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Help Jacklyn beat Hodgkin's Lymphoma!

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In September of 2018, I married my best friend and partner Jacklyn Le. We bought our first home together and set off building our new life. Five months later she was diagnosed with Classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma . What was meant to be a happy time with budding possibility shifted into doubt and halted everything. We are happy to have each other, and are remaining positive, holding on to the hope and love of our marriage despite the path ahead of us.

The Beginning

In August of 2018, what were supposed to be worries about an upcoming wedding turned to worries about health. Jacklyn noticed that she was losing weight rapidly and had an inflamed lymph node in her throat and attributed it to wedding stress. I noticed that her cough had persisted more than normal and thought maybe it was just allergies or asthma.



An Unfortunate Coincidence

September 23rd, only two days after the wedding, Jacklyn’s cousin was staying in town for a few extra days. Her cousin had previously mentioned how she had taken time off to deal with some health issues, and she began opening up to Jacklyn about what they were. Coincidentally, she described similar symptoms to what Jacklyn had been having and explained that she was eventually diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It was that talk that led Jacklyn to take her symptoms seriously and find an answer for her health problems.


The Waiting Game

On Halloween night, Jacklyn tried to enjoy the night out, but the throbbing pain and the worry that the lymph node had not decreased in size occupied her mind. Jacklyn made a doctor's appointment, but the next available date was not until January of 2019.

During the Christmas break we went on our honeymoon. Jacklyn got a shoulder massage and what felt like a muscle getting pulled and cramped turned out to be yet another swollen lymph node near her clavicle. What was supposed to be a relaxing time on our honeymoon turned into more throbbing pain.

The First Doctor Visit

Jacklyn finally was able to see a doctor, and initially, they were convinced it was a thyroid problem. Upon further investigation and sonograms, they saw that the bumps on her neck were indeed swollen lymph nodes. Jacklyn then got a chest x-ray where they found more swollen lymph nodes in her chest. The next step was to get a needle biopsy done on the lymph node near the clavicle.

The Answer

On February 26, 2018, Jacklyn’s primary doctor called with sadness in his voice to her know that she was diagnosed with Classical Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Jacklyn went to UNM Cancer Center to get a second opinion about the results, but they remained the same. Jacklyn went for a PET to see if the lymphoma had spread. Doctors saw some activity in the bone marrow, but after another biopsy of the bone (yikes - I watched it all), there was thankfully no cancer to be found. Jacklyn took the news in stride and is determined to beat this cancer. While going through the treatment, she will be staying home to focus on fighting this and taking care of herself.

Today

We ask that Jacklyn doesn't fight this alone. Jacklyn means so much to me as she does to so many. With her positivity and strength, despite the circumstances, I know she will get through this. After the initial shock of her diagnosis, she told me that it was just a "minor inconvenience" - what a badass, right? Her quirky, funny and caring personality that I fell in love with shines in every aspect of her life. Jacklyn is so very loved by everyone she meets, whether it is through her artwork, in her church, or through her caring and loving personality.

Although we have insurance, out-of-pocket expenses have already taken their toll on a now single income. I appreciate your time and consideration for reading this and keeping my loved one in your prayers and thoughts. Any help is deeply appreciated and will go a long way - whether it’s prayer, advice, a donation or sharing our story.

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Donations 

  • Elizabeth Schichtel
    • $75 
    • 4 yrs
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Organizer

James Rodriguez
Organizer
Albuquerque, NM

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