Non-hodgkin's Lymphoma Support Group
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 subtype of lymphoma. It is in fact an overarching term of many different forms of lymphoma, each with individual characteristics. Most cases start with infiltration of lymph nodes, but specific...
Hi,
I just joined this group today. A week ago yesterday my Doctor told me that I have B-Cell Lymphoma of Follicular center origin Grade 1. It is hard for me to believe because I feel fine. Just thought I had swollen glands in my neck. Sure I get a little tired but I contribute that to the fact that for the last 3 months I have been running with my Mom to Doctors. Mom is 89 and we just got back 2 weeks ago from Cleveland Clinic...She had heart surgery March 28. She is amazing and is doing really well. But now I have to deal with my problem.... I have an appointment with an Oncologists on May 10th.
I do have questions? I notice that all of you talk about stages. Some say they are in stage 4 for example..... Yet my Pathology report says Grade 1 What is the difference between Grade and Stage?
Another question is, Does everyone feel fine when they first get Lymphoma? Because I sure don't feel sick. Just have this lump on my neck.
Also, Did any of you not have chemo or radiation at first.. My Doctor told me that some times they don't treat this, but just wait and see. But he told me that I needed to really talk to an Oncologists and will need a full body scan to make sure that it isn't anywhere else.
Also, the swelling in my neck seems to be going down. It isn't as hard or swollen as it was. when I first had the Biopsy done .
Guess I am just rattling on, because I still am having a hard time believing that I really have Lymphoma.
I just joined this group today. A week ago yesterday my Doctor told me that I have B-Cell Lymphoma of Follicular center origin Grade 1. It is hard for me to believe because I feel fine. Just thought I had swollen glands in my neck. Sure I get a little tired but I contribute that to the fact that for the last 3 months I have been running with my Mom to Doctors. Mom is 89 and we just got back 2 weeks ago from Cleveland Clinic...She had heart surgery March 28. She is amazing and is doing really well. But now I have to deal with my problem.... I have an appointment with an Oncologists on May 10th.
I do have questions? I notice that all of you talk about stages. Some say they are in stage 4 for example..... Yet my Pathology report says Grade 1 What is the difference between Grade and Stage?
Another question is, Does everyone feel fine when they first get Lymphoma? Because I sure don't feel sick. Just have this lump on my neck.
Also, Did any of you not have chemo or radiation at first.. My Doctor told me that some times they don't treat this, but just wait and see. But he told me that I needed to really talk to an Oncologists and will need a full body scan to make sure that it isn't anywhere else.
Also, the swelling in my neck seems to be going down. It isn't as hard or swollen as it was. when I first had the Biopsy done .
Guess I am just rattling on, because I still am having a hard time believing that I really have Lymphoma.
I was recently diagnosed with follicular lymphoma (Feb) and am 60 years old. I did not have to have any treatment. I have chosen the "wait and see" approach because the cancer is not in my bone marrow and the swollen nodes are not life threatening. The oncologist sent me for a radiation consult but I opted not to do this right now. Treatment for this type of cancer is to manage symptoms, not to cure the cancer.
Not that it is good to have any kind of cancer but at least our type of cancer is slow-growing and we can have many good years free of treatment. I applaud your positive attitude! You have a lot on your plate now. Be sure to take some time for yourself.
I was recently diagnosed with follicular lymphoma (Feb) and am 60 years old. I did not have to have any treatment. I have chosen the "wait and see" approach because the cancer is not in my bone marrow and the swollen nodes are not life threatening. The oncologist sent me for a radiation consult but I opted not to do this right now. Treatment for this type of cancer is to manage symptoms, not to cure the cancer.
Not that it is good to have any kind of cancer but at least our type of cancer is slow-growing and we can have many good years free of treatment. I applaud your positive attitude! You have a lot on your plate now. Be sure to take some time for yourself.
Where did you lymphoma start. Have you had any symptoms?
On a side note, I had a follow up appointment with my Oncologist today. Another clear appointment. Blood work looks good and no need to do any scans or other tests. Next appointment is in November! He laughed when I told him "I don't have time for cancer. I'm good to live life some more until November." Of course, I keep an eye on things and will go back sooner if I am concerned. I share this though because I want people to know there is life after cancer and it can be a good one. By my next appointment, I will be 9 years since diagnosis and almost 7 years since my last treatment. I do have a little cancer bump on the side of my nose but it isn't growing so we are leaving it alone until I get more symptoms or it grows some more. Not too shabby if you ask me.
Hang in there everyone. Together we can make it!!
Had my Pet Scan and Cat scan yesterday, didnt find either one of them bad to go through. Hardest part was laying still. I think us as humans can work ourselves up and make things worse for ourselves then it needs to be. So lets all stay positive and just take one day at a time and make the best of each day.
Love to all and May God keep each and every one of you in his loving care. Have a GREAT DAY everyone.
I went today for a follow up Heart Echo Cardiogram. Improvemnet Yay! My heart failure situation was caused by the chemo but for all who are reading, it doesn't happen often. Unfortunately it can't be fixed but the medication I'm on has helped a lot.
On the 15th August 2012 I will be in remission for 1 year!!!
So yes, definitely there is light at the end of the tunnel. Fortunately Lymphoma can be treated - not always cured but definitely treated!
My mom-in-law will be 91 this month. She has dementia and is in frail care at an old age home. It was so wonderful when we went to visit her on Mothers Day. She was quite lucid and recognised us. It breaks my heart to see all the old folk sitting staring into nothing and then I feel guilty when I sometimes feel a bit sorry for myself. We are actually all still okay!
Pat please let us know how things are going and sincerely hope your mom is doing much better.
Coetie - I am very relieved to hear your heart issue is getting better. That has to be a huge relief! Congrats on your 1 year remission. That is something to celebrate for sure!!
So glad that you had improvement with the heart failure. It can be so scary, I know as my Mom has been in Congestive Heart Failure.
Right now she is doing a lot better, had her to the doctors yesterday too, and cardiologist said to her, you are an amazing women, I look at your file and see you are 89 years old and then look at you and dont believe the records are right. She really looks good and her lungs are clear again and her new heart valve is working great. He didnt believe that she would make it through the surgery, and here she is 6 weeks later and looks great and feeling better and stronger every day. Really looking forward to going back to the Cleveland Heart Clinic (where she had the surgery done in Ohio) the end of the month to see what they have to say. So hang in there you will be find too.
Glad you enjoyed your visit with your Mom in law. Isnt it hard to go into those nursing homes, When Mom was there for rehab for 2 weeks when we got home from Cleveland after her surgery, it was hard seeing all those poor people who couldnt talk or walk or even fed themselves. It broke our hearts to see them. Sure makes you feel very grateful for what you have.
You know we all have days that we get down, after all we are human, and sometimes things just seem overwhelming. But as long as we dont stay down and we get back up again, we will all be just fine. We just need to take one day at a time.