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...
I had an aggressive form of large b cell lymphoma, but not follicular. The difference being that my type of cancer was curable. From everything I know, follicular is not. It goes into remission, but ultimately comes back. But it's very slow growing, so if they don't want to do anything right now, that is good.
I can relate to the feeling that something is hanging over you. Even after I went into remission, I always felt like it was always right around the corner, ready to come back. I had 3 breakdowns due to that.
Cancer is traumatic, whether it's "curable" or "slow growing". It's still right there with you. It took me time, a long time to get over my issues with it. You were just diagnosed, and it will take you time also. But we can be resilient. Just listen to your doctors and take care of yourself.
I am trying to be more active on this site as I know it can and is very helpful. I was diagnosed with NHL large diffuse B-cell in 2014 and thankfully have been in remission since that summer so almost 3 years. Mine is a little different as it was caused by my anti-rejection medication from my liver transplant when I was little.
It is not easy even in remission not having that feeling that something is hanging over your head. I was told me remission would only last prob 5 years so as that comes closer it gets more scary. I try to just live everyday to the fullest and I tend to live appointment to appointment right now. I have a follow-up coming in May so I tend to worry a little more when that comes close.
I just let myself have the moment of fear or sadness for a day then just pick myself up and say that yes there is always the chance cancer will come back but I am choosing to live and not let it win by controlling my everyday. If it comes back I will fight like I did the first time but until then this is my life to live and find activities such as exercise and crafting to channel that energy. Best of luck to you:)
I hope that you have a really long time before you need treatment. Quite frankly, many people don't ever need treatment. Talk to your doc about the FLIPI chart to see what your risk factors are. Good luck and I hope that you are doing well.
I was just diagnosed in January with a biopsy. My next scans are in July.
It is a wait and see situation for me and I don't like it.
Yours was in 2017 may I ask how it is going for you?
I try to look at life as a real gift now but it is hard. It is never out of my thoughts.
Thanks for listening. Any response from anyone who eventually got symptoms and needed treatment would be great. I am tired all the time but nothing else yet. Makes me nervous. Also if chemo was the only treatment anyone received.
Thanks
Pat