I’m Fighting Hodgkin’s Lymphoma - And I’m Not Going Anywhere

On January 30, I shared news that changed my life:

I was officially diagnosed with Stage 2BX Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The cancer hasn’t gone below my diaphragm, which according to my oncologist is good news, and it’s extremely treatable. So don’t worry… I’m not going anywhere.

I have a 12 cm mass in my neck (the “X” in my diagnosis) that is shifting my trachea and making it hard to breathe. I’ve had a constant dry cough, fevers, night sweats, and significant weight loss, I was 255 pounds in November and 216 by the end of January. Those are what they call “B symptoms.”

Looking back, it started around Thanksgiving with loss of appetite and nausea. I brushed it off as a stomach bug. Then exhaustion, blamed the holidays. Then the cough, thought it was the flu or COVID (tests were negative). I kept brushing it off… until I found the mass during a my skincare routine. That moment changed everything.

Since then, things have moved quickly.

Right now, the plan is 8 sessions of ABVD-NAVD chemotherapy followed by 12 days of radiation, assuming my scans and labs continue moving in the right direction. I’ve completed two rounds so far. The side effects are real, fatigue, nausea, tough up-and-down days, and I’m starting to see some hair loss, but I’m staying positive and ready to fight this.

I’m continuing to work as much as I can, though I’ve had to reduce my hours significantly during treatment. I’m grateful to have health insurance, but as many of you know, deductibles, co-pays, medications, imaging, and ongoing treatment costs add up quickly. The bills are already coming in, and there’s still a long road ahead.

On top of all of this, I have the privilege and responsibility of raising my two teenage cousins, Asa and Jax. I have guardianship of them, and they are my world. Providing stability for them, food, housing, school, healthcare, remains my top priority, even while navigating treatment.

I don’t ask for help easily, but I know I can’t do this alone.

If you’re able to contribute, your support will go toward:

• Medical bills and treatment-related expenses

• Insurance deductibles and out-of-pocket costs

• Travel and care-related expenses

• Household costs to keep things steady for my family during treatment

For those who have asked about other ways to support us, I’ve included additional options below:

• Venmo: @Zach-Pisculli

• Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3QTPSE2G58QBH?ref_=wl_share

Please do whatever feels right and comfortable, whether that’s donating, sending something from the list, sharing this page, or simply keeping us in your positive vibes, thoughts or prayers. Every bit of support means more than I can put into words.

I truly believe this is extremely treatable. I plan to beat it, and I’m incredibly thankful for the love and support already surrounding me.

Thank you for standing with me.

— Zach