Hodgkin's at 20

Allison2010

Hi everyone. I'm new to this site.

I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's at age 20 in 1989.
6 weeks mantle radiation/spleenectomy
6 months chemotherapy
Breast cancer (DCIS) in 2005 (exactly 15 years post radiation)
Lumpectomy/targeted radiation (bizarre)
Thyroid issues
Infertility
Menopause at 39 (can't do any HRT b/c of estrogen receptive breast cancer)
Dental issues
Lung damage which makes physical activity I love more challenging
Some valve issues in my heart but otherwise still ok
Sensitive skin from time to time in the radiation field
Kidney pain from time to time

I stay physically active (ride bikes, lift weights, run, cardio, hike, ski) in spite of exercise induced asthma and decreased lung capacity. I take supplements, try to eat healthy and hope to stave off more cancer. I would love to have some friends to talk to about this from time to time. I am very grateful to be alive. I must admit I struggle at times to stay positive and hopeful and am heart-broken over infertility caused by the chemotherapy. Right now I am experiencing throat pain and just found out I have a small mass and cyst on my thyroid. Will get another ultrasound in 3 months. Maybe I need to have my esophagus checked. It's like a part-time job to try to stay up with all I should have checked out by doctors. I have a husband that is as healthy as a horse and have two beautiful Australian Shepherds that are the joys of my life!

Thanks for listening.

Allison, in Colorado

Debbie Lou

Hi Allison. My name is
Hi Allison. My name is Debbie and I was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma in 1994 at the age of 22. I also have had several issues after treatment. I understand the need to talk with people who understand you. It can be very difficult to stay positive when there are so many things you have to deal with. I will keep you in my prayers. I hope the ultrasound will go well for you and you get good news there. If you ever need to talk I am a pretty good listener and would be more than happy to listen to anything you would like to talk about. You know we all need to vent sometimes. Hope to hear from you.

bobsbarricades

I was living in South Korea
I was living in South Korea when I was diagnosed - had to coome home early and deal with it. Turned into 5 months of an attempted (faileld) natural remedy and 8 more of chemo (ABVD). I've only recently been let out of the house and pretty much bolted up to be with my brother in GA (8 months locked in your house with your parents at the age of 24 having just spend half a year on your own in another country=meltdown).

I don't know why I'm on here really. I think part of it is that I too want to talk with someone. but kind of someone I don't know. My parents couldn't deal with me being sick and it definitely turned me into a big recluse. Now I hate talking about all the garbage I go through now that I'm done with chemo because I feel like a major burden =P Sounds lame, I know.

Anyway, talk away - I actually like hearing about people that are as messed up as me as it seems all my friends are healthy and reckless =,(

alpeaceh

Hi Allison,
I was 25 when I
Hi Allison,

I was 25 when I was diagnosed in 1992. Have had a lot of the same issues...thyroid, infertility, early menopause, lung damage, & getting ready to have mitral valve heart surgery. Did you have ABVD?

Andrea