Desi's Fight Against Lymphoma

Desi's Fight Against Lymphoma: Entering the Chemo Round

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind. On April 5th, 2023, Nick and I were brought into my doctor’s office and told that they found a very large, 9 cm mass in my chest.

After several weeks of phone calls, referrals, and scans, I was diagnosed with Primary Mediastinal B Cell Lymphoma.

My oncologist told us that I will need 6 months of chemotherapy. I will be admitted to the hospital for 4-5 days where I will receive continuous infusions of chemo each time. While I was hoping to work through my chemo, my doctor informed me that this would not be feasible. I will not be allowed to go into the hospital (my job) as I will be immunocompromised. While I hoped to possibly telework, my doctor has cast considerable doubt on my ability to do so.

The goal is to complete chemotherapy without radiation. Due to my age and the cancer’s proximity to my heart and chest, radiation therapy would greatly increase my chances for future cancers and heart failure. We agreed that if I do need radiation, we would pursue proton therapy which is a safer option, but would likely not be covered by medical insurance.

I just began a new job, November 2022, and because I have not yet been there a year, I do not qualify for FMLA/short-term disability, nor do I have enough sick leave accrued. While I have spoken to HR about my circumstances, the harsh reality is that I will go the majority of my treatment unpaid. In addition to the news of the diagnosis, this has placed a large stressor on my husband and I.

From the cancer diagnosis, to the uncertainty about my job and salary, to realizing that our plans to start a family have been drastically altered, my world is currently upside down. However, during this time I have also been utterly astounded by the love and support I have received both from old and new friends, and family. I am only at the start of my journey, but I have already learned the importance of allowing myself to lean on others for support. I know I will beat this, I know God is with me, but I also know that we could use help to get through this and alleviate some of the fear and anxiety surrounding the financial burdens.

Thank you for thinking of us, praying for us, and supporting us through this.

Truly,

Desi and Nick