DeLong 1

Megan DeLong

College Essay

Class of 2020

12 Sept. 2019

The Eye-Opening Experience

Cancer, a disease everyone thinks they will never be diagnosed with. For the longest time

I thought that too. I have heard the stories of toddlers and even teenagers developing cancer, but

I just thought it could not happen to me. This completely changed last summer because of two

false positive cancer diagnoses that made my life flash before my eyes.

This past June, in addition to developing enlarged lymph nodes under my armpits, throat,

and groin, I also became extremely fatigued. When I developed a 101 fever after a few days of

feeling extremely uncomfortable and achy, my mom decided to take me to the doctor to make

sure everything was alright. My family doctor told me to give it a few days to see if I was going

to fight whatever was in my system.

When my symptoms become worse, two days later, I ended up at Helen Devos Children's

Emergency Room and immediately was sent to a specialist. The infectious disease doctor

wanted to take all precautions, so I was tested for Lymphoma, Tuberculosis, and

Kikuchi-Fujimoto. The results of those tests soon overturned my perspective on life.

While waiting for the lab report, I visited my dad at work. When I got there, he told me to

call my mom, and when I called her, she told me in the calmest voice possible, “Your results

came back and you tested positive for lymphoma. I do not want you to freak out now. I know
 DeLong 2

how strong you are, so I need you to stay calm.” I immediately dropped on the floor, and for

several seconds, all I could hear was my heartbeat. I never thought this could happen to me.

Thoughts kept racing into my head about chemotherapy, senior year, my friends and family, and

how I was even going to handle this.

That day I had to go to Grand Haven to get more blood work done and just like last time,

I tested positive for lymphoma again. I truly thought my world was crumbling right before my

eyes.

When I went to see the hematologist in Grand Rapids, they wanted to examine me again

before they could officially diagnose me. Before they took my blood work, my mom, who had

been researching my symptoms, asked if I could be tested for Epstein Barr. If the number for

Epstein Barr was above zero, then I would be diagnosed with mononucleosis. Thank goodness

my mom interceded because the next day, I was officially diagnosed with mononucleosis.

Having been confirmed to have cancer two times, my perspective of life has changed

immensely. I never thought it could happen to me, but I was wrong. If I actually had lymphoma,

I would have had to stop my senior year short, I would not be able to play the two sports I love,

and I would not have been able to be a “normal” teenager. The children and adults - as well as

their loved ones - who have gone through and are going through dealing with cancer are so much

stronger than what they get credit for. Going through two false positives changed my whole

mindset on cancer. I do not know how I would have handled it if I was actually diagnosed with

lymphoma. This was an eye-opening experience. I am so beyond thankful for my health. Now, I

understand how important it is to live every single day to the fullest and how important it is to go

out of my comfort zone and explore new adventures because just one instance can completely
 DeLong 3

change my life. While I now cherish every day and am thankful that I am cancer-free, my heart

continues to go out to all who are struggling with health issues and all who will struggle in the

future.