The Official Diagnosis

So today, on Halloween, it is official – I have stage 3B Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Spooky.

Stage 3 means that the cancer is advanced and has spread to two parts of my body, using the diaphragm as the 'divider'. The B means that I have been experiencing negative side effects from the cancer itself.

I went with my parents to see the haematologist who confirmed what we already were expecting to hear. The biopsy results were back and I guess this brings closure. Gone are the long, sleepless nights of endless mind-wandering about worst case scenarios. In its place comes closure and clarity. At least I now know the face of the demon I must slay (yes, please expect this blog to be dramatic).

Taken 14th October 2013

The photo is from a few weeks ago when I was having a lymph node biopsy. The procedure was relatively painless, mainly because I requested sedation. And lunch was waiting for me when I was done. Bonus.

I plan to update this blog whenever I have a new or recurring experience, for example medication, chemotherapy, consultancy visits and such. Hopefully you will find it reassuring and informative. 

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Joshua Lerner

Hi! I’m the 'star' of Livin' With Lymphoma. The blog was founded on the 31st October 2013, on the day I was diagnosed with Stage 4B Hodgkin's lymphoma. I hope you find it funny and informative.

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