Karen Merlino lives near Philadelphia with her husband Don. She is the mother of two children (now adult)--Shannon & Chris. While awaiting brain surgery to remove an acoustic neuroma scheduled for July 29, 2009, her life took a sharp turn. Five days before surgery, through a miracle of sorts, she was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer. During the staging of the cervical cancer, Karen found out she also had Non-hodgkins Lymphoma. Brain surgery was cancelled. The challenge ahead was daunting and there were many twists and turns along the way! Herewith are Karen's personal journals, sketches, essays, pictures, and letters to friends written during the aggressive treatment of both cancers through chemotherapy (CHOP-R) and radiation (internal and external). Karen, Don, and family considered every day during these months an Adventure and you will see why after reading these very personal writings.