Lia Living With Cancer- Donations keep her family supported

I am Alida Rodriguez. Mostly known as Lia, Mom, Tante, Teacher, Friend or Coach. In late January I was still teaching my 5th/6th graders at Durham Ferry (part of Venture Academy Family of Schools) and about to start basketball tryouts for my daughter’s 6th grade team at Jefferson Middle School, when I had to check myself into the ER because I couldn’t breathe well.

I had felt a lump in my throat and had swelling behind my ears and on my head but within a weeks time my neck became so swollen I had to sleep sitting straight up and was still barely getting oxygen. They had done a biopsy on my swollen thyroid because it hit first but it came back as a cyst. I did a second biopsy in my lymphatic system but the days kept on ticking, the swelling kept increasing, and the results were not in yet.

After waiting hours and hours, I was pulled in to see a doctor who informed me that my results from the biopsy were in, I have T Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, and I was to be transferred to Kaiser Roseville for treatment as an inpatient for at least 1 month.

I had to call my husband and drop that bomb while asking for a bag to be packed. I’ll never forget his face walking into my ER room or the absolute ridiculousness of what was in my bag and what wasn’t. Who can think rationally at a time like that?

I spent a few nights in Modesto waiting for a bed to open in Roseville, got a PIIC line placed in my arm, and was on oxygen 24/7. I had innumerable cysts in my neck and scans showed spots on my liver and pelvic region. Essentially, throughout my entire lymph system.

Roseville hospital was heavy. While I loved all the people and learned a lot about myself …. The struggle was real. I saw my kids in person only a few times. I spent countless hours on FaceTime living with them virtually. I had 2 bone marrow biopsies an MRI, got a blood clot in my right arm, developed neuropathy and got really really weak. Walking was a chore. I’m still undergoing weekly chemo as part of course 3. This includes getting a spinal tap and IT chemo to make sure the chemo stays out of my bone marrow. As it stands, I’m in “remission” but the treatments remain the same and will for some time. Probably years.

Chemotherapy does many things to the body and everyone is different. Nausea, hair loss, neuropathy, brain fog, weakness, and lowered immunity are the ones that stand out to me. I’ve had several blood transfusions and a platelet transfusion and I’ve even taken shots that help to build your white blood cell count but cause bone ache.

There is no way I can jump back into teaching full time IN the classroom. My immune system is too weak to fight all the kid germs. I’m left to the mercy of others to help replace my income. And being crafty with what is possible to fulfill my desire to teach and learn from others. So many people I know have been so kind and helpful since this journey started. Bringing meals and donating their time and money but also sending cards and ways for me to entertain myself in the hospital and since being home.

My journey as a cancer fighter, wife, and mom of 4 continues on. And it takes a lot to raise a family of 4, especially as a disabled person. Anything you can give would be much appreciated by all of us. I will keep you posted on all my progress and updates. I even attached the meal train website. Love.

Original Post: Just a few weeks ago, my sister Alida “Lia” Rodriguez was struggling to breathe, and we were desperately searching for answers. Now she fights! T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia Lymphoma is the enemy, an extremely aggressive form of cancer that spreads rapidly into every body tissue.

The good news? The success rate for this cancer diagnosis is high (85+%) However, her road to full recovery will likely take years.

Lia is 38 years young, a devoted wife to her high school sweetheart Nic, and a wonderful mother to their four beautiful children—Mazzy (12), Indio (10), Arlo (5), and Desi (3).

She has always been the pillar of strength in our family, the one who shows up for everyone with love, wisdom, and unwavering support. Now, it's our turn to come together and support HER and her family during this challenging time.

Lia is currently 'stay-cationing' at Roseville Kaiser Hospital - a center of excellence for Leukemia & Lymphona. She is expected to be in the hospital for about a month as she undergoes intensive chemotherapy treatment. While this news has been overwhelming, we remain confident that she will beat this, and so far, she's doing great.

We are beyond grateful for the love and support from family, colleagues, students, friends, and even strangers who have contributed, prayed, and shared her story. Every bit of kindness helps more than we can say. Please continue to keep Lia and her family in your thoughts & prayers.

Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.