I was diagnosed with a low-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma in October/November 2021, after a blood test and a scan. No symptoms apart from a slightly enlarged spleen and a little fluid around the small bowel. The consultant decided to do nothing for the time being as he said that it was likely to be slow developing. I'll have another scan and telephone clinic appointment in February, next month. I am posting here because I really don't know how serious this condition is, potentially. I would love to have some people's views and experience because I really need to talk to my children (both adults) and don't know how to handle it. I don't want to worry them unnecessarily or on the other hand hide things from them should matters worsen and give them too much of a shock. What do you think? Are there other people in this group who have this kind of experience?
Hi here are some helpful areas available for you.
the Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear. You may also find our Ask an Expert section helpful but do allow a few working days for a reply.
We also have our dedicated Travel insurance group where you can look through the discussions on this subject.
The worse is still what and how am I going to tell my children
Honesty is the best way forward when talking with family. Your son are adults to talk to them as adults.
Even although Lymphoma is the 3rd most common cancer in the UK unlike many other cancers...... Lymphoma is very treatable with great results.
I would say if you were talking with your sons about you having Lung or Kidney cancer the conversation would be so different.
If thy want to research this do direct them to the Lymphoma Action website as this has clear information that is understandable....... no random google searches ((hugs))
I feel for you with regards to talking with your children….. but it all comes down to this is your body and your life.
When it comes to the treatment of a cancer like Lymphoma there are no real choices between treating or not……. you can’t actually remove a Lymphoma surgically so it is going to be chemo, targeted therapies, radiotherapy and a few others.
Not treating tends to only have one outcome ((hugs))
