We Can Do This

Occhiolism: the awareness of the smallness of your perspective.

Hello there - My name is Lana. I go by many names across the web, but for the purpose of such a personal blog, I will use my real name. I am seventeen years old, and on June 1st, 2016, I was diagnosed with high-grade B-cell non-hodgkin's lymphoma. 

Now, fourteen days later, I am setting up this blog to document my journey.

Cancer is a scary thing. The word alone leaves a bitter taste in your mouth - But I suppose that after sixteen days of being inpatient with tests and treatment, I have grown used to it. But just because something is familiar does not mean it's not scary; sometimes the fact that it is familiar only makes you more afraid. I never thought I would be diagnosed with cancer, especially not at seventeen. I never thought that the bad cold that knocked me on my ass for a few days would turn out to be

anything except that: a bad cold. I never thought I would be making a blog dedicated to my cancer journey - and yet, here we are.

my chemotherapy wig - my hair is not coming out yet, but I am prepared!

As I write this, I have had my first cycle of R-CHOP chemotherapy and, two days ago, I had my first round of intrathecal chemotherapy to try to prevent the lymphoma from spreading into my central nervous system. My next session for R-CHOP is scheduled for next Thursday, assuming everything goes to plan.

This blog is my safe haven: a place for total honesty with myself and with others about the struggles and strengths I face as a seventeen year old with cancer. I hope that this blog might let someone in a similar situation know that they are not alone - and keep everything powering forwards, for myself and for other sufferers. 

We can do this.