My mom has Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma

[poohbear227]

Hello,

I posted this on the Community Board, but I thought I might get additional support on here.

My mom just got diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. We originally thought she had Leukemia, but they told her otherwise this morning, We are waiting now to hear what stage she is in. They caught this through a routine blood test 7 she has no outward symptoms right now. She is in her late 50's.

I am so scared & I am just having so much trouble getting through my work day & everything. I'm crying all the time & I'm scared I'm going to lose my mom.

My best friend ironically got this same exact disease 2 years ago at age 30. She did have outward symptoms & she was diagnosed at stage 4. She underwent 8 months of intensive chemo & beat her cancer. She has been cancer free for 2 years now. This should give me hope for my mom, but my BFF was 30 years old. My mom is in her late 50's. I know that her prognosis is not as good as my BFF's was.

I just don't know what to do. I feel scared for my mom & I feel sick for myself-I remember what a nightmare this was to go through with my BFF. I can't believe I have to go through this again with another loved one. and I don't want to lose my mom.

I've heard this is one of the easier cancers to beat, but with my mom's age, I think it won't be as easy.

Anyways, I just needed to vent. I"m not usually one to pray-I've always actually considered myself agnostic, but I sure am going to give it a try now.

 

[CarolynU]

Keep positive and keep fighting. Being in your 50's is still no age, so stay strong. I hope that your news is the best possible.

 

[ScrapperBelle]

I'm so sorry. My sister was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and I know how anxious and stressful those first few weeks are.

Once she found a good team of doctors and began her treatments, I began to feel much better. Her cancer is stage III and in the lymph nodes as well. Every doctor and nurse involved in her treatment have been super supportive and optimistic, so it makes us all feel better.

When I have been with her to the cancer center, I see lots of older folks who seem to be coping with their treatments very well. My sister's case is just the opposite...every dr and nurse have made the comment to her that she is very young (36) to have her type of cancer. But, being in your 50's is not old. I'm positive your mother will do fine.

I'm sending lots of prayers and positive thoughts your way. BTW, I understand your statement about prayer. Although I'm not very religious, I do believe in God and I do pray. I honestly think that prayer is a very positive form of energy and it helps to have lots of it on your side.

I hope you all find comfort and peace for the battle ahead of you. Be strong.

 

[Mskanga]

First of all I am sorry to hear about your mom's diagnosis but another thing you must know is that possitive attitude is half the battle.
When I was taking my daughter for chemo last year I saw many older people that was doing better than my daughter was.
Stay strong , everything is going to be fine.

 

[kimis]

I am so sorry for your mom and you all will be in prayers. Here are just a few suggestions and I hope they help a little.....
* Stay POSITIVE
* Know that they have come a long way in treating Non-hodgens
* Remember that if she hasn't had any symptoms than maybe it was caught
very early in the stages
* Cancer is NOT a death sentence anymore.
* Take it one day or one moment at a time.
* Don't worry if you shed a tear or two. A moment of tears every now and
then can be good.
* Continue making happy times and lots of memories
* Being in the "late fifties" isn't old anymore (yes I am in my fifties also LOL)
* Let your mom talk about her diagnoses and feelings--just listen
* Now that your friends here on the disboard are here for you to vent, cry
to pray for you and your family.
Keep us posted! The diagnoses was a shock to you and it is human nature to think the worst but take a deep breath and tell yourself you aren't going to panic until you talk to the dr. When the dr tells you all the treatment plan and that your mom can beat it then it will be easier for you to be a little more positive. In my prayers.

 

[frdeb1999]

So sorry. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. But everyone is right. Keep positive. That is the best thing you can do at this point.

 

[WhateverLolaWants]

Just saw this thread and wanted to wish you the best. My father (57 at the time) was diagnosed with stage III NHL last December. I am happy to say that by May he was 100% in the clear, and at his 6 month check in October they said his scans looked even better. His coworker was diagnosed with stage IV years and years ago and she's doing very well, and my father's ENT's elderly mother even beat her NHL once (maybe even twice, I don't remember).

If she hasn't chosen her oncologist yet, then ask friends, acquaintances, etc of doctors they or their loved ones have used. I think the most important part of the healing process is finding the best doctor who will be attentive and 100% honest with your family. And stock pile on hand sanitizer.

Keep us updated, ok?

 

[sarasotamom]

First of all, it is okay to cry. I have been through this twice and the crying is one's way to cope with this.

My mother was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma twelve years ago in her fifties (58). She has been in remission since the third round of radiation. I don't remember the exact kind she had but it manifested itself in the skin. She had a wonderful oncologist that put many of our fears to rest. She just turned 70 this year and is healthy.

A positive attitude is really half the battle. Also, ask friends, and co-workers for a good oncologist. My daughter was diagnosed with Large B Cell Diffuse Lymphoma in September. She went to the same oncologist as my mother and he put many of our fears to rest. I too, was scared, and shed many tears, but after our first visit to the doctor, many of our fears were put to rest.

My daughter is 34. She was having episodes of dizziness and losing weight. The doctor found a lump in her neck and after blood tests and a biopsy she was diagnosed with lymphoma. It took 3 days for the final diagnosis of the specific kind.

In my daughter's case, it has been treated with 6 rounds (every 3 weeks) of CHOP and Ritossin (spelling). The Ritossin is a major factor in the cure of this disease. It has been used since 2005 and it has vastly raised the cure rate of this cancer. She was diagnosed in early stage 2. The tumors were in her neck and around her breastbone. After her third round of chemo, she had another PET scan and the tumors are gone and she is now in remission. She has 2 more rounds to go through now and then she will receive the Ritossin once every 6 months for two years.

This is a very common form of cancer (the fifth most diagnosed). Since my daughter has been diagnosed, two people in her office are also going through chemo after being diagnosed. I will say one thing, our family has grown leaps and bounds from this. We were very close before this but we are now even closer. We have learned to be honest and say how much we care for one another. The little things do not bother us as they once did.

At first, I will admit that I was shocked, angry, and one day I just asked God ,"Why did you have this happen to my baby". But as I look back on it, maybe there was a reason. I have grown as a person, I do not go one day without telling my children how much I love and admire them.

My baby has been so courageous through this. We as a family decided that we were going to fight this. When her hair fell out she said "Look out Demi Moore". I am so proud of her and marvel in the spunk that she has. It has not been easy for her but she is a real trooper.

Her last CHOP treatment will be January 5. On May 16 we are going on a 7 day Disney Cruise to celebrate life.