Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

[bayly]

Hello,

My husband/best friend is currently going through the diagnosis stage. Lumps we found in his neck lead to first antibiotics and then two ultrasounds. Now he's slated for a biopsy. It's scary (like you all did not already know that!) but for us it is at the same time his friend is now undergoing chemo for stage IIIb NHL and another person recently diagnosed - all three held the same job at the same time in the early 1980s involving exposure to pesticides. As you can imagine, I've read just about all I can on the web about NHL and try to remain optimistic, yet proactive. I have a feeling this forum is going to be a real help and support. Certainly, from the posts I've read you are all in my good thoughts. I welcome and appreciate the opportunity to share information.

J. Bayly

[worriedgf]

hiya, there are a few of us on here who are supporting partners undergoing treatment. the advice i would offer at the moment is to speak to your doctor about what is happening and he/she can refer you to counselling if you want that. also i would buy a dictaphone or a tape recorder and tape the conversations you have with your partners physician. this means that you will remember the exact info for his case. mostly just be prepared for every eventuality and make sure you have lots of love and support as caring for a sick partner is very exhausting and i myself am being pushed to breaking point.

lots of warm wishes and hugs to you both.
louise. x

[deb hanson]

The best advice I can give you is to write a journal. Start now. The waiting game is the worst, but the doctors need to get the treatment right. The internet has loads of information, but from experience there is just too much. Write down every question you have on paper and ask the doctors. The best advice I got was "Let no one make you wait" and "the best person to take care of you... is you". That means be proactive in the treatment. In my case my husband took all the notes and was prepared for the appointments with questions. 3 years cancer free

[HisGrace]

Hi... My husband is in the diagnosing stage as well. He goes for a PET scan on Monday and he will have another biopsy to make sure this is NHL. They are calling his NHL T-cell. I don't know much about it and I am very frightened! His started on his face... he had a small bump and then it grew and got worse. The doctors had no clue and he was passed from one doc. to the next. We finally came across a doctor who cared and did not stop until she found out. If you ever want to talk through email please respond to this and we can exchange email. I think it helps to have someone who knows what you are going through!!

Tracie:)

[vikkistn]

hello,
Like you i am also new to this.My mum was diagnosed last week with lymphoma, she has had her first biopsy of which they removed a lymphnode for further diagnoses and on Monday has to go back in to hospital for a biopsy of bone marrow.As you are aware this is a very worrying time but being strong and positive is what we must do to support our loved ones.Im so unsure whats going to happen next ie treatment etc.I wish you the strength also with dealing with this.vikki

[HisGrace]

Vikki,

Thanks! I just saw this so sorry it is so late in replying! I hope all is well with you mum! MY husband is starting on the Chemo pill this Friday and then he may have to do Radiation. Let me know how things are going!! Good luck and stay strong!

Here is a good Quote:

Don't tell God how big your Cancer is...
Tell your Cancer how BIG your GOD IS!!

Tracie:)

[vikkistn]

Thanks Tracie, alot has happend since i last wrote. it was not Lyphfoma, she has another mri and it showed up a large tumer in her spine. This is secondary cancers which have spread and they can not find the primary source. She has had radiotherapy for her neck as its almost compressed with this cancer and now on palliative chemotherapy to stabalise her pain and syptoms. She wishes to go home till next chemo session to be around her family. I feel like i have been hit with a brick, cant seem to get a grip of this. The staff at the Beason cancer hosp in Glasgow are fab and are so great at what they do. i so hope things with you and yours are ok and your in my prayers.vikkix