Lila, United States

I was a healthy woman doing "all the right things." Non-smoker, organic food, daily exercise, limited alcohol, annual checkups. In 2021 I received two covid vaccines as did my husband whose workplace required it. I also received a booster. At my next checkup my blood labs were suddenly out of normal range. My family doctor said they would rebound, maybe just a reaction to the vaccines or the subsequent covid infections, but they worsened over time. I was referred to a hematologist who tested and monitored me. Eventually, after a bone marrow biopsy and PET scan, I was diagnosed with a rare incurable form of lymphoma: splenic marginal zone lymphoma. I was shocked, terrified, and angry. Since diagnosis, I have been on what is called "watch and wait" where my doctors monitor my labs until they deteriorate to the point where I require treatment, most likely in the form of a monoclonal antibody invented many years ago. While on watch and wait, I got a mental health counselor with experience in cancer patients. It has helped me adjust to having cancer, and I highly recommend counseling to other cancer patients struggling with their diagnosis. Also, I received mentorship from a person who shares my rare disease, through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Daily I pray to God to let us find more cures for cancer, instead of more expensive and minimally effective treatments. I pray that Artificial Intelligence in addition to more federal funding and focus can propel innovation. Ironically, there appears to be potential cures found in mRNA vaccines. If we can put humans on the moon we can cure cancer. Let it be so.