
13thirty Threads
Hi everyone, I’m Vicki, a 2x Stage IV Hodgkin’s Lymphoma thriver, and this is my story.
It all started on Friday, October 31, 2014. The day I heard the words, “You have cancer.” Having always led an active life style – mountain biking, skiing, hiking, anything outside, any physical challenge – a persistent five-month cough, and a deep aching pain in my chest each time I took a breath was concerning, but cancer was not even remotely on my radar, let alone Stage IV metastatic disease.
Like many of you, I’m sure, a chest X-ray was followed by a CT scan, and then, THAT phone call (you know the one). As I slid down the wall of my office, phone still in hand, I remember vowing – I am invested. This is my life, and if I need to walk through fire, I will. And I will rise through the ashes and fly because that’s what I was born to do. Just like all of you!
My cancer adventure (adventure? Sure, why not!) was like many of yours – multiple surgeries, scans, lab work, six months of chemotherapy, 18 rounds of radiation, and finally the sweetest four words a Thriver can hear…..no evidence of disease (NED)!
Eight months later, the beast was back. Stage IV, yet again.
This time, I asked the universe for clarity and peace. I allowed myself to cry, to feel everything I was feeling, to sit in that moment and allow myself to just be. When there were no tears left, the picture became clearer and the peace I had been seeking found me. In June 2016, I enrolled in a clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering, in New York City, that combined immunotherapy and antibody therapy (pretty mind-blowing stuff huh?). The goal of this conditioning treatment was to (fingers crossed) once again achieve NED and prepare me for a stem cell transplant. The treatment worked! Collection of my own stem cells and a preparative regimen of high-dose chemotherapy followed, leading to an autologous stem cell transplant in November 2016. My own cells gave me a second chance at life.
Today, nearly six years after my initial diagnosis, I can proudly say (who am I kidding, I am shouting out loud), I’ve gone from Stage IV to No More! It has not been easy. There have been dark days and I often struggle to convey all the daily thoughts, feelings, and emotions. But cancer changes your perspective. It humbles you. It makes you appreciate every smile and awkward moment. Every sunrise and warm summer breeze. All of the laughter, along with the tears. Cancer has also inspired me to give something back to the world that I almost lost.
Through this new series, 13thirty Threads, I will be honored to add my thoughts to yours as we stitch our shared experiences together. All the people, places, and emotions that have colored the fabric of our individual lives will be woven into the collective tapestry of 13thirty Cancer Connect. I can’t wait to get started!
Peace, love, and light.
Vicki

Refocus the Lens
In August, we introduced a new expressive arts series, Refocus the Lens. Members of 13thirty Cancer Connect submitted a photo that reminded them of the time when they were diagnosed with cancer. Some photos reflected one of the last moments when cancer was not on their minds. They may have been going off to college….
…or striking a pose as a dance major…
…or just being a teen hanging out with your friends.
For others, the photos represented the shock of diagnosis, or the interruption of life. Erma (17) was enjoying her senior year of high school when finding out she would need months of inpatient treatment.
Riley (21) beat cancer once and was a photography major in college upon being diagnosed once again.
See more of Riley’s work on Facebook at Riley Murray.
Being an adolescent or young adult (AYA) is already a difficult time, without adding cancer to the mix. AYAs with cancer face challenges specific to this age with regard to social connections, independence, appearance changes, and school or career goals. At 13thirty Cancer connect, our members know what it’s like to cope with these unique challenges and they find support in one another. In this time of COVID-19, connecting remotely poses a new set of challenges but sharing the experience of AYA cancer with others who understand helps to break those barriers.
Join us on September 21st, 2020 at 6:30 EDT on Zoom for the second program in the Refocus the Lens series when we will share photos reflecting treatment.
No Bake Nutrition – AYAs
Steve teaches us two easy no-bake tutorials for simple protein packed snacks. Buy ingredients beforehand to follow along or just watch & chat.
Workout with Michelle – Families
Our trainer, Michelle, will lead a half-hour workout to help with our home workout routines. Bring your sibling or parent!
Happy Hour – Parents
Grab your drink of choice and enjoy some much needed social time with other Rochester and Syracuse 13thirty parents.
Mother’s Day Craft – AYAs
Let’s make our moms a Mother’s Day card together virtually. Use any supplies available and we’ll help with ideas.
Netflix Party – AYAs
Attend a viewing party of a Netflix movie on Google Chrome. You can chat and react during the movie and join us for a Zoom meeting afterwards.
Workout with Michelle – Families
Our personal trainer, Michelle, will lead a half hour workout on Zoom to help us with our home workout routines. Bring your sibling or parent to the video chat!
Happy Hour – Young Adults 21+
Grab your drink of choice and get the chance to socialize with other 13thirty members 21 and up in this time of social distancing.
Family Feud
Join us for a virtual game of Family Feud on Zoom and catch up with Rochester and Syracuse 13thirty members.