Looking Back, Looking Forward

Its hard to believe that this time last year I was so sick. For a stranger to look at me now they would never know. My hair has grown back and I have lost most of the weight from the steriods. The only tell tale signs are two scars on my body: one on my neck from the biopsy, and one on my arm from the line.

Every day I think how lucky I am that they cought it in time, and that the drugs worked. Every day I think about my wonderful doctor with all his knowledge, ho worked hard to make me better,and my family and friends who stuck by me and helped me fight my illness.

I think of myself as being more mature now. I'm proud of myself...I fought a disease that many people die from, and that others just shudder when they hear it mentioned.

I have to admit though, Im frightened that it may come back. I suppose if you asked any cancer survivor, they would say the same. But I have been clear for four months, so thats a good sign.

I have changed my attitude in life since I became ill. If I want to do something, I will do it, no more hanging around. I listen more to people, as I realised during my illness that having someone to listen to you can mean the world.

If you are reading this and you have hodgkins disease, I want you to know something. Think of your worst day of chemo ever. Think of how sick you felt. And now think: thats as bad as its going to get. Its all uphill from here. And think that at the end, you will have won the battle, and will have something to really be proud of.

Thanks for listening

Louise