Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

[nervous]

2 years ago I was diagnosed with Mantle Cell lymphoma. The standard "chop" treatment didn't work with me because I have a strong sensitivity to steroids. I was then 64 and had retired a year before.I'd returned to studies at the University which I enjoyed.
I had difficulty using the services of my Israeli health insurance which stressed me out and took up so much time. Eventually I had a auto stem cell transplant for which I was hospitalised for a month. This treatment was sucessful and I am now in remission.
Now I am trying to come back to life but I tire very easily and have difficulty doing things in the afternoon and evening. I know I need to find ways to socialise and find suitable voluntary work. I am very lucky that I have a wonderful wife who helps me in many ways but still I'm having trouble coming back to life. I have trouble walking and frequent lapses of memory which are a common side effect of "chemo". I'm now trying to relearn computer skills with the help of tutor. He helped me join to Peer" group. I'd like to hear from cancer patients who managed to recover from this feeling of being deminished damage goods.

[endamatt]

I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2004, had Chemo in 2005 and was doing o.k.until White Cells went out of kilter again in October 2006. Had more Chemo in 2007, finishing in October and May 2008, the White Cells and Lymphocytes are askew again.
I find that while I have lots of energy in the morning, by 2 p.m. I am tiring so need a catnap, 20 minutes to an hour...otherwise I am whacked for the rest of the day. Then, overtired, nighttime sleep is not enough.
The message seems to be..respond to what your body is telling you, have a nap when you start to feel tired. I have even been known to have 2 naps in the one day although that was mostly during treatment.
You have to accept that energy levels wil rise and ebb and work around it. My solution is lots of trips, particularly selfdrive where you can turn off the car engine and checkin to a hotel when you get tired. Simplistic? Maye, but it works for me!

[nervous]

In my case I'm already 66 years old and retired. I feel a bit isolated socially. I'm not meeting new people because I don't feel capable of commiting myself to help others by using my abilities. For example since I live in Jerusalem where many people want to learn or improve their English I could easily teach conversation or reading on a one and one basis. Because I tire easily and sometimes get preoccupied and nervous about the anti-cancer follow-up I wind up doing almost nothing except reading, watching T.V. and playing chess on my computer while my wife is busy working.
How do you spend your time when you're not driving? Do you have a "social life" meeting new people or hanging out with old friends? I myself have 2 children, got divorced about 15 years ago and got married again to a longtime "girl friend". My relationship with her over about 12 years- way before I came down wih cancer- has been really good for me and I believe also for her. One of my children- my daughter- hasn't spoken to me for the last 18 years. Fortunately my son and I get on well but he lives in another city. I'd like to see more of him and my grandson -now 6 months old.
I believe a big part of the problem of living with cancer or even with the threat of a cancer coming back is psychological and that is why I joined "Peer to Peer" to get help and also to try to help others.
Hoping to receive your reply.