What did you do when you were diagnosed?

FormerMember over 6 years ago

3 replies
31 subscribers
1603 views

Hiya,

Not sure of anyone will read this but if so I’d very much like to hear your story. Not particularly medical but what ‘emotionally’ you did when you found out you had cancer.

I am new to all of this, I am 32 and I was diagnosed with NHL on Friday 29th March, initially I was like right, I’m going to change my life, eat healthy, exercise- the lot. What I’ve actually done is drink quite a lot of alcohol and eaten an awful lot of chocolate.

I know that this isn’t wise and I will pick myself up but I’ve never reacted like this to anything, ever. I can’t seem to get my head into it. Did anyone else do this? How long (if at all) did it take for you to kick your own arse into gear? What helped?

Sorry if this has been asked before but I’ve been trawling the internet trying to find out if I’m the only person who’s acting like this.

Much Love,

Dani

Thehighlander over 6 years ago

Hi Dani and welcome to the Online Community but always sorry to see folks finding us.

I am Mike Thehighlander and I am dropping in past from our Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma Forum. I have lived with my rare type of T-Cell Lymphoma for over 20 years and I am still around to be able to help you out.

So I would advise you to come over to the NHL Forum and talk with folks who have walked the NHL walk and can talk the talk.

Come and join the group and hit the 'Start a Discussion' tab and introduce yourself to the group and remember to go to the right on the group home page and select how you want to receive email notifications when someone answers your posts.

You could just copy and paste what you have in this post as its a good starting point. But with over 80 types of Lymphoma it would be good to know some more details about your type of NHL and the name(s) of any treatments you are going to be having.

It would be very helpful if you could put something into your profile as this does help others when replying to you or for those looking for support and information as they can read a bit about the journey you and your family are on.

Just click on your username and then select 'Edit Profile' under the 'Profile Settings'. If you're not sure what sort of thing to put just click on my username, Thehighlander to read my profile but my cancer journey was rather long.

I will keep an eye open for you.

Mike (Thehighlander)

It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela

My cancer story

johnr over 6 years ago

Hi Dani, don't worry to much about your reaction as everyone is different, the is a lot of psychological stuff out their explain reactions and the cycle of emotions, so don't worry. We are here to help support and advise so as Mike has explained if you can let us know the type of NHL and if treatment is planned, as not all types receive treatment straight away.

I had DLBC NHL 10 years ago so like Mike we are examples of how this can be beaten as are many others who post on the site.

here is a link to our group

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/

John

we all know this is a roller coaster ride, where we ride blind, never knowing where the highs and lows are

FormerMember over 6 years ago in reply to johnr

Hi Dani,

Just wanted to back up what Mike and John have said, definitely don’t worry about your reaction. You are most likely in shock, and that can do odd things to people, so all you can do is take things slowly and be kind to yourself.

The NHL part of the forum is going to be a massive help for you. You might also want to try the Diagnosed at a young age forum part of the forum if you like? I was diagnosed in my 30s and I think being diagnosed at a young age can bring its own challenges. Also, feel free to join the Emotional issues - Discussion Forum part also if you are after more general support with the emotional side of things.

I’m wishing you all the very best and sending loads of love your way.

Greg