Hodgkin's Lymphoma Support Group

Oh wow Jen. I don't know anything about that procedure. Hang on there and I hope you get some encouraging news soon.

Thanks, Michelle! You're such a sweetie!

HI Jen,

I think that's quite unusual to have it only in the spleen, so I can see why they would think a biopsy essential. Are they talking about a complete splenectomy (i.e. removing the whole thing), or taking a sample?

My relapse was in my abdomen, and after 10 years, so they insisted on a biopsy. I went in for a laparoscopy (key-hole surgery), but woke up to find they had done a full laparotomy (large incision from just below sternum to belly button). If they are going to take your spleen out, that might well be the larger procedure, which will take longer to recover from.

I have to say it is quite painful, as is any abdominal surgery. I was an in-patient for 5 days, which is pretty well the maximum stay. I would suggest ffinding out which procedure they intend to do.

Best wishes
Simon

Not exactly encouraging, but I do appreciate your filling me in. As I understand it, you can't just take a sample of the spleen; it's like a plastic bag that, once it's popped, is useless. I have already met with the surgeon, and he is confident about doing it throug small incision.
Did you get your spleen out? Do you know about living without your spleen afterwards?

HI Jen,
sorry if the last post was a bit alarming. If your surgeon is confident that they can do things by laparoscopy, it really won't be so bad, and you will be on your feet again much quicker.

I did not have my spleen taken out there was no reason to think the HD was in there, although someone did suggest it once. It actually used to be done routinely with most HD patients. The spleen is basically a big lymph node, so not having one might have implications for how well your immune system functions. The only person I knew without one was somebody who had theirs ruptured playing rugby, and I don't think it made a great deal of difference to him.

Thank you for the further clarification; I feel better about it now. Both the surgeon and my oncologist seem to feel it's no big deal to lose your spleen, but I can't help but take it personally.