I’m 18 and i’ve been diagnosed with lymphoma.

Good morning Marydaisy - if anybody needs a hug - and we all do - then it is you.

I am slightly different from you in that I am 60 years older and a man and but can understand something what you are going through. I was diagnosed, and still being treated for, Hodgkins Lymphoma 3 and 1/2 years ago.

There is very little I can say that will make you life easier at this time except to say there is a lot of support out there and once your diagnosis is confirmed the treatment centre, especially the specialist nurses, will be 100% behind you - you will not be alone. Unlike me (78th birthday tomorrow!!!), you do have youth on your side, as the curative rate for HL is high the younger you are.  Families and friends can be a great help but they can only be so if they know what is going on. And we all recoil at the word CANCER but once they understand what you have got and what it means and the treatment regime etc then the drama subsides - and if your hair drops out (not everyones does), then think of the money you will save on hairdressing bills - and it does grow back.  Mind you I didn't have much to start with. I was in a pub and a 4 year old boy at the next table had been looking at me and suddenly cried out "He's got no hair". Little bugger! Bless him.

So get your hugs and larfs - both are vital.

Pete - have a long distance hug

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Hi MaryD1 , I am sorry to see you joining this group.

This is a very confusing and frustrating journey you are on and not having a clear diagnosis just adds to the confusion. As you say the biopsy will confirm the actual type of Lymphoma….. and be it a type of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma or even one of the many Non Hodgkin’s Lymphomas these are good effective treatable available.

I can understand the hate you have as who wants to be told they have a blood cancer at 18….. but it would help you to talk with others in your same age rage.

You will get good support from your hospital who may even have a Teenage Cancer Trust Unit but in any case do contact the Teenage Cancer Trust as they will be able to give you some great support

But more importantly they run regular Support Platforms with one group specifically for young adults...... I highly recommend this group as there is nothing better than talking with others who have or are walking the same journey and the volunteers who run this specific group are amazing people.

They also have a great Lymphoma Buddy Service where you can be linked up with someone who has walked the same treatment journey and who will be there to help you though your treatment.

They also have a Lymphoma helpline on 0808 808 5555 where you can talk with someone and get support - open every week day from 10 till 3.

We are here to help you and just be around to chat ((hugs))