Onward!

Yet again, I am faced with an enormous challenge. I got my official diagnosis last night. I have Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. I have cancer.

Luckily, it is treatable and curable. And I tested ALK positive. Apparently, that means I have a higher chance to respond better to treatment. That's great news, because I can recover from this quicker than I initially imagined. But I haven't met with the Oncologist yet, so I'm only assuming that I will have to go through chemotherapy.

This ordeal has haunted me since the end of September, I'm happy to finally know what's going on in my body. And I'm extremely happy to know that it is curable. I like it better now that I know what I have, instead of feeling anxious all the time not knowing what's going on.

Another good news, I'm glad to be in Rochester, NY, because this is where some of the leading researchers of lymphoma are. They have made breakthroughs throughout the years. Even Caroline's mom is acknowledging the medicinal standards here in upstate NY. And she knows what she's talking about, given the nature of her work which entitles her to have access to ALL the doctors' profiles of the USA.

I'm in good hands, and there are a lot of people who care about me - especially my fiance, family, and friends. I've been receiving so much support from everyone, including my employers. This is quite the ordeal to go through as a first-year, full-time music teacher! However, I've been told that my job is secure. And I'm happy that they will support me in any way that they can. That's amazing, considering I found out about this job through Craig's list.

ONWARD! I'm keeping my head up no matter what. The inconvenience will be temporary. There is always a reason why God has put me through the trials that He did. And He has never failed me. NEVER.

I know God will provide.

Citizenship

Tomorrow, I drive up to Buffalo to go for my civics test, and my naturalization interview. I pray, hope, and wish that it goes well, and that by tomorrow, I'll know if I am a United States citizen.

I've waited for quite some time for this. A little more than 5 years... that's pretty long, I think.
I've been reading a lot about the Islamic tradition. I'm always so fascinated about religions. It affects so many people in the world. I'm not converting... I just like learning about what people claim they believe in.

Still waiting on the results for the biopsy. At least the whole procedure went well. And Caroline and I got free food at the hospital!!! Woohoo!!!

Anyway... still drooling over some of the best cars around... if only I had the money... Ah, the Lexus LFA... so sweet...So freaking sweet...

Here We Go Again

I've been developing some pains in my body. After getting a CAT scan, ultrasound, blood work, and urine tests, they still haven't figured out what's wrong with me. All they can tell me is that I have a swollen lymph node at my groin area, which hurts to the point that I can't even stand for longer than 30 seconds, and even laying down is a chore. Their best guess was cat-scratch disease, from the cat attack that I survived this past summer. But even that turned out negative.

It's taking away from my daily work, routines, and even leisure. This has got to stop. The next step will be a biopsy of the lymph node itself. I wish they could just drain it, even though I know it's not that simple. I just can't tolerate it... the pain is horrible.

I hate going back and forth the doctor's office. I just wish that they would just know.

Thank God for Caroline. She's been helping me out in the apartment. She's been very supportive.