A mother of eight navigated the challenges of losing her job and facing a cancer diagnosis within months. In September 2024, the author was laid off from her position as a software developer, only to discover months later that she had lymphoma. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, she continued to care for her children, ranging in age from 4 to 19, while undergoing treatment.
Job Loss and Health Crisis
After nearly two years at her company, the author experienced a significant financial setback when she was let go due to a “reduction of workforce.” With her husband still employed full-time, the family faced the daunting task of adjusting to a reduced income, especially with eight children to support. Initially, she believed that finding a new job would be straightforward and thought they could manage to tighten their budget. However, her situation soon took a dramatic turn.
Following the Christmas holiday, she began feeling unwell, first battling the flu for about six weeks, then developing shingles. Throughout these health issues, she attributed her symptoms to stress. However, in late March, she noticed a lump in her groin, which had unexpectedly grown to the size of a plum by the time she sought medical attention.
On May 4, 2025, after deteriorating health led her to the emergency room, a CT scan revealed the shocking diagnosis: swollen lymph nodes indicating cancer. The doctor informed her that she had Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, a form of aggressive cancer. At just 37 years old, she felt her life was spiraling out of control, with thoughts primarily focused on her children and husband.
Facing the Battle
Returning home from the hospital, she was met with further challenges. The family’s car was repossessed, as they had fallen behind on payments, and she lost her medication from the hospital during the chaos. This compounded her feelings of despair, as she was grappling with job loss, a cancer diagnosis, and financial instability.
May turned into a whirlwind of medical appointments and tests to determine the cancer’s spread. After undergoing a biopsy, she began chemotherapy on June 5, 2025. Throughout her treatment, the responsibilities of parenting fell largely on her husband, who balanced his full-time job with managing the household.
Asking for help proved to be one of the toughest parts of her journey. The family utilized food banks and school district assistance programs, resources they had never needed before. For someone who had always contributed financially, relying on external support felt like a personal failure at first. However, she soon recognized the value of these safety nets designed for families in distress.
On September 18, 2025, a pivotal moment arrived when she was declared cancer-free. A follow-up PET scan on October 21, 2025, confirmed the absence of disease, marking the end of a tumultuous year. She reflected on the ordeal, acknowledging that she was forever changed by the experience.
The author learned important lessons from her journey. She discovered the necessity of taking symptoms seriously, even those dismissed as stress. The experience underscored the potential consequences of pride when it prevents individuals from seeking help. Additionally, she recognized her children’s resilience and awareness, realizing they were more affected than she had initially thought.
This story illustrates the fragility of stability. Despite hard work and dedication, one layoff or diagnosis can dramatically alter the course of a family’s life.
