was so matter of fact, that I thought I had heard her wrong. I’ve been in absolute shock and it felt as though my world was crashing down around me, none of those words made sense to me. I have been a strong and resilient woman over the past few years and I’ve had my fair share of pain, challenges, heartbreak and sadness but I guess nothing can prepare you for this one.
I underwent a really painful bone marrow biopsy today, which will determine if the lymphoma is in my bone marrow or not. The haematologist said treatment may involve radiation, immunotherapy and possibly chemotherapy which will begin in a couple of weeks from now, depending on the progression of the NHL. I am hoping to incorporate some integrative and complementary therapies also, to support my healing and recovery. Now all I can do is draw strength from all the love and support around me, have a courageous heart, and trust in my body’s innate ability to heal.
We will keep you updated on any progress, as soon as we know more.
We appreciate and will be greatly humbled by any donation, no matter how small, as your generosity will enable Ryder and I to continue living in our little home and to find the support we both need to get through this tough time. Much Love x
I began feeling unwell around the time I moved to Perth but although I was feeling constantly tired and fatigued, I somehow managed to complete 5 subjects in 2019. I’ve been pretty determined to continue on my life journey to becoming a holistic nutritionist, although, unfortunately, my health continued to decline and the past 12 months ended up being one of the most difficult and challenging years of my life. I’ve suffered with nausea, stomach pain, severe back pain, chest pain, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, almost on a daily basis. All these physical symptoms have really affected me emotionally as well, and I have struggled to cope with just the everyday demands which I used to manage so well. Living with pain on a daily occurrence over months and months slowly takes everything out of you, and although I’ve always been quick to smile and find joy in the little things my mental health has really suffered. I’ve not had the energy to connect with my friends as much and it has affected my connection with Ryder as I don’t have the energy to engage and play as much as I used to.
Since December 2018 I have progressively been in and out of hospital, initially due to the discovery of multiple polyps in my gallbladder which were causing nausea and severe gastric pain. Then, due to the inundation of patients in the public health system, I waited 11 ½ months to receive a cholecystectomy on November 5th, a procedure which, ultimately, was aborted during the operation as they found lesions on my liver. From that day on, there have been numerous, ongoing medical appointments, scans, procedural complications and medical emergencies, and subsequently, over the past 4 months especially, I have lost so many work hours that it has seriously impacted my ability to manage my daily living expenses such as food, rent and bills.
On Thursday 30th January this year, I was diagnosed with a rare form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, called BALT Lymphoma (Bronchial Associated Lymphatic Tissue). Whilst I was sitting in the appointment listening to the oncologist tell me that I have lymphoma, a cancer in my lung, it felt so surreal, I thought she had made a mistake. She was so matter of fact, that I thought I had heard her wrong. I’ve been in absolute shock and it felt as though my world was crashing down around me, none of those words made sense to me. I have been a strong and resilient woman over the past few years and I’ve had my fair share of pain, challenges, heartbreak and sadness but I guess nothing can prepare you for this one.
I underwent a really painful bone marrow biopsy today, which will determine if the lymphoma is in my bone marrow or not. The haematologist said treatment may involve radiation, immunotherapy and possibly chemotherapy which will begin in a couple of weeks from now, depending on the progression of the NHL. I am hoping to incorporate some integrative and complementary therapies also, to support my healing and recovery. Now all I can do is draw strength from all the love and support around me, have a courageous heart, and trust in my body’s innate ability to heal.
We will keep you updated on any progress, as soon as we know more.
We appreciate and will be greatly humbled by any donation, no matter how small, as your generosity will enable Ryder and I to continue living in our little home and to find the support we both need to get through this tough time. Much Love x
Fundraising team: Caring for Chloe (3)
Ben Fitzpatrick
Organizer
Palmyra WA
Chloe Mountford
Beneficiary
Llewanna Bell
Team member
