Story
Name
Jenna McDonald
Injury/Illness
Lymphoma
Hello! I am a single mother of 2 wonderful daughters ages 11 and 6. In July 2023, our world was rocked when I received pathology results from an eye surgery with a diagnosis of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma. My ophthalmologist called me later that day and expressed his shock as well, but assured me he was with me for the long haul. He referred me to an amazing oncologist and I was scheduled for TONS of STAT appointments and procedures and a second opinion at Northwestern University. My diagnosis was reconfirmed at Northwestern and both teams came up with a plan for my treatment.
This diagnosis was very rare because it was found only in my right eye, not both, and it had not spread to my brain yet. Apparently, when this Lymphoma is found it is either in both eyes already or in 1 and in the brain and in men in their 80's. So, me being a 36 year old woman at the time, I was completely shocked! I was also a nervous wreck because this Lymphoma is considered aggressive because if it is not treated it will eventually spread to my brain and nervous system. I chose to get treatment.
My treatment consisted of weekly chemo injections in my eye and inpatient chemo stays in the hospital. I am thankful to say that I have completed my treatments and I am now in the monitoring phase which consists of MRIs, lab work and oncology appointments every 3 months for the next 2 years. After 2 years, these requirements will get more spaced out but I will be monitored for the next 7 years before they say I'm in remission! My treatments caused me to be off of work for over 6 months which caused financial strain for me and my girls.
I am still trying to recover financially from this diagnosis. On top of all of my regular bills and unexpected medical bills, my car was hit, I need new brakes and an oil change and I currently am unable to afford to get any of these issues taken care of. Summer is almost over as well and I am trying to figure out how I will pay for school clothes and supplies for my girls.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and thank you for ANY help and/or positive vibes you send my way!
Love, Jenna