#lymphoma

Love Letter to Life 12.19.25 The Hidden Disease

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life “This is a great PetScan” the oncologist said, later adding, “The kind of lymphoma you have is very tricky. It can hide out in your body.” I know this, but today, we can celebrate excellent health.

I thanked Dr Herbert for working with me since 2022, after two years of “big guns” chemo and Stem Cell Replacement did not work. He said, “You are a brave and unusual person who has asked for what you needed. Not every patient can do this.”

My message is: Please be your own best health advocate. Your medical team wants this even though it can be uncomfortable. Doctors are not gods. But they want miracles, too.

Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Acrylic Painting 11.20.2025

Love Letter to Life 09.16.2025 Studio Space

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, This little guy showed up on my daily walk. He found his space in the landscape and makes me smile. Today I am happy to move back into a studio space at the Santa Fe Community College. I am grateful to be feeling healthy, strong, and able to work. I am an artist living with cancer. Diagnosed in 2020 with Stage 4 Large-Cell Lymphoma, I am always aware of how vulnerable and precious life is. Thank you Life and for all the little things along my journey.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Love Letter to Life 08.31.2025 Pensive

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, My dictionary app helps me to understand my body of emotions. Pensive: musingly or dreamily thoughtful, sometimes suggesting sadness. After 5 years of treatments, aggressive cancer cells cannot be detected in scans but small B-cell lymphoma is lit up near my aorta: the great arterial trunk that carries blood from the heart to be distributed by branch arteries through the body. Are we ever out of the landscape of cancer once it has been diagnosed? Many people are living in this question. I use words, art, and community to cope. We help one another to navigate life. Thank you for listening.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Contemporary Figure Collage 08.2025

Love Letter to Life 08.15.2025 New Beginning

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, The PetScan revealed no Aggressive Large Cell Lymphoma. A miracle! There are 2 small lit up areas near aorta that are likely Small B Cell activity but these are shrinking in size since last scans. This is the best PetScan since 2020. My immune system is working. No treatment needed. I will have Bloodwork and see oncologist in 3 months; Petscan in 6 months. I thank my Higher Power, my Body and Spirit, my medical team, and all my loved ones and community. Without your love and support, this would not be possible.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Collage 08.14.2025

Love Letter to Life 8.11.2025 PETSCAN DAY

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, This morning, I had a PetScan. It’s been 5 months. The report will be ready in 48-72 hours and I’ll go over it with my oncologist Thursday after Bloodwork at 9:00am. Anyone who is a cancer patient knows the wait between now and then feels like an eternity. So what does a girl do? Make Mac n’ Cheese, my go to comfort food. The veggies are there to make me “feel” healthy. I also have a pot of Green Chili Chicken Stew on the stove. Cook, Love and Live!
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Love Letter to Life 07.30.2025 In Progress

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, A goal of compiling my love letters into a book is in progress. I hope the “Letters” serve as an inspiration for cancer patients, their families, health workers, support teams, and recovery community. Love Letter to Life started when I had a health crisis in 2018 and was later diagnosed in 2020 with Stage 4 Diffusive Large B Cell Lymphoma, an aggressive cancer. I have lived through several treatments and expiration dates. My journey is reflected in my love letters. There is so much more to live. I move forward with love.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Love Letter to Life 4.15.2025 All Lined Up

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, My blood test results were great. Normal. My body is healing and generating new, healthy cells. It is a “moment in time” to celebrate. We all can celebrate when we receive positive news. We can all support one another through every “result” whatever it may be. My faith and hope is here for you. Thank you for being in my community. I love you.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Watercolor and Ink on Yupo Paper

Love Letter to Life 12.12.2024 Miracle of My Body

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, A good report: PetScan showed minimal growth of lymphoma. One “lit-up” lesion and minuscule activity. I will continue non-evasive treatment for three months; no chemo or infusions. With the uptick of Covid and flus/colds, I need to protect my immune system by masking and avoiding large gatherings. It will be a quiet holiday season. I am grateful my body is rejuvenating and strengthening. Thank you friends for the support.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Love Letter to Life 11.21 .2024 I Wonder

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, I can’t help but wonder what the heck is going on inside of me, not every minute, but a daily inquiry. What is the cancer up to? Is it gone? Are my healthy cells multiplying faster than cancer cells and able to fight lymphoma? I have a three month reprieve from the “heavy metals” while taking something with no side effects. I get a Petscan on 12.11.24. We will see then what the report shows. I am grateful to feel well and have vitality.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Acrylic and Collage on Paper 33″x22″