Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma??

CHROME CATCHER · 05-01-2008, 11:24 AM

After a bunch of test's, a few x-rays, one CT scan, and one surgery the Dr's have told me I have cancer

.
It sounds like we have caught it very early and it should be very treatable

. Still, it makes a guy worry a little bit.
If there are those here who have had first hand accounts or in some way have delt directly with those who have gone through this, i would like to hear your story.

I'm not overly worried, but I can't see an Oncologist for 3 weeks, and would like to get some info if I can.

Thanks,

Scott

Sweet Melissa · 05-01-2008, 11:55 AM

My grandfather died of this over 40 years ago. At that time, his doctor told my grandmother, "Some day there will be a cure for this." He was right.

I have no words of wisdom to offer, but I wish you all the best in your treatment and (complete) recovery.

1bigfish · 05-01-2008, 12:06 PM

My Father in law had it about 13 years ago. By the time they found it they only gave him something like a 30% chance of living. His doctor treated it VERY agressively and it did finally go into remission. The doctors told him that in his case it was likely to come back.... so far it has not come back. His doctor has him come in every 6 month to check but he is still cancer free for more then 12 years now.

I am so sorry to hear you have it. It was not fun watching him go through the treatment. There were some dark days but he was able to beat it and I hope and pray that you can beat it as well.

fishbait · 05-01-2008, 12:11 PM

June 1980 Dr. told me that he thought I had cancer and was admitting me to the hospital that afternoon and would do surgery tomorrow. I said it would have to wait as I was leaving for Montana to go trout fishing the next day. He replied, no, your going into the hospital today, you need to understand that there is a chance you will not see Christmas.

Got my attention.......... Not my best 2-3 months, but I'm still here and expect to have a long life.

Stay positive, listen to the docs, but do your own research. Educate yourself. Eat good and get lots of rest. Watch funny movies as laughter has a beneficial effect on your body chemistry.

Remember, attitude is key, If you believe you will beat this, truly believe it, it will help your chances.

I wish you all the best.

fishbuilder · 05-01-2008, 12:15 PM

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I know you can beat this, keep your head up and be very positive. My Father has fought this cancer for seven years, he was diagnosed at age 68 and went throught the entire process, and continues to fight. He still hunts, fishes and generally drives everyone crazy with his positive attitude about life. Good luck! and stay positive.

Doc Savage · 05-01-2008, 12:30 PM

PM sent.

BlindSquirrel · 05-01-2008, 12:42 PM

PM sent.

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. The incidence of this type of cancer is increasing while most other cancers are on the decrease.

The web has a wealth of information about NHL. The type of NHL you have will help determine your approach.

While the "C" word can strike terror, the more common types of NHL have pretty good long term outlooks, with improving treatment options.

Let me know if you need any help,
BlindSquirrel

Eagleclaw · 05-01-2008, 12:48 PM

You're in our prays..

Stay strong.

FrogPond · 05-01-2008, 12:59 PM

My wife works in Oncology...if you need any recomendations for Docs in the Portland area or have any questions, please feel free to shoot me a PM. She used to work at Providence.

God bless and good luck...

LadyFish · 05-01-2008, 01:16 PM

Depending on what insurance you have I would call around for another Oncologist. When I was diagnosed in '99 with cancer I saw an Oncologist the first week after. Waiting 3 weeks is not a good option!

The American Cancer Society here in Portland is a good place to start your research. They have all kinds of information, brochures and such they will send so you can begin to educate yourself on what is ahead. Non-Hodgkins is treatable and can go into remission for long periods of time. I know several who have lived years and years with the occasional relapse and treatment. There are also a number of websites that offer support and information you can just by typing in Non-Hodgkings lymphoma. There is also a Lymphoma Society here too and might provide answers for you as well.

The most important thing to keep in mind is the treatment decisions are yours to make not your doctors. Ask him what your options are and what the side effects of each are.

I will keep you in my thoughts. Best of luck!

Smoked Salmon · 05-01-2008, 02:05 PM

A friends son was diagnosed with Burkett's lymphoma back in January. Aggressive and prompt treatment has left him in good health. Have high hopes, and they really know how to deal with this.
-Bill

Don Becker · 05-01-2008, 02:06 PM

I have several friends that have survived this over the past several years and all are back at work and leading good and productive lives. Best wishes and

for you to beat it too. Don

ampersat · 05-01-2008, 02:49 PM

CHROME CATCHER · 05-02-2008, 06:30 AM

I certainly appreciate the encouraging words and helpful PM's.
I know there's a ton of info out there and the helpful nudges in the right direction will save me alot of time.

Thanks.

Scott

goodkarma · 05-02-2008, 06:39 AM

In 1984 I was diagnosed with the same thing. I wasn't so lucky as to catch it early though, I was only given a few weeks to live had they not figured it out. I went though a year of Chemo, which at that time was pretty experimental. The DR. actually tore a page from a medical journal, handed it to me and said "we are going to try this one"....OK.
Well, it's 24 years later and I've been as healthy as anyone over that time. I rarely even catch a cold and have led a completely normal life.
You can do this.