My dad was diagnosed with high grade Hodgkin’s lymphoma about two months ago after finding a tumour on the back of his tongue. He had to have an emergency tracheotomy a week after the diagnosis and was in hospital for a month after. He’s recovered well but is now having chemo for the cancer. He’s been reacting well to it (as well as you can) but he’s starting to lose his hair and it has hit me so hard. I live about 2 hours away and work full time, going to see him on my days off wherever I can and calling him daily on my breaks at work. His last chemo is in a few weeks and I’m absolutely terrified for what they’re going to tell us and I’m even more scared for how much his appearance will change which is so silly in the grand scheme of things but I am scared. I’m going through the motions of life without really feeling anything but anxiety and sadness, I just wanted to share, despite how many people cancer effects it feels quite lonely out here
Hi RosieO and warm welcome to the Macmillan Community although sorry that you had to find us and especially sorry to hear about your dad’s Lymphoma diagnosis and the journey he has been on
I am Mike and I help out around our Lymphoma groups.
For some context I was diagnosed way back in 1999 at 43 with a rare (8 in a million) incurable but treatable type of Cutaneous T-Cell NHL (a type of slow growing Low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma) ……. eventually reaching Stage 4a in late 2013 when a second, also rare (4 in a million) type of aggressive Peripheral T-Cell - Not Otherwise Specified NHL (a type of fast growing High-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma) was then presenting so although my Lymphoma ‘type’ my be different I most definitely appreciate the challenges of this journey rather well.
I know well how my wife and our 2 daughters felt during my 25 years journey but more so during my main full on treatment from late 2013 to late 2015 then a good few years recovery….. as our oldest and her family lived 6hrs round trip away and our youngest and her family was a 14hrs round trip away…… but we kept regular contact and a few visits was great.
My wife says don’t beat yourself up…… it’s a rubbish journey to navigate and you have done great.
As for life post treatment….. if your dad’s clinical team have not indicated any significant problems or concerns during his treatment then expect a good outcome.
Our daughters were 14 and 18…… but we went on to see our daughters graduate, get married, set up very successful businesses and provide us with 4 beautiful granddaughters….. I turned 69 a few weeks ago and as a family we celebrated 9 years since my last treatment, I am living a great life and we continue to look forward to what else life has in store for us to enjoy.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated cancer specific Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you look to join and post in one of our Lymphoma groups.
General Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma
These groups are safe places to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
I will keep an eye open for you but if you are not sure what type you have pleased do get back to me on this post and I will help you out further ((hugs))
