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Name: Jane Knight Age: 18
Location: Quispamsis, New Brunswick, Canada
Type of Cancer: Hodgkin’s Disease LymphomaThe Story

Last summer while lifeguarding at a local beach, I experienced shortness of breath and discomfort on my left side. I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with pneumonia and put on a course of antibiotics. Several weeks later, I was still experiencing the same symptoms with no improvement. The doctor sent me for an x-ray and it revealed the mass was still present in my lung. I was admitted to hospital that day and several weeks later was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. On the day my diagnosis was positively confirmed I received my first dose of chemotherapy. In all, I had 16 chemotherapy treatments, two weeks apart. Tomorrow, Friday the 13th (woo hoo!) I have my first radiation treatment. I am scheduled to have twenty treatments altogether and should finish mid July 2003.

Highlights:
Finishing chemotherapy
Having my PICC Line removed
The close relationship I have developed with my mother and father

Lowlights:
After 4 chemotherapy treatments, an x-ray revealed the mass in my lung had not decreased as much as my doctors expected. In addition, another lump appeared. The doctors were not sure if the treatments were working. I was sent to a specialist to look into the possibility or a stem cell transplant after finishing my traditional therapy. I was very scared and discouraged. Since then, the doctors have determined the stem cell transplant is not needed at this time and recent tests have been encouraging!!

Current Status:
Still Kickin’! Growing back my hair and undergoing radiation therapy!

Favourite Activity(s) now:
Walking
Reading
Hanging out with friends
Watching reality shows with my mom and dad!