Eva is a courageous and inspiring woman who I’ve had the privilege of getting to know through our community. She has overcome enormous odds and lived/traveled all over the world, as you will quickly see by reading her profile. Residing in Australia, Eva is Know Cancer’s first International Member…much love to our Aussie friends on the other side of the globe :) Currently, she is battling Hodgkins Lymphoma and was brave enough to share her journal entries from the first experiences as a cancer patient. Over the coming months we will all get a closer look at her bravery as she reveals deep thoughts, emotions and incredible insights. Through these entries, we will get a glimpse into her life and stand right beside her through this journey. I know you will be as moved by Eva as I was…

Saturday, April 11, 2009 So, I’m finally in hospital. When I went in to see Dr P on an emergency visit today with my throat twice it’s regular size, he did something about it and told me to get my ass down to the hospital straight away, I may have glandular fever. I’ve had 5 CT scans and tonight they gouged stuff out of my glands in a biopsy. I will be better for Sydney on Thursday, I will be better. This is my release of the past before my new life turn. Seriously I feel it, I haven’t been bothered by being sick at all. I feel loved. I have people coming to visit me. Lachlan is coming to do a puppet show at the foot of my bed tomorrow!

Sunday, April 12, 2009 Dr P just came in, it’s Easter Sunday. He said they did tests on the cells they took out last night and that there is a possibility it may be cancer. Cancer. Jesus. Well, he’s pretty apt on this day hey. They don’t know for sure but that the cells were abnormal and unusually large. They won’t actually know for sure until Tuesday because of the holiday. I’m crying of course and Mum is racing in. He tells me they think it is lymphatic and that it is only the uppermost ones as there was no evidence of them below my midriff. After the Oncologist came in… Lymphoma, scans revealed it’s a class 4, active for only a short time (4-6 months), massively aggressive tumor, created fluid around heart, constriction of trachea, facial and neck swelling related to pressure and lack of blood.

Monday, April 13, 2009 Fear is acronym for ‘False Expectation Appearing Real’… Just surviving today. Had 20 visitors over the whole day and it was great, I felt very loved but I’m very tired right now and I intend to finish this entry and turn off the lights and sleep drugless for the first night in hospital. I have always explained to everyone the exact ratio and statistics of survival with the Lymphomas as the dr described them to me. I have wondered if I have concentrated on the possibilities too much. I have cried at very rare and intermittent stages throughout the day. It’s been difficult with the amount of people I’ve been holding court in front of! I am staying away from the tears. I am staying away from the feeling of hopelessness it places me. Keep checking back here each week for new entries from Eva…