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Introduction

My name is Marc Kashinsky. I was born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1948, but currently reside in Long Beach, California. Over 3 years ago, I was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL), a rare and typically very aggressive form of lymphoma.

From the moment I received the fateful diagnosis, I knew my life would change. I also know that society tends to look at cancer patients in a different light (good and bad), so I chose not to make this publicly known. Only my very closest friends, my boss and a few others at work know of my condition.

Since moving to California, I have always been very active. Riding a bicycle competetively for a number of years, I still train for competition and ride 150+ miles per week. A recent accident, which resulted in 7 stitches in my ankle and a concussion, which is still causing some dizziness to this date, has made me realize that while this disease has changed the way I look at life, the bike accident made me realize, that things can change even more dramatically at any moment. So I thought it best to “come out of the closet”, and get my thoughts down in writing, while I am still able.

I hope this blog will inform others going through or knowing of someone else in a similar situation. As I found out, it isn’t all bad. In fact, some aspects of having MCL have actually been a blessing in disguise.

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