A month after I began my treatment I remember checking out a website that Mass General had suggested. It was a support site for Leukemia & Lymphoma patients and survivors. On one of the message boards I noticed a blog titled “A Mother’s Tale”. I clicked on it and read a story about a woman named Susan and her son’s battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Even though the story had a very happy ending (her son is now in remission and doing great), it brought tears to my eyes. I was so touched by what Susan and her family went through - I could totally relate, especially since her son is around my age. I messaged Susan and told her that. She replied and said I could email her anytime, so I did.

Soon we began emailing each other every day. It become really helpful to me. It was nice to talk about how I was feeling with someone who had been through all of this. I talked about anything from what I did that day to my latest worries and concerns.

Considering Susan and her family are from Scotland the chances of meeting in person any time soon seemed pretty slim - until recently, when she announced she was planning a vacation to the US, close by to where I live. What a coincidence!

So tonight I got the opportunity to meet Susan, her husband and her daughter. Her son is in a band and was busy touring! My mother and my sister came to dinner with us and we all had a great time! It was so nice to finally meet. I’m so grateful!