Hi, I have never joined a support group but I’m hoping someone can help me with my fears.
My Dad died in April last year and so have put my own health to the back of my mind.
I’ve had a hard lymph node in front of my ear and after my third biopsy I was diagnosed with this type of cancer.
At the first appointment with my Consultant he explained this is a slow growing one and so they will probably do watch and wait.
After having a PET scan and MDT meeting I had my second appointment with the same Consultant. At this meeting they had decided I needed to have radiotherapy every day for a few weeks. We were shocked because we didn’t understand why they had gone straight to radiotherapy.
I was hoping (but also not hoping because I shouldn’t be hoping someone has got any type of cancer 
) if someone could tell me what side effects this type of radiotherapy in this area can cause. I’m expecting mouth sores, ulcers and extreme tiredness (I have had fibromyalgia for over 20 years - it wasn’t heard of back then so I suppose I may have been one of the first lucky 
ones to be diagnosed so early). I try to hide a lot of my fears with humour so please please don’t ever think I’m making light of mine or anyone’s diagnosis because I am one of the most caring and empathetic people you can find. More than anything, I’m terrified because I’m worried I won’t cope (I’m 51 and have degenerative disc disease which put me in a wheelchair 6 years ago and so have had to stop working and have a number of prescriptions (I have seemed to have been given these instead of treating my problems and so I currently take 27 prescriptions!! (I worked with children with Autism in school).
Finally, I’m so very sorry to everyone who are on these forums. Cancer has taken so many of my friends and relatives, including my Mum.
lots of love
Michelle
Unless the Lymphoma is in direct contact with the lungs the breathlessness would most likely be down to many things…… simple stress and anxiety can reduce your lung function.
You will see in my story that I also have asbestosis so my lung function is permanently reduced…… oh the body is complicated
Bless you. You really have been through it. I reckon between the two of us we could keep the NHS going! I mean if I had to pay for 27 prescriptions every month it would be ridiculous!
My shortness of breath actually started before even going to the doctor for this lump so I’m not sure whether it’s related or not but since I had pneumonia with Covid in 2020 my heart rate is consistently over 100, even at rest! I had to set the high heart rate at 110 on my Apple watch just to stop the notifications! 
So I went to the dentist yesterday and I explained what’s going on and she said I could be left with something that will make my jawbone die and even break my jaw! I know this is what I should ask at my appointment on the 13th but the more I read the more I’m reluctant to do radiotherapy bit then I don’t think I’d have any other option. 
I go for something called a HNA appointment this morning at the hospital. I’m not sure if it’s the same in Scotland but it’s called an Holistic Needs Assessment so it covers everything from therapy to financial information. Fortunately we do have savings but every little helps.
I hope you are well this morning. Once again, thank you. Have a lovely day 
Michelle
We always say that I have had good use of all my NI contributions over my 39 years working… but also of everyone NI contributions in my family 
You need to highlight this at your appointment as this needs to be taken into account…… it’s all about treating with the least lasting late effects…. on the whole Radiotherapy is seen as this - but when the are mitigating factors that says it’s not the best route, they will have to look at another approach which there are.
I am just coming out of my most recent chest infection (I get them a lot) we will go out for lunch today….. most likely down the side of Loch Ness….. yes we live in a beautiful area - and tomorrow we are driving East for 1.5 hrs along the coast to meet up with our long term friends who have to drive 1.5 hrs West 
Take care ((hugs))
I have had a great weekend… and yes the infection is all gone now.
Radiotherapy is rather different from having chemo etc……
The effects of the radiotherapy is slow and builds up layers if treatment slowly breaking down the tumour gradually…..
There may be redness and dry skin, there may be some swelling but I had none, there may be things like ulcers but the radiotherapy team will keep an eye on you and you must report any small signs of issues as soon as possible as they have tools to help you.
As a man of Faith since I was 15 I gladly accept your prayers.
Radiotherapy is indeed very targeted…… if you have had a look at my story the tumour above my right eye was the size of a tennis ball and it had attached on to my eye lid closing my eye.
I was told it was 50/50 that my right eye could be damaged but I did the 'Man in the Lead Mask" thing, had 5 sessions of Radiotherapy and bang it was gone in 5 weeks leaving a little indentation on my forehead…… it was the same with all my other 40 zaps in and on different areas of my body.
In one of my early posts I highlighted Lymphoma Action. Lymphoma Action is the main UK Lymphoma Specific Charity who have lots of good reliable information, videos..... basically all things Lymphoma....... pre, during and post treatment.
Who run various Support Platforms… some these gives you a chance to ‘talking’ with others who have walked or are walking the same journey.….. this also includes their great Buddy Service where people can be linked up with someone who has walked the same treatment journey.
The LA helpline is open every week day from 10 till 3 on 0808 808 5555. This is a safe place to talk things through and get support.
((hugs))
Hi Mike,
Thank you again for replying.
I will take another look at your story and I will have a look on Lymphoma Action too.
Enjoy the rest of your day.
Many thanks
Michelle 
