My brother has lymphoma . He is in his 70s. He had chemo 6 years ago and was in remission for 5 years . It is now back and at grade 3. He wants Chemo and the family support this but the doctors seem to be making one reason after another why he should only be given palliative care . Can they be made to give him chemo, to give him a chance ? He responded really well first time around without too much discomfort. We really don't know where to turn if they keep refusing.
Hi and warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community although sorry that you had to find us and especially sorry to hear about your brothers Lymphoma relapse.
I am Mike Thehighlander and I help out around our Lymphoma groups. I was diagnosed back in 1999 with a rare incurable Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma so have been on this journey rather a long time.
I will say at this point that although I have been in remission for 5 years now (hit my community name to see my story) I am not cured and when my Lymphoma comes back my options at the moment will most likely will be palliative…… which most likely would be some type of chemo. Lymphoma is so complicated that not one size will fit all.
The medical professionals will balance quality of life. I have talked with many over the years who lived well and much longer then anyone thought having palliative care and yet others, who had treatments, it made no difference, infact it shortened their life.
This link talks about Benefit and Risk if treatments.
A second opinion can always be looked fit and thus is some Macmillan Information on Getting a second opinion
Happy to talk more on this discussion or do join one of our Lymphoma groups and put up a post and I will look out for you on that group.
There are over 60 types and subtypes of Lymphoma so we can’t have a group for every type but these are our main Lymphoma groups below:
General Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Have a look at the group names then if you'd like to connect into a group, you need to join the group. First click on the best Green link I have created above. Then click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a new post by clicking in the box near the top right with + New (Computers) or + (Mobile Devices). You will then see a dropdown menu so why not hit ‘Start a Discussion in New here, say hello’ You could copy and paste the text from this your first post.
It’s always good to talk so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of cancer information, emotional support, benefit and financial guidance or just a listening ear.
Mike (Thehighlander)
It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela
