Bonnie Smith
March 31st, 2008
I am a Hodgkins Lymphoma survivor and here is my miracle. In 2002 I was laid off from my job due to downsizing, and at this point I decided to go back to college to get my degree. I graduated in May of 2004, and found a position. I had been having a health issue for over a span of 5 years that I had been complaining to my doctor about. My symptoms were chalked up to having my son naturally and just needed to do some exercises. Finally, I complained to my obgyn about my incontinent problem. I was only 37 years old (and too young to be having this problem) and a single mom to a 5 year old beautiful boy. We thought my bladder may be distended. After several tests I found out I had Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (I didn’t even know what this was). My outlook wasn’t very good. I had lymphnodes in my pelvic area that were loaded with cancer cells (one was the size of a small stone, the second a little bigger and the third was the size of a small boulder). The doctor said I needed to have chemo and radiation, and that I needed to start ASAP. In my mind I thought I’ll do whatever I have to because I have to be here to take care of my beautiful boy.
I started my chemo treatments immediately and after a few treatments the doctor had informed me that I was taking well to the treatments and that I may not have to do both. I did however have to do 8 months of aggressive chemo. I had long beautiful hair which I lost all of. I wore bandanas and my son wore them with me to show his support. I had met my fiancé in my 2nd semester of college. When I was diagnosed I gave him my blessing to find someone who didn’t have such a dark cloud over them. He persisted to stay (his words were “If you ever needed someone in your life, it’s now. What kind of man would I be to leave you in this situation to fight alone, I am staying here and we’ll ride this storm out with the 3 of us”). I couldn’t have asked for 2 better people to fight this battle with me. I kept very positive throughout my ordeal and believed in God and miracles and sure enough God answered my prayers and I am now currently marking 3 years of remission accomplished. When I know someone has been given a big blow such as mine I always tell them to keep positive thoughts and believe miracles do happen. I know, I’m here to see my now 10 yr. old son grow and accomplish his dreams and of course to someday marry my wonderful fiancé who never jumped ship.
One Response to “ Bonnie Smith ”
Leave a Reply
April 16th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
hey
how are you
i read your story is very sweet and i hope that you feel batter and i am sorry for the your hair lost and i hope from the god you feel better