~Living my Life with Lymphoma~
I had my appointment today with my hematologist. He walked into the room and said “This is a puzzle. I’ve been thinking of you and your case for a few days now, ever since I got the biopsy report back.” He said it doesn’t show any evidence of lymphoma. He was surprised because the PET scan lit up in that area. It mostly shows scar tissue and some other cells, but not lymphoma. He said as there is such a thing as a false positive for PET scans, there is also such a thing as false negatives for biopsies, but for now, not to worry.
In any event, I’ve been put on a monitoring program where I’ll have another PET scan at the end of April. Meanwhile, I will rejoice in this little break from the madness, and continue on with my life. We’ve been invited to three parties during the next three weeks, and now I can RSVP saying I can’t wait to go! I will embrace this break and treat it like it’s the divine gift that it is.
I’m lost for words and not able to describe the depth of my gratefulness and gratitude for the prayers, positive words, encouragement, humor, cards, gifts, and the willingness to travel along with me during this past year. I can only say that I will pay the goodness forward every chance I have because I know first-hand how important it is to hold others up during their darkest days.
I’ve been reading a book on survivors of lymphoma put together by author Jamie Reno, who is also a 15 year survivor of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Forty people tell their stories and why they think they’ve survived and stayed alive.
As the book’s names implies, it has given me much hope.
Merganser's Crossing 
Athanking GOD for answered prayer!!!
One day at a time sweet girl.
Enjoy those parties!
Love to you and Brian.
Glynny and John
Thanks and much love to you and John, Glynny. You’ve held me up for so long. I’m honored to know you. Love, Diane
Diane, you have taught me a new way to see the idea of waiting. Being able to see the good in it and get them most out of it. I’m not surprised you’re a puzzle. You are far from ordinary. Enjoy your parties! Love Maria
Such nice words, Maria. I’ve learned the value in being true to yourself and exploring inherent creativity from you, which has been a thread that has held me up through this. Your support has been a treasure. Love, Diane
Diane,
Incredible words. All the thoughts, prayers, faith and as much patients a person can endure have drawn you to the light! Enjoy life even more. Love, Denise
Enjoying life even more, and not worrying about the small stuff seems to be a theme with people faced with adversity. I’ve learned it well, I hope. Thanks for all of your encouragement and support during my enormous trial, Denise. Love, Diane
Diane, you live your life paying goodness forward by the bushel basket full. Nobody deserves a goodness dividend more than you. Enjoy those parties.
Thanks so much John. You always know what to say.
This is great news, Lady Di. I have every day and will continue to pray for your full recovery. I do believe in miracles and that, my dear friend, you deserve to be the recipient. You are in my heart.❤️
Your prayers and loving attention have had an enormous impact on my well-being, both physically and emotionally, Luce. I treasure our friendship with all of my heart. Love, Diane
I would like to share your blog and/or photo on my FB page. Would that be okay with you? I know several people who would benefit. Thank you for your blog. I have a father with dementia or something else (he won’t go to a neurologist about it and my Mom can’t/won’t make him). Your posts help me focus on what is important in life, appreciate my blessings, and, most importantly, help me empathize.
Leslie, You can share my blog…absolutely. No need to even ask, but thank you. I’m so sorry you’re going through this with your father. There are so many causes for dementia, and many are treatable or even potentially reversible. Everyone’s different. Some don’t want to address it, and I guess that’s OK. Another life lesson in acceptance of the things that we can’t change. My very best wishes to you. Diane
I’ve been away awhile, Diane, however,no day passes that I don’t think of you and your journey. I am so happy to hear this positive news. I feel most certain it will fuel the fires of your healing. Party with all your soul and keep cranking out those enchanting paintings that bring so much joy every time I see them. Love and Prayers for Health and Happiness….♡Ann.😙
Ann, You are always in my heart and in my thoughts. Life has been extremely busy lately with work and my mother. I’ll be in touch on a more personal level soon, dear friend. Best wishes always, for peace and happiness. Diane