Notes from a Cancer Mom

Leslies son, Brian, was shockingly diagnosed with Stage III Burkitt Lymphoma at age fifteen, the most aggressive type of lymphoma. Brian wasnt sick; he simply had a lump under his arm. Five days later, one appeared on his abdomen. PET scan results showed four tumors total. Three hours away from home and living in the hospital for seven days at a time while Brian received intensive chemotherapy, Leslie wrote an e-mail home every day to keep family and friends informed about their days fighting cancer. Writing helped to let the fear out and to keep track of the many lessons they learned about life. Many people were touched by their story, saying it helped them to find gratitude in their own lives. Leslie is sharing her e-mails in hopes of helping other parents whose children are diagnosed with cancer so they know they arent alone in what they might be experiencing, thinking, and feeling. Having your child diagnosed with cancer, their own body trying to kill them, is the absolute worst. Life comes to a screeching, glass-shattering halt while you pray that your baby just lives. The fear is intensely overwhelming, says Leslie.