Tunnel of Darkness Open into the Light
Friday, September 18, 2009
By: Shelley Pepperdine-Renahan

How do I go on? Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, 25 years old, and no hope. The tunnel has become dark and I have no where to go but down hill. Can there be a light at the end of my tunnel. There is.....And I am living proof that life goes on.

At the age of 25, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and given less than a 5% chance of survival. My tumor grew in less than 3 months and measured 18 cm and grew around my heart and lungs. Given no hope from doctors, I was told that they would provide extensive chemotherapy, with the hope that they could prolong my life as long as possible, and even if I did survive, I would never have children. I knew that they were wrong, that I would survive and fill my home with kids. I fought every week through the treatments, weak, unable to walk most days, and feeling totally drained of all thoughts and dreams. But somewhere deep inside a dream lived on. After 8 months of treatment, and endless drugs and medicine, my tumor has shrunk to the size of a golf ball. The doctors were amazed and could not believe the X-rays and scans. How could this have happened? I knew that because I never gave up and believed that there was more that I still needed to do, I am a survivor. I am proud to say that I am now married, and gave birth to 2 beautiful daughters, who are the light in my life, even on my worst days. I have gone on to survive through a heart attack and triple bypass, each time knowing that my daughters have given me strength that has helped me through more dark days, and into the light of life. Now not everyone is as lucky as me, but each person needs to believe that their life can go on. Make each day special and appreciate everyone around you, especially your family. They are your greatest team of supporters when you feel alone. I am now a 18 year survivor and proud to say "I did it my way"