DREAM Act Portal Forum - Being undocumented saved my life!

This past August I went to my native country to see my sister after applying for an expedited AP.

Upon my return I scheduled an appointment with a civil surgeon so I can apply for AOS. Since I've had a positive TB test in the past, they didn't do the test again, but they sent me to get an X-ray to confirm I didn't have tuberculosis. (This is standard procedure) Well, the xray showed masses in my lungs, but the civil surgeon was sure this was not tuberculosis, since I had the same test/xray done 4 years earlier. He recommended I have a CT scan. The CT scan showed even more masses in my both lungs plus enlarged lymph ones all over my chest. At that point he recommend I see an oncologist. He told me he was sure this was a form of cancer, and that after I got a clear diagnosis he would sign on off my I-693.

After two months of scans and biopsies it was confirmed I have Stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma. This cancer is considered one of the most curable types of cancer even at a late stage. When I tell you I had no symptoms, I honestly had no symptoms. If it wasn't for me applying for AOS I probably would of found out when the disease has spread to the rest of my body/organs. I never get sick, and other than being pregnant/ having kids, I never go to the doctors. I also never take any type of medicine.

I just applied for AOS (I have an I-130 already approved from 2012 through my marriage to a US citizen. We filed it hoping to one day to use it). I made a few mistakes (forgot to include my kids birth certificate, marriage certificate, plus my husbands pay stubs) I realized my mistake 5 minutes after I mailed the documents. Now I'm just waiting for my biometrics and RFE.

I just finished my 3rd cycle of chemotherapy, with 3 more cycles to go. It's been tough but nothing makes you want to live more than someone telling you you have cancer.

I wish you all the best in this journey. And I can't wait for the day when we can all be in this country without an expiration date.