Anna's Journey: Relay for Life

Sandy (Co-Chair of the Anoka Area Relay for Life) and I

Me speaking at the Relay for Life (I was Honorary Chair giving my Survior's Story)

In line at the Survivor Lap

Here is my Speech

I was first diagnosised with melanoma on my left caft muscle 14 years ago. I was very lucky to have surgery and then go on living my life as a normal invincible 21 year old. Then 13 years later I was diagnosised with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, this time I was still very lucky given a 95 % cure rate. When I was first diagnosised a friend told me God only gives you what you can handle and you have the strength to handle this. I also think that a positive attitude and being a little stubborn helped in my treatments.

When I first found out I that I had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, my sister took it upon herself to go to the doctor with me and is still going to the oncologist with me on my 3-month visits. I really think it’s because my doctor is very entertaining. When I was in chemo someone always went with me, my parents, my sister, or one of my friends.

Before my first treatment while in the waiting room at the Cancer Center I saw Julie Benson a swimming mom in for treatment. It’s amazing how much one person's presence can help calm someone. Julie also gave me words of wisdom from her experience.

I'm amazed with all the words of encouragement, and generosity people have shown. I'm must say this wasn’t easy but it's a lot easier with the support that others gave me.

During a pre shaving hair cut, I was in the hairstylist chair telling her I wasn’t going to spend my money on a wig. I was going to be a hat and big earring girl (thanks to a cousin for the earring collection) when I lost my hair. She told me to call the Cancer Society and I could get a wig from them. It was fun trying on different wigs and trying to figure out my new look. I also took the Look Good, Feel Better class which was so much fun. Not only getting tons of new make up but also being with women who had gone through different cancers and were in different stages of cancer treatment.

I also took advantage of the Neighbor to Neighbor program at Unity Hospital. I was able to get massages, healing touch. Pilate’s from Pilates on the Porch by far my favorite. I wasn’t able to do much for exercise during my treatment so that made me feel like I was doing something.

Other then some respiratory problems I didn’t have any major problems with my chemo or radiation. On November 20^th I was told I was lymphoma free and I could get my life back to normal. It’s a new normal I can’t do 100 things on one day but I can still do a lot of things with a nap in the mix. I also had all exercise restrictions removed. I will say my dad wasn’t overly impressed with the doctor the day he said I could start running with no limits. I’m not back to where I was physically but I’m getting there in time. I have a goal of running a half marathon in October. I have been lucky to run with my dad, sister or a friend. They are super good to me and don’t let me go run by myself and are helping me reach my goals.

This Saturday, I and some awesome co-workers made a road trip to Tracy Minnesota to see a co-worker get married.