Team In Training for Amber Page
Racing to Save Lives
Amber's Story
Hi. My name is Amber Pedraja and I have NHL, commonly known as Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma. My exact type of NHL is Diffuse Large B-Cell, stage 4-A - one of the most aggressive types. There is no cure.
My experience began in February 2005 with a variety of symptoms including blurred vision, headaches, fatigue, ringing in my ears, tingling in my feet and more. My doctor at that time told me that I was stressed and overweight and to go home and find a way to cope. After several months of returning with the same symptoms this particular doctor told me if I didn't like his diagnoses that I could change doctors. I changed doctors immediately.
In August 2005, my new doctor, Dr. Ana Nunez, took me seriously and immediately began ordering tests. After numerous MRIs, CTs, blood tests and visits to several specialists the NHL was confirmed. Dr. Nunez strongly suggested that I meet with oncologist Dr. Pamela Crilley, Division Chief of I. Brodsky Associates in Philadelphia. The first day I met Dr. Crilley, she admitted me to the hospital and I stayed for 18 days. That was December 2005.
After the initial 18 days enduring two surgeries, chemotherapy, the stress of being diagnosed with an aggressive cancer and the effect it had on not only me but more importantly, my family - I was exhausted both mentally and physically. My week-long treatments continued monthly until May 2006 and I enjoyed a two month remission. In July 2006, the cancer returned near my eye and Dr. Crilley and I discussed additional chemo treatments. In October of 2006, when the first of the second round of chemo treatments showed little to no effect, we turned to radiation. Cyberknife was the radiation of choice and it appeared to eradicate the tumor (November 2006). We continued with two additional chemo treatments and I have just completed a PET/CT scan (March 2007). My family and I are anxiously waiting for the results. Our plans are continue with a Stem Cell Transplant which is my only real hope of a long remission.
The reason I'm sharing my story is simple. I hope that by sharing my story with you, it will help Kathleen Woods, Director of Nursing for the 17th floor at Hahnemann Hospital in Philadelphia, raise money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Kathleen is currently training for a marathon which will be held in San Diego, California later this year. Her fundraising goal is $4,500.00 and I know that - if we work together - we can help her surpass her goal! Kathleen's efforts will help The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society raise funds to continue important research for these very aggressive cancers so that someday there will be a cure.
Kathleen has a deadline for her fundraising goal of May 1, 2007. Take a few moments to visit the website link she has provided and then very generously donate an amount that is comfortable for you. No amount is too small.
You can make a difference!
Most sincerely,
Amber
