What is Non-hodgkins Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer arising from lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells. It is so called because of its distinction from Hodgkin's disease, a particular subt...
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My mom had Hodgkin's disease about 20 years ago. About 2 weeks ago, she was diagnosed with NHL. At our home, it is just her, me, oru 2 dogs, our guinea pig, and a fish, so I am the one taking care of my mother. We have a lot of support from family and family, but I don't feel like I can talk to any of them and that they don't really understand. I don't want to go to a psychiatrist. We don't have the money for it. I just...need someone to talk to that understands what i am going through.....Can anyone help?
Posted on 07/23/08, 01:07 am |
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Your mom is very lucky to have you to help. You can find lots of information on the internet about NHL. Also read some of the journals that available on the DS site. Tell us more about the help that you need. Where is the cancer located ? Is she having chemo/radiation? I encourage you to involve your siblings if they want to help. Sending hugs to you both. 
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Thank you very much for your support. I have been looking up things, but nothing is very specific. The cancer is located in her small intestine, and since she has had radiation and MOP chemo before, they are trying RCHOP this time. My brother is 10 years older than me, but he is a very closed up person and not that easy for me to talk to.
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What you are going through is so typical. All alone. If you talk to people that have not been through this, then you end up having to encourage them. They say the equivalent of" how is it going?" so you tell them , they look worried and then you have to cheer them up. Wears you out. Eventually I learned to say as little as possible to everyone. "fine" "Good" Then I
Two positive suggestions. Rituxin has changed Lymphoma and is soooo much better than just the old chemo. It's still tough on the patient, but so much more effective than the old treatment. Who can care for the caregiver? That is the real issue. You need to de-stress and preserve some positive energy. Schedule some time for yourself. Read meditate, go to the gym, something that is "me" time. If you don't schedule it and stick to it then you are not doing anyone any good and may be hurting yourself. You have support of family? How lucky. That means they will understand and help you have the "me time" you need. Find the survivors groups in your area and the support groups and go out for coffee or tea with someone who has been there. This is your opportunity to make a new friend and build your own support group. Then instead of being forced to "support" all the acquaintances that ask how things are going you will have someone guiding you along. Best wishes always.
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You may want to join some more on and offline support groups for your mom's NHL. Yahoo groups tend to be loaded with Spam.
There are some general Yahoo cancer groups that are helpful. One site I strongly recommend is http://www.lymphomation.com Plus www.oncolink.com www.beatcancer.org Good luck to you and your mom PS. My sister is being treated for NHL with Rituxan sp? mugwort
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My husband was recently diagnosed with NHL as well. I was able to go out the other night with some friends and not discuss what was going on with my family and just have some fun. I found it very helpful to just get away from it for a couple of hours. I am sure your mom would want you to get away for a bit and it will make you a better care giver in the end. Let me know if I can help at all. I am new to this to and we are probably going through a lot of the same stuff.
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You might want to check out the Leukemia/lymphoma Society's website www.lls.org. You can call an office near you for patient assistance. They also have a program called First Connection where a patient or caregiver can talk to another patient or caregiver on a pier to pier basis. They also offer financial help.
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Hi I was diognosed in 1998 with non-hodgkins
small cell follicular. I had remissions and reoccurences on and off for about 5 years. The last drug I had was Fludarabine and I've had remission x 5 year more. Small cells grow slower but may be widespread - I have stage 4. I think what helped me most was understanding and love - touching - laughing. It helped that those who could would try to look up the disease - get a picture at least of what is going on. They didn't have to be doctors - just family interested in the details a bit. So, your mom is very fortunate and blessed. Take care of yourself too! I had Rituxxan also by the way. So here I sit, 10 years later doing fine. The only thing people don't seem to know is that after chemo sometimes other things happen like secondary infections, etc. I have had shingles and valley fever. People tire of chronic disease. One day at a time is so good. You don't have to know everything; what you know combined with your loving care is so wonderful! Understand that some may need to back off for a while. It hurts but you and your mom will find the love you need.- Gail
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