Lynda [Wolters] Riggers's Blog

Six-years ago...

6-years ago today, I began what would be a three-year trek to save my life. I had just received a diagnosis of an incurable lymphoma.

For the first year, it began commuting 1,800 each way, several times a month for a clinical trial, and ended up with me inpatient locally for chemo, followed by two years of maintenance infusions. By my own choice, I then ‘divorced ‘ my oncologist and am living my best life.

The journey was grueling, daunting, overwhelming, and terrifying.

At the time of my diagnosis, I was informed that the average life expectancy for someone with stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma was five years. It’s been six years now, and while I’m still living a wonderful life, I’m riddled with unseen issues: fatigue, anxiety, PTSD, and survivor’s guilt.

The PSA here is that just because someone ‘looks’ healthy, or as if they have their s*** in order, doesn’t mean they are, or they do. We come from a lifetime of “everything’s fine,” “All good,” and “no complaints.” But that is not real life, not even close for most.

Please remember you likely have no idea what someone has been through or where they are; let’s practice kindness and grace. 💚

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6-years ago today, I began what would be a three-year trek to save my life. I had just received a diagnosis of an incurable lymphoma.

For the first year, it began commuting 1,800 each way, several times a month for a clinical trial, and ended up with me inpatient locally for chemo, followed by two years of maintenance infusions. By my own choice, I then ‘divorced ‘ my oncologist and am living my best life.

The journey was grueling, daunting, overwhelming, and terrifying.

At the time of my diagnosis, I was informed that the average life expectancy for someone with stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma was five years. It’s been six years now, and while I’m still living a wonderful life, I’m riddled with unseen issues: fatigue, anxiety, PTSD, and survivor’s guilt.

The PSA here is that just because someone ‘looks’ healthy, or as if they have their s*** in order, doesn’t mean they are, or they do. We come from a lifetime of “everything’s fine,” “All good,” and “no complaints.” But that is not real life, not even close for most.

Please remember you likely have no idea what someone has been through or where they are; let’s practice kindness and grace. 💚

It's been four years today since hearing, "you have cancer." So much has happened, not all bad, in fact, most of it life changing for the better. My body hurts daily, my words don't always find their way out of my mind, and my memory is not what it used to be; I struggle daily with new "anomalies." BUT, I have gained a new perspective of what my life means and why I'm still here. I have outlived many who had longer prognoses than I, suffering survivor's guilt and struggling to understand why. I have made friends with people I would never have otherwise known, and I have lost several I thought were my friends. I will never be the same as I was, my thoughts and feelings as to what is important have shifted dramatically, but I would NEVER want to go back and lose the clarity I have gained. Life is better now even through the pain, the fog, the loss of words. I know now I am not here just for my own pleasure and satisfaction, but to be a servant to others, in whatever way that means. So to that end, and while I would never wish me or anyone to ever go through this, I can honestly say I would never want to change the experience of the journey. Say your, "I love yous," be kind to strangers, and be grateful for how much or little you have, you are alive!

Voices of Cancer was featured in an article by Jane E. Brody with the New York Times. The same article was then picked up by several other outlets.

I am humbled beyond words for the recognition but know in my heart of hearts, this book is a very helpful tool for those supporting a cancer patient and the patient themself.

To read the article, click:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/13/we...

I have been fortunate enough to have a blog posted on Chia’s Silver Lining - an online cancer support store whose mission is to encourage and support those going through cancer or other challenging illnesses. It is their belief that beyond traditional medicine, (which is vital to physical healing), we need emotional healing that comes from compassion, comfort, and connection with others.  

The founder, Chia, is a breast cancer survivor who saw a void of this other type of healing during her journey. Out of this void, she decided to make a difference with Chia's Silver Lining. 

Please check out their gifts and information designed to bring comfort, compassion, and connection on this journey that reaches and moves all of us. 

Check out my blog post here

How do you get your sexual relationship back after a cancer diagnosis? Check out my vlog for some tips.

Check out my like below for some insights regarding chemo brain:

https://youtu.be/Y1cfKlFBKVQ

Check out my blog on Epic Experience:

https://www.epicexperience.org/on-the-other-side-volunteering-at-camp/

https://youtu.be/IpmBEbXHSxs?t=1

https://youtu.be/eZTL-kbmDTc