Cancer Survivors Network

I understand your concern. It is hard seeing someone you love sick. I have noticed a couple of your messages on the board and I can tell that you are very involved in your father's treatment. I commend you for that because many of us who are and have gone through treatment have felt abandonment from some so the best thing you can is stick by his side. You have to think about a number of things when it comes to your father. Number one he is older, number two cancer affects your immune system, specifically HD affects the lymph tissue which a vital part of your immune system, third is chemotherapy is treatment from chemicals (chemicals that your body doesn't produce itself, something that isn't normally in your body) and lastly, I know your father doesn't have energy but staying inactive can't do much to help either. I was 22 and pretty much in good shape before I was diagnosed and chemotherapy definitely took its toll on me. People tolerate chemotherapy differently, what may work for others may not work for him and what may happen to others may not happen for your father. Your immune system is a very important part of your body and when it's down and not performing as it should your whole body feels the affect of it. Just think about having the flu or even a cold---having cancer is like having the flu to the 100th power or some may even increase that number. All I can advise you to do is just have faith. Have faith that things will be over soon. I know having faith is hard to think about when you see your father in a different light, but I'm speaking from experience. I've fought the fight and my faith got me through. I will keep your father and family in my prayers.