Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma

I was diagnosed on October 19th, 2008. Was told at that time that this type of cancer normally occurs in men in their early 70's and is extremely rare and usually fatal. Only 1% of all non-hodgkins lymphomas are this type. I am a 59 year old woman who was only 57 at diagnosis. My oncologist was very surprised that I contracted this particular type of cancer. He has only had one or two of us in his entire career.

If you would like a lot of detail as to my treatment and journey you can go to www.caringbridge.org and put in my name, Helene, and create a password for yourself. I have left the security at a very low level on my web site in the hope that I can help someone else with my story. You can also check a box that will notify you by email whenever I post something new. My journey continues and God has performed more miracles in my life than any one person should be entitled to receive. You can read My Story, which gives the initial story and background of my diagnosis and you can also read my Journal entries which give a good bit of detail about my treatment. I hope that you find the information helpful and please feel free to ask any questions that might arise.

I can tell you that the prognosis was not good. 80% of all AITL patients die within the first five years and it does not normally go into remission. I have also been accepted into a clinical trial at Baylor which shows great promise. (I live in Florida)

May God bless all of you and please try to see the gifts that cancer offers to each of us. For instance, I had no idea how many people loved and cared about me! Cancer has enabled me to really enjoy every minute of every day. I have so much joy in my life it almost shames me. Take care of yourselves and stay INFORMED! There are new treatments and drugs being released every day!