I was on a layover in Tampa Florida when I noticed feeling a sore throat coming on. I had 2 more layovers to complete my trip and my throat progressively worsened. When I arrived back home in Seattle I went to an urgent care for a “Z” pack as I was certain I had strep throat. What I would soon discover, after a series of appointments and scans, was that I had stage 3 Lymphoma. Surgery and Chemotherapy removed the cancer but the treatment had a lasting negative impact on my brain. The mental anguish of not having a functioning normal state of mind, was hard to process and accept. This led me to the difficult decision to retire as an airplane pilot. This was such a big part of my life and identity, it was a really hard transition in my life. I felt lost & also struggled in my family and social relationships. At one appointment with my oncologist I had extra time and began reading a cork board flyer about Cancer Lifeline Zoom meetings. I found a support group that I still attend regularly. What was missing in my treatment for the cancer was that it didn’t address my mental health. What I wish I had known when I was diagnosed was that this cancer battle plan has lifesaving as well as lifelong side effects. I wish I had been made aware of the mental health issues that can arise during treatment and recovery. Cancer Lifeline Classes and Support Groups were exactly what I needed to begin to unpack what had happened to me and reinvent myself with goals for my future.

 “The Saturday Meditation classes are my favorite. The instructor Linda has a calming way of teaching and sincerely cares for those of us struggling with our mental and emotional health related to our cancer experience.

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