In 2003 I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma stage 3A. On the pictures you can see me with a large swelling on my neck, one at my first chemo course and one having lost my hair after the second course.
It was an hiv related cancer that was found far too late after two biopsies. Doctors told me I had a 5% survival chance during the following five years. For two days after that diagnosis I was down and giving up my life. But there were people in my life who wanted me to stay and luckily it didn't take too long to convince myself to have at least a try on chemotherapy. So I underwent chemo for about seven months, every two weeks. Finally followed by a course of radiation of 22 sessions.
What can I say? Here I am - almost thirteen years ago and thriving. My cancer inspired me to talk openly about my life, my fears, my love and my hope. For six years I toured my country telling my story in cancer rehabilitation clinics and schools. All along the way I could not have done this without my partner of fifteen years, who always supported me. I am so grateful that I've chosen life and I know not everyone touched by cancer is as lucky as I am.
Along the cancer journey I have lost many friends. Those human-beings I'll always carry in my heart and they remind me how lucky I am being able to enjoy a very blessed life today! Every two years we'll travel the small canary island "La Palma" which is home for thousands of Dragon Trees. I always have to visit one special tree you can see in my profile picture. It is about one thousand years old. You can feel something if you touch it - well, just by watching it. There is an energy that is just breath-taking. I would have never had this experience visiting and touching those trees if I had given up my life in 2003.
Since 2008 I occasionally support the ONJCWRC, because I believe it's an institution that should be built all around the world - in every country. My heart goes out to everybody who has to fight cancer in a lifetime and to all those friends and relatives who have to stay strong, who sometimes even suffer more than the cancer patients themselves. We may win the fight one day......but until then we need hope and love.
Blessings xxx Kay