More facts and tidbits about lymphoma...

[Mochadelicious]

I have a very good book called Living with Lymphoma by Elizabeth Alder.  Ms. Alder is a nuerobiologist who was also diagnosed herself with lymphoma.  It is filled with tons of scientific facts and information.  It has become my lymphoma bible and I often turn to it for answers to my own questions.  I was thinking that I would like to occasionally post and share some interesting facts and tidbits that might help others researching lymphoma.  I will title my posts "More facts and tidbits about lymphoma".

So here goes...

-The most common symptom of lymphoma is painless enlargement of one or more lymph nodes.  In fact, in over two-thirds of persons with lymphoma, visible enlargement of lymph nodes is the symptom that sends people to the doctor.  In both Hodgkin Lymphoma and NHL, lymph node enlargement is most frequently noticed in the lymph nodes of the neck.  Nodes in the groin and armpit are commonly enlarged in NHL as well.  Slow growing forms of NHL--often called low-grade or indolent NHL--often involve widespread node enlargement affecting multiple nodes.

[Mochadelicious]

Hi Eileen.  I hear ya...some days it's just easier to go numb and bury our heads in the sand.  I think it's how we cope when we just need a break from it all.

I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that Bill's bone marrow is clean.  Fill the next few weeks with lots of holiday cheer, close family and maybe some spiked eggnog.  :-). Merry Christmas.

[Eileen611]

Bill did well during the bone marrow though the anesthetic injections were not pleasant.  Still waiting for the second pathology report too.....I am so nervous about that too.  Yet there are days when I think I just zone out and live in this bubble where I believe the chemo will kill this disease and he'll never have to go through this again.  Almost like being numb.  I do have hope and so does he........I can't be any other way or I will just lose it and he needs me to be optimistic and upbeat.  I can't let the fear take over. I just pray the bone marrow is good.....it all hinges on that.  So for now we are focusing on Christmas and being thankful that this was caught so early.  After the holidays, the hard part begins but he will get through it and then we keep moving forward with our lives. I guess some would say I have my head buried in the sand. Thanks for listening Mocha.

[Mochadelicious]

So how did his bone marrow test go?  I've only had one so far but my doctor did a good job keeping the pain at a minimum.  I would bet it comes back clean since his blood work was clean.  

Yes, this waiting stuff is for the birds isn't it?  For me it was probably the hardest part.  I wanted to hurry up and get done with the diagnosing and staging so I could get going on the treating and getting better.  And remember, sometimes hope is all we have, so don't be afraid to use it.  I'll be waiting to hear back from you, Eileen.  Take care.

[Eileen611]

I will definately keep those in mind....again, thanks!  He had the bone marrow test done Monday so now we wait, and pray, that it isn't in the marrow.  The dr feels not, because his last blood work showed no signs a week ago. Still praying for a stage 1 prognosis, but I am almost afraid to hope.  Will post again once I know the results.  I hate this hurry up and wait stage!!!  

[Ken_PA]

okay, but keep in mind that melatonin and Co-Q10 are over-the-counter and might lessen harmful effects from the R-CHOP

but Doxil is indeed the alternate drug

[Eileen611]

You touched on a very big concern of mine when you said that it could eradicate it or leave room for the worst of it to come barreling through!  This is why I feel so strongly about a second opinion.  Mocha also mentioned localized radiation,also something I want to talk about with the dr. The bone marrow is scheduled for Monday so I will bring up the alternate drugs you mentioned as well as a referral to Dr. Leonard. Again, my thanks to you for all the information you so willingly share!!