Looking to the future - talk to the Macmillan nurses who visit the wards where treatment takes place re financial difficulties if unable to work, benefits, grants, disability aids etc, and find out if there is any help available whilst you are receiving care.
Checkout free prescriptions with your specialist, once diagnosed you will be entitled to an exception certificate for medicines. Ensure you get a sick note…
My partner was diagnosed with non hodgkins lymphoma - aggresive, in july last year - six months after discovering a lump in his left groin that grew to the size of a tennis ball. Following the biopsy and removal of the lump he developed kidney and stomach pains and suffered drenching night sweats, he was told he would need chemotherapy.
We were both knocked for six by the diagnosis, I closed down our businesses and…
Remembering to take medication was our biggest hurdle, especially when his temperature shot up, he got confused and over tired, and often couldn't remember whether he had taken them or not, so I devised a chart a bit like a calender to put near his medication, this told him which ones, when, at what time, and how he should take it, ie with or without food, he would cross them off after he had taken them.
Leaving…
Coming to terms with the fact that you are no longer in control of your body has been the hardest part of the task.
Keeping my partners spirits up has been so hard, especially when immune systems deplete, resistance is low, emotions go haywire, and tempers flare due to frustration and there seems no end to the drugs and feeling sick.
We have weathered all storms and come out fighting. Support, love and help when…
My partner has been in hospital now since May after the lymphoma returned it has wrapped itself in and around the sciatic nerve in his right leg. We are awaiting high dose chemo and a stem cell transplant after we were told his lymphoma had returned and it was a more aggressive strain.
For those of you out there who are awaiting a stem cell transplant and undergoing high dose chemo, ask your consultant about…
