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Callie, Interrupted


My name is Callie and I am a sixteen year old 11th grade student. For quite a while I’d been hearing from parents, older classmates, cousins, and pretty much everyone in between that junior year was going to be so tough, that it was the most stressful year, basically that it would be terrible. So I was reasonably nervous going into the year, expecting mounds of homework and tons of essays and tests every week. I wasn’t entirely wrong with my assumption—I definitely got what I expected in terms of schoolwork. What I didn't expect was that halfway through the year my life would take quite the detour. Suddenly junior year being “tough” was just about the understatement of the year.

 On January 13th, 2017 (a Friday the 13th, go figure), I was diagnosed with Stage 2A Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I began chemotherapy the very next day, and am still currently undergoing treatment. Never in a million years would I think this was how my junior year was going to go, and it’s definitely not how I wanted it to go, but I am taking this all one day at a time and I know that it will make me a stronger person when it’s all over. In the meantime, I have found that writing about my experiences has been a great outlet for expressing my range of emotions regarding everything that is happening and has happened to me. I hope that by sharing my thoughts and journey, not only will I be able to feel more at ease in my situation, but also those reading this will feel more comfortable approaching me about this and learning what it means to be a young adult with cancer. I also hope that if another teenager going through the same thing as me stumbles upon this somehow they will find that they are not alone in their experiences and that their feelings are valued and valid. The only way to get through something like this is to keep moving and looking forward.

Comments

  1. Soul RyedersApril 21, 2017 at 2:13 PM

    You continue to inspire all of us at SOUL RYEDERS with the remarkable way that you are handling this adversity. We will be with you every step of the way and look forward to celebrating your milestones as you move forward on this journey. Thanks for courageously sharing your story and helping others who find themselves walking in similar shoes.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousApril 21, 2017 at 2:13 PM

    Callie, it is amazing that you have come to this point that you want to write about your experience, and that you can do so. I know that writing will help you in the coming months but I am also sure that you are going to be a source of inspiration to many other people. With great respect, Elizabeth Clain

    ReplyDelete
  3. GumpApril 22, 2017 at 3:38 PM

    We know you have the strength and courage to power through this treatment and come out whole and sound. The lymphoma will not define you, you define yourself and so far you have been a super hero. We love you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousApril 22, 2017 at 4:00 PM

    This open and sincere glimpse into your experience these last few months is just one in a long list of beautiful qualities and accomplishments that I love about you. I agree with Gump, this illness won't in any way equal all that you are and all that you're going to give to the world through your writing and creativity. Thinking of you always.
    xo Aunt Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousApril 23, 2017 at 7:34 AM

    Callie, I admire your courage and honesty. I'm sure writing will help you and other young adults cope with this illness. And it helps all of us who care about and love you to understand your experience. Thank you for sharing of yourself.
    Much love and hugs, Aunt Gail :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousApril 24, 2017 at 2:13 PM

    Callie, You are so brave – not only in the life you live every day, of course, but in your more-than-generous decision to share your story. Your writing has always touched its readers; now it may change lives.
    -Mary Beth Jordan

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownApril 25, 2017 at 11:52 AM

    Keep writing, Callie. Can't wait to read the next piece! (So, so, very proud of you)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sarah NaginApril 27, 2017 at 8:40 AM

    I love you Callie! SO excited to read the next piece! :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousApril 30, 2017 at 6:13 PM

    Callie, Your writing has always impressed me, but this takes it to a whole new level!
    You most definitely will help other teenagers who are on this unfortunate journey. I truly admire your sincerity and courage. Love and hugs, Debbie Harwin

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousMarch 21, 2018 at 12:38 PM

    Callie you are such a great to everyone

    ReplyDelete

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