• Racing for Change

Thank You for making it this far. For coming to my page, you now have made the first step. My name is Cashea Arrington and I am running the Country Music Marathon in Nashville, Tennessee on April 24, 2010.

This will be my first marathon and what makes it even more worth it is that it is for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). More than likely, you know of somebody with a type of cancer. Your grandparents, parents, brother, sister, best friend, friend-of-a-friend, or even people you have never met. My point is we all know somebody who has been changed by cancer.

On Friday, November 13, 2009, I was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B Cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. My oncologist told me "of all cancers, this is the one to have". That statement changed me right then and there. Who would want to have cancer? Why would you even say that? But then, I realized, he was right. After 6 rounds of chemotherapy, I have been changed. It changed me physically, emotionally and mentally. I didn't know what to expect my first round of chemo and I didn't expect for the changes to happen so rapidly. But it made me a stronger person. I am a Survivor.

Not only am I running for myself, I am running for someone I consider a dear friend: Myla Hernandez. I've never met her, but she has been my inspiration. After both of us were diagnosed, we met on a support group for NHL. Many of those in the group are older, but the two of us are around the same age. Myla sent me a message and the rest is history. Myla has been my inspiration. Myla was diagnosed with Primary Mediastinal B-Cell Lymphoma in October 2009 and is currently undergoing R-CHOP. She will conquer cancer. One day, we will meet, but for now, I will run for Myla. Myla is a survivor.

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For me to run in my marathon, I have to fundraise. I know you are thinking, oh great, i'm already cutting it close, she wants money now. But the thing is, your donation will be one of the greatest gifts you can give. Not only for myself and Myla, but for every person who has had cancer or will have cancer. I need to raise $2600.00. I have always been an overachiever, so my goal is to raise $3000.00 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Whether you give $10.00 or $100.00, you will be the one to make a change. We need a change; a cure. Will you be apart of my race to cross the finish line?

Forever & Always,

Cashea Arrington

I will continue to update below, but if you would like to read more about my journey, visit my blog at www.naturehippie20.blogspot.com

My Fight

Jan 20:

I've been pleasantly surprised at how well my running is going. After so many months of not having any energy and going through so many cycles of little to no white blood cells and immune system. After running 2-3 miles a day, Saturdays I strive for 5 miles. All in all, between walking and running, I'm sure I only run 3 miles probably. It still makes me feel good knowing I am running and running for a cause.

Jan 27:

I went to see my oncologist today and ended up with another pet scan. Unfortantely, I had two spots light up. We are going to watch and wait. 6 weeks until my next pet scan. 6 weeks is an eternity for a cancer patient. It feels like a year, when its a matter of life or death, chemo or radiation, cancer or no cancer. I'm going to spend my time running and not worrying about anything for 6 weeks.

Feb 7: Just spent one horrible week in the hospital. I was admitted Tuesday with what I thought was a stomach bug. It turned out to be alot worse and ended up being admitted with a blood pressure of 85/50 and absolutely ZERO potassium in my system. I got a PICC line put in and was finally able to get fluids and antibioitics and the much needed help. Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska is one of the best hospitals i've been to.

Feb 11: I am still waiting to get my next PET scan. I'm going to try to stay hopeful. My potassium is still very low but I got my PICC line removed yesterday and I am exhausted. No running this weekend :( I'm stir crazy.

March 14: I start chemo on March 24th. I'm not looking forward to it. 6 Rounds of R-CHOP and hopefully this will be the end of it. I am still running my marathon though! I cannot wait! I was one of the winners of the March Challenge (not sure what the challenge was) but Team in Training called yesterday and told me that I'll get $200 put onto my account. Technically, I only need $200 until I am at my minimum goal. Please continue to donate. Every penny counts!