So for a couple of months now I have had a lump growing in the side of my neck. I braved it up and went to the doctor. The diagnosis came back today and I have Lymphoma. From what I can gather, it is a form of blood cancer that results in tumors. It has spread to both sides of my neck.
I see a specialist on Friday to determine the exact kind of lymphoma and to start a course of treatment (if it can even be treated).
I am so very scared. I have been crying and self-medicating with food all damn day. I told myself I am allowed this, but come tomorrow morning, my frustrations can be handled with taking my doggie for a walk instead of with ice cream.
Please, if anyone else has experienced Lymphoma, or cancer, please let me know what I can expect. I think the worse is simply facing the unknown.
Last edited by wickky; 03-30-2009 at 10:16 PM.
Reason: too many typos
Like Shrinkingleah, I'm sorry, I have no advice to offer but you are in my thoughts tonight. One suggestion I would make is check the internet to see if there are any good support forums where you might get some more info from others who have dealt with this.
Wickki - my DH has Multiple Myeloma, a cancer closed related to lymphoma. He was diagnosed in 1999 and had a stem cell transplant in 2000. He has been in remission since. My best advice to you is to get all the information you can, about the disease, about your options for treatment, etc. Two other things will help you a lot. First, get a good support team (real life ones!) especially someone who will go to doctor appts with you. You need a neutral party to listen to what the doc says, and to help you remember every thing, or just to hold you hand! I was with my DH for nearly every appointment. Second is to find a online lymphoma support group where you can exchange experiences and information with others going through the same thing you are.
Oh, and third, one of the best pieces of advice my DH got was to get himself in the best possible shape, esp cardiovascularly, he could before he started treatment, and to keep it up whenever he could.
And finally, while this is a terrible blow, and one that no one would wish on you, try to stay positive and keep your sense of humor.
This is my first time here and I ran across your message. I know that you are scared, this is normal so don't beat yourself up for your feelings. Please know that you are not alone! I am currently assisting a family whose husband is going through radiation. I hope that you have a strong support of friends and family. Remember that just like losing weight, cancer and it's outcome is a personal journey so please try and not compare yourself to others as this can bring you down. Whenever you are thinking negative, stop yourself and say something positive and keep saying it to yourself. There is power in your thoughts!! Please keep me informed on how you are doing! I will be praying and thinking of you.
I'm sorry you have to deal with this and hope that with treatment you will be able to overcome this. My grandmother has survived cancer twice, so it can be done!
Hi. I am so sorry to hear this. I don't have any advise, and no little about this lymphoma. I guess you know that when you need support, you can come here and get it. I sure hope all goes well for you.
I want to thank everyone of you for your caring thoughts. THe encouragement is sooooooo appreciated! I am going to the ENT specialist on Frisay and he will order the biopsy, so I will know exactly what type of cancer I am battling. After that, it's on to the Oncologist office.
I am giving myself permission to be sad, to cry, to stomp my feet and have a pity party. But as far as the self-medicating, overeating, old-me style binging goes- UNH-UH. It STOPS as of tomorrow morning.
As Waterrat said, I need to be in the best cardiovascular shape possible. That means being on plan, and lots of extra doggie-walks. (at least she will get into shape too!)
I went to my diabetes doctor last week and everything is fantastic there. my A1C was 6.0! and I have lost a total of 36 lbs since my highest weight last June.
I am just going to take this one day at a time. One hour at a time if need be.
Thanks to all of you for the internet hugs. Unfortunately, my husband is the only support person I have IRL. My son and his family are over a thousand miles away. :-(
As I am sure you know, there are many types of lymphomas.Many are treatable and some cureable.I guess the first step is learning which type you have.I am thinking of you.Stay strong.People living with cancer never cease to amaze me.
I just wanted to share with you that several members of my family have had cancer(s) and have beaten it, so you can too! You have received some great advice here that I cannot add to, except to say that I will keep you in my prayers for healing and recovery. We have a PRAYER WARRIORS prayer thread in the FAITH FORUM, where people can pray for you as well.
A spouse makes a great personal support partner, but a close friend or other relative could be your support companion when or if your DH can't make it to any of your appointments. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers ...
Cancer :-(
One suggestion I would make is check the internet to see if there are any good support forums where you might get some more info from others who have dealt with this.
