Lymphoma vs Sarcoid

TNgirl111619 said:

Positivity

I like your positivity! That is my perspective on things right now as well. At least it is lymphoma, as much as no one ever wants a cancer diagnosis. I am thankful we found it the way we did and when we did. I already have "grapefruit size" masses in my mediastinum, is how they were described from the pulmonologist. I'm just ready to find out exactly what it is and fight it head on. Thanks for the support And advice! It really means more than anything else. And yes, Tennessee strong! 

TN,

Second opinions (diagnostic) are most justified in cases in which (1) the cancer is a very rare variety, and (2) when it is one that is difficult to diagnose.   Factors 1 and 2 are usually found together.   If you are being treated at a premier cancer center with a highly-regarded pathology department, and if neither factors 1 or 2 are present, then most people would not see a second opinion as necessary.  Also, oncologists will TELL you, straight up, whether or not your diagnosis is problematic.   A lesser form of 'second opinion' is having the biopsy sample sent to a second patholgy lab for confirmation.   This is more common, and does not reqire that the patient travel, etc.

Second opinions regarding treatment selection are justifed if the treatments are necessarily severe or life-threatening (e.g., SCT).  Usually, lymphoma at a given stage allows more than one Best Practices treatment choice.   Good oncologists will go over all accepted treatments in detail and use your choices as a factor in deciding on the therapy.

As everyone mentioned above, supplements, 'holistic remedies,' etc., are almost always discouraged during chemo.  Ask your doctor.

Hi TN nice to meet you I'm GG

I too have been diagnosed with Lymphom/ leukemia. I have CLL/SLL. Diagnosed Nov. 2, 2020. I'm a "watch and wait" case. I'm being monitored every 3 months. I had my second 3 month checkup on June 8.  I'm stable with slight lymph node enlargement. My labs are all good within range. I've had labs, labs and more labs, X-ray,  Cat scan, Pet Scan, biopsy, Pet scan.  I told the doctor I feel like a time bomb waiting to go off.  He said it doesn't work like that.  That it's slow and treatable.  He tells me "don't lose sleep over it". 
I'm a caregiver for my hubby we're seniors. He's got a lot of ailments. He literally is home bound. He has Pulmonary Fibrosis. Plus heart disease and, diabetes. Being his caregiver has been tough but it's doable. I do get tired usually in the afternoon.  I will take time for myself and rest for a couple hours. I asked my oncologist if there were any supplements I should take, he said no if there were I'd let You know.  But I've taken supplements my whole adult life.  Changing them over the years as I've aged. I did read not to eat raw fish and to not let meat thaw out on counter. Also I was taking Collagen and read that I probably shouldn't take it at this time.  I also stopped coloring my hair, last coloring was in Sept. of last year. My hair started falling out soon after my diagnosis. It was a shock to my system also the diagnosis of my hubby was another shock to the system.  But now seems to be ok. 
I'll be checking in from time to time. Know that this group is very informative, kind, and comforting.  Just what we all need.  
My prayers for you will be ongoing as for all of us that are in this together. 

Hugs GG

TNgirl111619 said:

Bone marrow biopsy

Has anyone had a bone marrow biopsy or know what to expect? I know the bone marrow makes blood cells but is this something they typically do? 

I have had it done three times. The purpose is to see if lymphoma has entered the bone marrow. A hollow needle is inserted into one or both hips and a sample of marrow is extracted for lab analysis.  It is not a particularly pleasant experience but is over very quickly. My onc did it in only my left hip but MD Anderson did both hips. As I said it is over in just a minute or two. It sounds worse than it is. You will do just fine.

TNgirl111619 said:

Appointments

Received a call from the nurse at my oncologist's office and they have scheduled me for a bone marrow biopsy Monday, PET scan Tuesday, and echo Thursday of next week. She mentioned a CD30 (which I had to look up) and mentioned Hodgkins but still no for sure diagnosis. They have sent the biopsy off to the Mayo Clinic for 2nd opinion. I will meet with my doctor on the 19th and they expect to have all results by then. 

Ive been following your journey so far.Sounds like they are right on all the appoitments,tests,biopsy,scans and echo.The bone marrowbiopsy was the most painful out of all of these.Sorry. They will probably start some sort of chemo plan in two weeks of all the results.Your on the right site to learn and get others comments and encouragement.

TNgirl111619 said:

Wow. I have heard that it can

Wow. I have heard that it can be painful, but it is just part of it. I've heard a lot about MD Anderson. If i have to go elsewhere, I will probably go to Vanderbilt. It would be the closest to home but others have recommended MD Anderson and the Mayo Clinic as well. What type of cancer did you have? Thank you for the encouragement. I hope that one day I can post here and be on your side of things and be able to help and support others. It really helps!

Stage IV Follicular with bone marrow involvement. I still have it and am under "watch and wait".I guess it is "resting" (LOL). My biggest symptoms are fatigue (quite severe at times - other times not so bad) and neuropathy in my feet. Blood counts remain low which accounts for some of the fatigue. Long as it doesn't transform I am good to go! Vanderbilt is good. My family in the Nashville area swear by them. My main treatment is still with my local oncologist and as backup one visit every 6 months to Duke. You can't go wrong with MD Anderson. I am a mountain person and averse to crowds, traffic and hustle-bustle. I found MD Anderson very intimidating - kinda like grand central station at rush hour with a real language barrier - something my poor hearing didn't help. Great people and they are very, very good at what they do. Cheers.