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 was diagnosed with NHL Thursday and I guess I am still in a state of..uh..hmmm..not sure what to call it. I have faith in my Lord Jesus..but no matter what its a stunner..I really haven't found out much..NHL, treatable, with a chance of cure. Since I have been reading I am understanding the papers of the pathologist. Not understanding but you know. On the comment section it says, "The biopsy has a large number of large B-cells. It is difficult to tell if this represents a grade 3 follicular lymphoma or a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with a follicular phenotype. Clinical correlation recommended." So this is where I am on this cool Saturday afternoon.
My subject line says, "looking for" No sympathy..I know you all have been there or are there. I guess I just want to know I am not alone. If there is any advice you can give to help me in my journey. Another thing, I am a 63 year old female..in June of last year I had a stroke, occipital lobe, it messed with my vision some..enough I don't drive. In August I had reason to go to a specialist for bladder problem, as he was walking out of the room he asked if there was any thing else he should know. I told him about my small kidney..he asked for ultra sound, then an MRI..He told me I had cancer. He was 95% sure and I was 99% sure he was right. But I believe the Lord healed me on that one. In January I was having severe abdominal pain, it finally got so bad I had to go to the ER..and if you know me..I hate going to the ER. That is when they found the lymphnodes and wanted to do the biopsy. I was not looking forward to another surgery of any kind so my dr found someone to do a needle aspiration. During the time of the pain and the results I had a mini stroke and have shingles. Just took my last dose of meds this morning. It was a very light case. I have never had it before. I take Warfarin..So all these things concern me. I have a list two pages long for my oncologist. My daughters have been helping me come up with questions...See how my mind just rambles. . My husband is very supportive but very scared. Thank you all for being here
My subject line says, "looking for" No sympathy..I know you all have been there or are there. I guess I just want to know I am not alone. If there is any advice you can give to help me in my journey. Another thing, I am a 63 year old female..in June of last year I had a stroke, occipital lobe, it messed with my vision some..enough I don't drive. In August I had reason to go to a specialist for bladder problem, as he was walking out of the room he asked if there was any thing else he should know. I told him about my small kidney..he asked for ultra sound, then an MRI..He told me I had cancer. He was 95% sure and I was 99% sure he was right. But I believe the Lord healed me on that one. In January I was having severe abdominal pain, it finally got so bad I had to go to the ER..and if you know me..I hate going to the ER. That is when they found the lymphnodes and wanted to do the biopsy. I was not looking forward to another surgery of any kind so my dr found someone to do a needle aspiration. During the time of the pain and the results I had a mini stroke and have shingles. Just took my last dose of meds this morning. It was a very light case. I have never had it before. I take Warfarin..So all these things concern me. I have a list two pages long for my oncologist. My daughters have been helping me come up with questions...See how my mind just rambles. . My husband is very supportive but very scared. Thank you all for being here
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My 6mo twin DD's are EBF and just started rice cereal on the first. Everything has been going fine except this morning one of them had a diaper rash (lots of redness around her anus). I read this as one of the signs of an allergy. BUT I did just buy a different brand diaper yesterday (which they have used randomly before w/no issues). Do you think its the cereal or the diaper? Im ready to start...
I believe your next step is to work with your oncologist to find out exactly were you are at with your cancer, what stage you are in, and your treatment options.
Know there are good treatments for NHL but there are many different types and treatments are different for many of them. It will be okay.
Take care of yourself first. Sleep when you are tired. Eat balanced meals. Surround yourself with people you love and who love you back. Don't be afraid to ask for sleeping pills or something to help you get over the hump. I was offered anti-depressants at my first appointment. Try not to research too much until you know what you have. Follicular NHL is not curable but very treatable. Large Cell NHL is curable and treatable too. Regardless, they are good at treating both.
Sleep tight! It will all be alright.
I too am here to tell you that you are not alone. Sept 2011 I was diagnosed with diffused Large B Cell NHL. The diagnosis was rather shocking and then next couple weeks were a blur. Test after test after test and then by the end of the week I was receiving my first round of 6 of R-CHOP. After my first round of chemo they scheduled me to get my port implanted. From the moment I was diagnosed I was certain that I would beat it. Based on my PET scan all of my lymph nodes had large tumors. I guess that explains the pain and bloating I was feeling. After my chemo I also received 30 radiation treatments. In May it will be 2 years since my last treatment. I have been in remission since then. I can say that I feel that support and a positive attitude really do help. So keep the faith and stay positive, you will beat this!
Its been pretty crazy. I was diagnosed on a Thursday, 4 very long days followed. Then wham bang, Echo, PET scan, an appt with dr coming Monday, Wednesday port placement then Thursday my first round of chemo! Wow! I'm Going to fight this thing and win. Very optimistic. Thanks for the encouragement. Jbug
I haven't been on this site for a few months, but I found it very supportive while I was going through my treatment. I was diagnosed with diffused large B cell NHL in June of last year. I was lucky that mine was diagnosed quickly and I only had one lymph node involved. I received three rounds of R-CHOP and 18 radiation treatments. I won't sugar coat it, the chemo was no picnic; however, the treatment is successful for the majority of patients.
I will pass on some advice that someone gave me. Get a spiral note book and start a journal. If you have the time, write in it everyday describing the physical and most importantly your mental feeling that day. Keep track of every little discomfort, pain, mouth sores, etc. Discuss in the journal how you feel (blue, anxiety, etc.). Also keep a list of question that arise that you can discuss with your oncologist at your next appointment.. Otherwise, keep track of everything that is going on with yourself and don't guess or stress about it; ask your doctor to get the answers.
It is a tough journey you are embarking; however, we have all been down that road and we know there is a light at the end of the tunnel (it is not a train LOL). Especially find someone you can share your feelings and this person can keep you in balance with reality. There are some wonderful people here if you don't have a family member or friend.
Most importantly, stay positive (no negative thinking) and keep the stress level to a minimum. God Bless - CL