About MJ
My name is MaryJo Robinson. I am a wife, daughter, sister, friend, professional, volunteer, supporter, community contributor, tap-dancer, theater lover, shopper, TiVo addict, and cancer survivor. My story is no different from the other 894,000 Americans living with blood cancer.
All of us are members of a family and community, and have diverse interests. Though our stories vary, we have one thing in common: our lives have been forever changed. We all fight each day for a cure—a cure for all cancers.
This is not only my fight, but also your fight, and our fight together.
My Story: In January 2005, I was having some nagging pressure in my chest. I thought it was a pulled muscle (since I like to pretend I work out hard at the gym), so I went to my PCP, who ordered a CT scan. The scan showed a growth on my thymus—a thymoma. I was scheduled to see a thoracic surgeon to discuss options.
Two weeks later, Matt and I met with the surgeon, and scheduled a surgery to have the thymoma removed the following week. On February 15, 2005, I had my chest cracked open, the tumor removed, and my chest wired closed. Three days later, I was back at home recovering.
Two weeks later, Matt and I went to the doctor for a follow-up. He took us back around 11:30AM. Before I even sat down, he told me I had Hodgkin's Lymphoma; that I would need chemo; and that I needed to see an oncologist. All I could say was, "I am shocked," The doctor replied, "So was I."
We were back in the car at 11:41AM. A lot had changed in only 11 minutes.
Thanks to a call from the thoracic surgeon, we were able to meet with my oncologist, Dr. Spira, the next day. Dr. Spira informed me that the pathology showed Reed-Sternberg cells, which are indicative of Hodgkin's. I would need to have a PET scan staged, and then we would talk about treatment options. Dr. Spira kept saying we would do everything we could to make this a "painful and distant memory." I was encouraged, both by his attitude that I would be cured, and by the promising survival rate of Hodgkin's.
The next week or two were packed with doctor's appointments, scans, breathing tests, chemo class, etc. Dr. Spira prescribed AVBD treatment—which is very common for Hodgkin's Lymphoma—every other week for four months.
Chemo was manageable for me. I was determined to have a good attitude, and keep my life as normal as possible. I still went to work every day, and tried to keep my social engagements. I did have to cancel out on some things as I became more fatigued, but with the help of my great family and friends, I made the best of it. I finished treatment on July 7, 2005. I have been disease-free for nearly four years.
My phenomenal family, friends, doctors, and nurses made my cancer journey tolerable. Using the positives from my experience, I work hard to help others diagnosed with cancer by dedicating much of my personal time to the cause.
I truly believe we are at the threshold of curing this horrible disease, and trust that there will be a cure for all cancers in my lifetime. I am very passionate about doing my part to find a cure. This is my personal fight, and the reason why, when nominated to participate in this year's LLS Man & Woman of the Year Campaign, I jumped at the chance. This campaign is possibly the biggest challenge of my life. I would love to raise $100,000 in 10 weeks!
Please join my fight by supporting my team, Fighting 4 A Cure. Together, we can, and will, make a difference! Thanks so much for your support.
Relentless for a Cure,
MJ