A few weeks ago I had a swollen lymph node biopsied, and it tested as malignant. I have since been diagnosed with stage 1, indolent, non-Hodgkins lymphoma. I just completed a bunch of scans and am meeting with my oncologist tomorrow to discuss treatment. I know that I will be undergoing chemotherapy based on the drug Fludarabine but I don’t know much else yet. Anyone been through this, or know someone who has? Any advice? Stories with happy endings? If your cancer story has an unhappy ending, please keep it to yourself.
I’m terribly sorry to hear that. Good that it’s been caught early.
I am not an expert, so I hope someone will correct me if I get anything wrong.
A friend of mine was diagnosed with this last June. The key seemed to be whether it was asymmetric or not. Hers was only on one side of the lymphatic system, which apparently has a good prognosis. Over six months she underwent nine (?) courses of chemo, in batches of three, resulting in all the usual side-effects, but wasn’t too badly crippled by it, and still had the energy to look after her two kids and remain cheerful within a couple days of treatment. After the second treatment her nodes were back to the normal size, and after the third one - January this year - she was given the all clear. She has to have a blood test every three months for 5+ years just to keep an eye on things, but generally a great result, and she’s back to being fit as a fiddle, and is growing her hair back at a great rate (and she looked good in a wig, too).
Best of luck.
CubHubby was diagnosed with stage one Hodgkins’ disease in 1988. He’s fine, fat and sassy now, 18 years later. Our friend John had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1994 and he’s perfectly healthy now, too. John went through several rounds of chemo and radiation. CubHubby had surgery and radiation.
Since my husband was diagnosed, we have met many people who have had long term survival of lymphomas.
Where was your swollen lymph node?
Best of luck with your treatments, Emilio Lizardo.
My brother in law had it - when it was discovered it was very, very advanced. We thought we’d lose him at one point - when he came to our wedding we knew he had kicked it. He’s FINE now. It really IS a happy ending.