Live Your Life
15 years ago my mom had surgery for lung cancer.
Two weeks later she had a clot in her leg and a PE.
They found out she had Factor V Leiden.
They told all 5 of her children to get checked.
I was the only one and found out I have it heterozygous.
My doctor at the time said I shouldn’t worry — I was probably just a carrier.
February 2nd, 2026
Fast forward to February 2nd, 2026.
I woke up at 10:15 pm with pain in my right shoulder blade.
Not short of breath.
I thought it was a muscle spasm.
After 45 minutes of excruciating pain, it didn’t go away.
I asked a friend to take me to ER.
What They Found
By the way, two years ago I was diagnosed with lymphoma — so I have a hematologist. No treatments, just watching.
The ER did a CT and found multiple bilateral PE and infarction.
They put me on heparin and transferred me to another hospital.
I met with a pulmonologist. They ordered an echocardiogram — it was normal.
Then a deep vein leg ultrasound, venous duplex — and bingo.
DVT behind my right knee.
I had NO pain or warmth in my leg at all.
They think the lymphoma coupled with Factor V Leiden is my culprit.
My New Normal
I am now on apixaban 5mg 2x daily for life.
I have been back to ER with pain but was told it was transfer pain and that the clots are dissolving.
Trying to adjust to my new normal.
Life After
I am fearful of every little ache and pain.
I am less anxious to run to ER.
I love reading the stories and seeing that I am not alone.
Family Testing
A brother just had surgery yesterday and they tested him — no results yet.
I don’t think the others have it.
What I Want Others to Know
So far, I can say it does get better.
Live your life.
