Cancer took me by surprise; like a prowler. Cancer was lurking in the shadows of my body waiting to pounce and rob me of good health and happy times. After a little over two months of feeling tired and being in pain, I was scheduled for an appointment during Christmas break to see a doctor at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite but didn’t think my symptoms would turn out to be anything serious.
I was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma. My diagnosis came during the final semester of my senior year in high school in January of 2020. Prior to my diagnosis, I was planning and looking forward to attending a college scholarship competition, prom, senior trips and other senior inspired “fun” activities, but instead the first week of January began with numerous doctor’s visits, scans, blood work and surgery. It is now March and I am finishing my second cycle of treatment and life as I knew it is no longer the same.
Cancer has stolen memories of completing high school with friends, fun and senior year fanfare. I will be missing my prom, school musical and other activities I was looking forward to. Cancer has robbed me of my physical appearance making me self-conscious of going out in public because of hair loss, dark patches on my skin and weight loss. Cancer has robbed me of a healthy body and plaguing me with nausea, vomiting, fevers, pain and foggy thinking.
Cancer has compounded my struggle with side effects from the over 12 medications that I must take causing changes in my mood, vomiting, itching, changes in my taste buds and stomach pain. Cancer has also snatched opportunities for me to attend scholarship competitions, music auditions and other pre-college activities that I was looking forward to. Something as simple as walking from my room to the bathroom tires me. Something as simple as enjoying a favorite meal can be disappointing because it now tastes metallic.
Thankfully my body sounded an alarm and has begun to fight back with the help of doctors, chemotherapy and other support staff. I have decided to turn a negative situation into one of positivity. I never would have chosen this journey, but I am grateful for the amazing doctors, nurses and support staff I have met along this journey. I am grateful for my family and friends that support me physically, emotionally and spiritually and provide daily encouragement. I am also grateful that I have found strength and courage I never knew I had.
Cancer took me by surprise, but I have decided to surprise cancer and persevere through this tough situation. Cancer has not deterred me from moving forward with my plans. I will be attending Georgia College in Honors Program in the Fall. I will major in Public Health and minor in French.
After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school and join the Peace Corp as an international assignee. Utilizing an award from your organization will help me reach this goal by helping to cover costs for books and fees while in school. This will also help ease the burden and stress for my parents who have hefty bills associated with my cancer treatment.
~~Jasmine Harrison