“As a psychologist by profession and a researcher by nature, in an
average day, I probably Google at least thirty topics. I didn’t Google at
all, though, after a biopsy suggested I had mycosis fungoides, the most
common type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, until I was definitively
diagnosed a month later. I knew that if I found something frightening,
I would get lost in the “what ifs.” So, to manage my fear, I asked my
husband, Bob, as well as a close friend to sift information and tell me
what I needed to know - especially anything reassuring.
I’ve drawn on my training as a psychologist to get through the diagnosis
and everyday living with cutaneous lymphoma. I use relaxation and
stress management techniques and focus on those things I can control,
instead of allowing myself to dwell on the “what ifs.” Reaching out to
family and friends is incredibly helpful, as is helping others.”
Geraldine Barton
Putnam County, NY
Newly-diagnosed patient
LIVING WITH CUTANEOUS LYMPHOMA:
PATIENT STORIES
