Meet Cora, a 14-year-old who was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma and completed proton therapy earlier this year at SCCA Proton Therapy Center. Learn all about Cora as she answers our questions.
Why did you need proton therapy and what you will remember most about your treatment?
The reason I needed proton therapy was because my tumors, even after chemo, did not shrink significantly enough. So, my oncology team decided I needed radiation which led to a decision between proton or photon therapy. As a family we decided to do proton therapy. I am very thankful to have had proton therapy because the risk of cancer in my body was decreased immensely and my heart was safe during treatment.
One of the most memorable things from the proton therapy facility was the enormous machine. When I first saw the gantry that I was going to be treated in, I was in shock. It felt as if I was in a spaceship.
What is something surprising about yourself that people may not know?
Well, something most people would find surprising is that I am actually glad I got to go through the journey of cancer. It sucked a lot, but I got to join a whole new community of amazing people. I got to make new friends and my entire perspective on the world has changed because of it.
Another thing most people don't know about me is that pretzels are my all-time favorite snack. Soft pretzels, pretzel bread or just regular pretzel chips, they are all just so yummy.
What are your hobbies? Did proton therapy interfere?
I like to read, watch movies, snack, play board games and much more. Going to therapy did take a chunk of time out of my day, but I was still able to continue everything I wanted to do.
What’s the most fun you’ve had recently?
Last Thursday there was a Festival of Giving for Crossroads Springs Africa. My friend and I are the reps for community service in our class. It was super fun, and I ate lots of snacks and played games with all my friends.
Is there anything you’d like to say to your treatment team?
Well, my treatment team was absolutely amazing. Every day they greeted me warmly and were so encouraging. I have to admit that most days I was quite grumpy, and they still were kind. So, I just appreciate them all so much.
Whom do you look up to and why?
Someone I look up to is my mom. She is so incredible. She is strong, caring, compassionate, thankful and kind. She manages to do everything, every day, all at the same time and extremely well. And I look up to her and strive to be at least somewhat of an amazing mom as she is.
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