I am a 3-time survivor of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Diagnosed August 17, 2005. Chemo and Radiation followed by 4 years of remission. I was surprised when I recurred in February 2009. I had to separate from my family in Rio Rancho, New Mexico to receive an Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant in Tucson, Arizona. That was a nasty treatment, but I was lucky to have many family and close friends who never left my side. I was lucky to be able to take a 6 months leave from my career and re-prioritize my goals. I made the decision that I would not seek a VP role in my corporate job, rather I would plan to earn a Director role, so I would have more time for my family. It seems like I only took a few breaths, and the cancer returned in August 2011. More Chemo and radiation, that left me with nerve damage in my feet and hands.
I made it through 7 years of active treatment and another 6 years of follow ups and scans.
My Mother back in 1963-4 had thyroid cancer and was one of the first to receive chemotherapy in its infancy. The hospital built a steel vault room for her to drink the scary “potion.” My older sister was treated for Breast Cancer in 2010, and it has recurred in 2022, which after a mastectomy is still in active treatment. Only my identical twin has been spared.
In May 2012, my beloved husband John and I decided to buy our Beach House in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. He retired and we moved. I worked virtually, before it was ordinary to work from home. I retired in August 2020 and found my JOY.
Life’s a Beach… and, funny as it may sound, my actual maiden name is BEACH!
Caroline Gallegos