Happy Anniversary! 15 Years Since Cancer Diagnosis

On April 7, 2009, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. It’s funny how some dates become imprinted on your mind. The good news was the disease was Stage 1, and I kicked its ass. The bad news was – Stage 1 or not – six rounds of chemotherapy were in my future. The first thing I said to my husband, Michael, was, “Well, it’s going to be a shitty summer.” These years later, I look back at that wild roller coaster ride and the many things that came out of the experience. First and foremost, my appreciation for the health I’ve enjoyed in the past and the fact that I’m still here. Until you go through something like this yourself or with a very close loved one, you think you understand it, but it’s really at arm’s length. I constantly felt like I was stuck in a bad TV movie. I’ve also met, listened to, and spoken to every cancer patient and survivor that crosses my path.  I always have time to listen and tell them, “No, you’re not crazy – it sucks – but you’ll get there.” Below is a note I posted on Facebook the night of my last chemo round, plus a couple of pictures from the journey.  It was in this note that I finally shared the journey with my friends. On the 15th anniversary of my cancer diagnosis, I wanted to share it with you. See you all on National Cancer Survivor Day! A few years after cancer, I began The Randy Report. And I signed off on my very first post with the words, “Feel free. No fear.” And that’s still my message today.