Skylar Rayne Allen
Sky's The Limit
On January 17th, 2018, at only 16 years old, I was diagnosed with stage four Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.
The cancer was discovered in my right shoulder, both pelvic bones, both hip bones, both leg bones, as well as many tumors in my back and on my vertebrates.
The pain was unbearable and unexplainable. I couldn't walk or sleep due to the pain and spent most of my days crying. I later came to find out that the pain was caused by the cancer cells eating away at my bones.
I was diagnosed 7 months after my first lump and was given 2-3 months to live without chemotherapy.
3 months before my diagnosis, I had an appointment to biopsy a lymph node. I had to beg the doctor to do the procedure (knowing I would be without anesthesia due to the absence of the anesthesiologist) as he was trying to convince me that nothing was wrong with me. The doctor completed the biopsy while I was wide awake while my mom was cleaning up the pool of blood. Come to find out, the doctor did the wrong lymph node, so the results came back inconclusive. If done correctly, we should have caught it before the excruciating pain that was yet to come, including the multiple misdiagnoses throughout the next months.
From losing my hair to the indescribable side effects from chemo, this was by far the hardest obstacle, mentally and physically.
Over 13 weeks, I completed four cycles of chemotherapy that each consisted of a hospital stay from 5-7 days and 2 spinal taps per stay.
May 16th 2018
My scans came back clear and I was pronounced cancer free.
Journey to healthy sky/hair growth
Although cancer was the most horrific event in my life thus far, I wouldn't change a thing due to the perspective and knowledge I've gained. I have a whole new outlook on life that I wouldn't have had without being faced with this battle. Don't get me wrong, life still has its curveballs. But I face them with a new appreciation and realization that things can always be worse. I have found my strength, and know I can accomplish beyond my imagination. Although some may say that cancer has no benefits, I disagree. I gained a whole new value of life that I thank God for every day.
My hopes in sharing my story...
to spread awareness about the reality of childhood cancer
to help someone get diagnosed earlier than I was
to give advice and knowledge in the way I wish I had
to continue to mentor and guide others my age with cancer
and to give hope to those facing their own battle.
to explain the importance of listening to your body
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me, as God has given me a life to share my story and help others.
Love, Sky