Hi all
In need of some help, my dad has just come back from hospital with a diagnosis of high grade non Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
I lost my mum a few years ago and very suddenly to oesophageal cancer and so feel very worried and triggered by this news. Can anyone help with their experiences of this type of cancer? Doctors have said success rate is high and seem very positive but my previous experience means my heath anxiety is through the roof.
many thanks
Hi Skyfullofstars and a warm welcome to this corner of the Community although I am sorry to see you joining us and sorry to hear about your mum and now your dad.
I am Mike and I help out around our various Lymphoma groups.
First take a few deep breaths……. the Doctor is spot on to be positive…… Lymphoma is very treatable with great results.
For some context I was diagnosed way back in 1999 at 44 with a rare (8 in a million) incurable but treatable type of Cutaneous T-Cell NHL (a type of slow growing Low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma) ……. eventually reaching Stage 4a in late 2013 when a second, also rare (4 in a million) type of aggressive Peripheral T-Cell NHL (a type of fast growing High-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma) was then presenting so although my Lymphoma ‘type’ is different I most definitely appreciate the challenges of this journey rather well.
Lymphoma is such a different cancer from most other cancers…… this is highlighted in how the Staging in Lymphoma is rather different from sold tumour cancers like Kidney, Lung, Breast….. where a high stage number like stage 4 is a poor prognosis, in Lymphoma it’s not. I was stage 4a back in 2013 and it made no difference to my outcomes.
Staging in Lymphomas identifies…..
1) Where the Lymphoma is presenting in the body (it can be anywhere)
2) What is the best treatment approach and best treatment type for your presentation
3) How long your treatment needs to be.
Lymphoma is the 5th most common type of cancer in the UK (after breast, lung, colon and prostate cancers) with lots of treatments are available.
There are over 60 types and sub-types of Lymphoma so do you know the ‘exact’ type of High-Grade NHL he has?
In way of some encouragement……when I was diagnosed at 44 our daughters were 14 and 18……but we went on to see our daughters graduate, get married, set up very successful businesses and provide us with 4 beautiful granddaughters….. I turn 70 at the end of this year and as a family we celebrated 9+ years since my last treatment.
I am living a great life and we continue to look forward to what else life has in store for us to enjoy…….. this can be done.
Any questions just ask ((hugs))
The best and safest place for information about Lymphoma is 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.
There are many different types of treatments so do try and get accurate information as we can help better.
These links will help you navigate the complicated world of Heamatology….
Top tips for getting the best from your appointments
Questions to ask your medical team about Lymphoma
Lymphomas can be ever so different….. I know this well as I have/had both.
Most types of Low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma are seen as life long incurable but treatable.
High-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma tends to be aggressive…… but the initial aim of treatment is to cure.
