Survivor

llbirmie58

My name is Linda and I finished treatment with chemo and radiation last October, my problem is I am having difficulty living with the new me and the thought that it will come back

PBL

Hello Linda,

Your concern is, unfortunately, one of those we all have to find a way to manage… Coming to terms with a cancer diagnosis and the prospect of having to repeatedly subject ourselves to more or less harsh treatment sessions is difficult. Do not hesitate to ask your care team to direct you to a therapist to help you cope with it and transition to your return to "normalcy". You may also want to consider taking up a new hobby or gentle physical activity, as appropriate.

May I ask what "brand" of lymphoma you have been diagnosed with, and whether you have been told to expect a relapse?

llbirmie58

I had non -Hodgkins large B cell lymphoma, in October they said I was cured but now I have a swollen lymph node on my scan. I know 3 out of 10 the cancer comes back I am scared I am one of them.

PBL

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1722188#Comment_1722188

So I assume this was a 6-month follow-up scan, that you have read the report and have not yet seen your hematologist…

If you were not aware of this lymph node and have not been experiencing the same symptoms as before treatment, I would suggest that you keep in mind that lymph nodes can swell up as part of their normal function. If you've recently had a vaccine, or a cold, or a minor scratch, this would not necessarily mean anything sinister.

It is also quite normal to fear the worst, although it is reallly not helpful - which is why you may want to seek ways to manage that anxiety.

I hope this helps, and that you get reassuring news from your doctor soon.