Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma

Sometimes a swollen gland is more than a swollen gland. In my case, for example, my swollen gland is really a handful of small tumors, dividing like rabbits and creating a weird bulge in my neck, and grossly distorting one of my tonsils (it's pretty nasty).

Chances are if you're reading this you know me, and you probably know that a short while ago ago, on January 31, I was diagnosed with cancer, specifically a non-Hodgkins lymphoma, or to be more specific, a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. A couple days later, on February 2, I turned 27, and had my first appointment with my oncologist. Good times.

Having cancer has been great, you have no idea how much sympathy and attention it brings. I am, and have been, completely overwhemled by the good wishes I've gotten from friends, family, coworkers, neighbors.....pretty much anytime you tell anyone you have cancer they pledge to do whatever possible to contribute to your general comfort and care. I am a big fan of that reaction. I haven't picked up a tab since my diagnosis.

I started this blog to keep everyone informed on the day-to-day happenings and share updates on my treatment, further prognosis and generally what's going on. In no way do I promise to be interesting, although I will try my best to heed Alison's advice and not make this an endless string of woe-is-me-chemo-makes-me-feel-crappy lamentations (and so far I haven't felt crappy at all, so no trouble there).

Hopefully you all will enjoy the result, and please feel free to post your comments and questions. FAIR WARNING: I am known to have opinions, and a bit of a potty mouth at times (or as I prefer it, a malignant mouth. Literally!). If I start ranting too much about my fiercely-held neoconservative views, just blame the tumor(s).