Amy

When I was five I was diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma. Although a lot of bad things happened to me during that time, when I look back it doesn't seem that terrible. Maybe it was because I was five and I never thought I was going to die. I worried about the smaller things like when I was going to be able to eat something besides Jell-O or how bad my next spinal tap was going to feel. I look back and laugh or smile when I remember some of the stuff I did or other people did in response to my condition.

I remember my best friend confessed that when I was sick and moved into her neighborhood she deliberately came up with excuses not to play with me after I had showed her my Hickman. She told me that at the time she thought I was an alien. Her mother had to force her to play with me. We have been best of friends since. I guess I was pretty different looking back then.

I remember coming off a Jell-O diet and there were people outside my hospital room eating pizza. I was crying because I wanted some. An intern named Ron who frequently came in and ate lunch with me went out and brought me some pizza. I still love pizza.

I remember spinal taps, bone marrow extractions, chicken pox vaccinations, surgeries, being sick, ultrasounds, chest X-rays, CAT scans, and thousands of finger pricks. I also remember friends, family, cards, flowers, prayers, gifts, visitors, stickers, and doctors and nurses who were always as honest with me as they could be and told me what was going to happen and when things were going to hurt.

I wouldn't trade my past for any other life. I am glad to be who I am. I think I am a stronger person because of it.

Burkitt's Lymphoma
Diagnosed at age 5
Now 21

Reprinted with permission from the book "Kids with Courage."
"Kids with Courage" may be obtained by calling Wisconsin Clearinghouse at 800-322-1468.

No part of "Kids with Courage" may be reproduced in any way or by any means without permission in writing form from:
University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center
K4/666 Clinical Science Center
600 Highland Avenue
Madison, WI 53792