Need to know my survival chances

Fizzman
Fizzman Member Posts: 1
in Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin) #1
I'm an 86 year old 24/7 caregiver to my 85 year old wife. At age 71 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had my prostate removed. Several months later I was diagnosed with colon cancer and had the ascending portion of my colon removed. Last year I was diagnosed with Barrett's esophagas and six months ago I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. So far I've been able to keep up my cargiving resonsibilies of shopping, cooking, and kitchen maintaince, but recently I've began to lose energy. I have good days and bad days. I can't afford to die as my wife needs me.. Would just like to chat on line with someone in my same shoes. Respictfully. Fizz.

Comments

  • jimwins
    jimwins Member Posts: 2,107
    #2
    Welcome Fizz
    Welcome to this site Fizz. Sorry you have to be here but
    you'll find wonderfully caring and supportive people here.

    I want to commend you on being a dedicated husband and cargiver to
    your wife - all at the age of 86!

    Now it will help us all here if we know more details about your lymhpoma
    such as the type, sub-type, where it was found and the stage.
    We are not trying to pry into your business but it's difficult to
    offer advice without knowing these things. A lot of this you can
    fill out in the "about me" section of your profile.

    There are very many susccess stories here and many people with types of
    lymphoma that aren't necessarily treated right away (depends on type and stage).

    In addition to your questions, you are free to come here and just talk - let
    things out, etc. People here are very understanding. You can talk about
    anything as long as it is not offensive. Also remember this site is
    public so do not give out any identifiying information like telephone numbers,
    address, your real name, etc.

    Big hugs and we welcome you,

    Jim
  • jimwins
    jimwins Member Posts: 2,107
    #3
    Just checking in
    Hey Fizz,

    Hopefully others will respond soon.
    You're in my thoughts.

    Jim
  • allmost60
    allmost60 Member Posts: 3,178 Member
    #4
    Need to know...
    Hi Fizz,
    Wow...I'm amazed at how well you have done considering everything you have gone through! The best suggestion I can come up with is that maybe it's time for you to check into having someone come in 2 or 3 times a week to help you out. Call the senior citizen center in your area and see if they have volunteers to help...I know they have people here at ours that help out. You might be able to get Meals on Wheels to help out with bringing meals to your home and a volunteer to do your grocery shopping. That would cut down on your kitchen clean up and allow you to rest more. Do you have family close by to lend a hand? Talk to your neighbors and explain your situation and maybe they can help. I help my neighbor who is 85 and never feel like it's a burden...it's what good neighbors do for each other. Please come back and share how you are doing. My heart goes out to you and I will keep you and your dear wife in my prayers. Take care and best wishes...Sue (Follicular NHL-stage3-typeA-grade2) age 61.
  • jimwins
    jimwins Member Posts: 2,107
    #5
    allmost60 said:

    Need to know...
    Hi Fizz,
    Wow...I'm amazed at how well you have done considering everything you have gone through! The best suggestion I can come up with is that maybe it's time for you to check into having someone come in 2 or 3 times a week to help you out. Call the senior citizen center in your area and see if they have volunteers to help...I know they have people here at ours that help out. You might be able to get Meals on Wheels to help out with bringing meals to your home and a volunteer to do your grocery shopping. That would cut down on your kitchen clean up and allow you to rest more. Do you have family close by to lend a hand? Talk to your neighbors and explain your situation and maybe they can help. I help my neighbor who is 85 and never feel like it's a burden...it's what good neighbors do for each other. Please come back and share how you are doing. My heart goes out to you and I will keep you and your dear wife in my prayers. Take care and best wishes...Sue (Follicular NHL-stage3-typeA-grade2) age 61.

    Thank you Sue
    Thanks for responding. I am not exactly at my best right now.
    I'm fine, just tired some and a little chemo brained I think :).

    Jim
  • COBRA666
    COBRA666 Member Posts: 2,401 Member
    #6
    Ditto
    Fizzman,
    Sue and Jim are right on the ball. I agree with all they have said. Lymphoma is a scary word to say the least. Like Jim was saying, when we have more info into exactly what your diagnosis is we can shed more light on everything for you. We all know exactly how you feel at this moment. John
  • JoanieP
    JoanieP Member Posts: 573
    #7
    Fizz
    You sound like an amazing man and your wife is blessed to have your care and love. You have been through a lot. You seem very strong and you can beat NHL also. May God bless you and your wife. Sue had some great ideas. Trust me Sue is a wonderful person and always takes the time to help everyone. Please know a lot of people care here. Joanie
  • jnyb2020
    jnyb2020 Member Posts: 10
    #8
    Hello, Mr. Fizz
    Mr. Fizz, I would first like to let you know you are an inspiration!! Not just as a wonderful husband, but also as a courageous cancer Warrior! You are on your fourth battle, but you have proven yourself as one heck of a fighter! If they gave medals for what we go through, you would at least deserve the Silver Star, with "V" for valor!!
    I am so sorry you are going through this..again. But I agree too, with Sue, that you might want to share some of your burden, as there are some wonderful people out here more than willing to help.
    It has been a while since I went through my tour with NHL, (stage 3, poor prognosis. That was over 20 years ago!) but what I am reading, there have been great strides in the treatments, but you do need to make some "YOU" time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Fizz. Semper Fi, John
  • scuttlebug11
    scuttlebug11 Member Posts: 175
    #9
    jnyb2020 said:

    Hello, Mr. Fizz
    Mr. Fizz, I would first like to let you know you are an inspiration!! Not just as a wonderful husband, but also as a courageous cancer Warrior! You are on your fourth battle, but you have proven yourself as one heck of a fighter! If they gave medals for what we go through, you would at least deserve the Silver Star, with "V" for valor!!
    I am so sorry you are going through this..again. But I agree too, with Sue, that you might want to share some of your burden, as there are some wonderful people out here more than willing to help.
    It has been a while since I went through my tour with NHL, (stage 3, poor prognosis. That was over 20 years ago!) but what I am reading, there have been great strides in the treatments, but you do need to make some "YOU" time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Fizz. Semper Fi, John

    home help
    fizz talk to your hospital social worker thats who helped me, i am on a waiver program i get 93 hours a month, with help at home meals laundry, grocery shopping rides to the docter or hospital. i don't sit and do nothing but my energy level is low after my second tretment with chop i was in the hospital a lot and i could'nt finih my last treatment my lymphocites and platelets are stil low and my immune sysem is compromised, so feel so tired a lot the extra help is realy appretiated blessings denise
  • po18guy
    po18guy Member Posts: 1,508 Member
    #10
    Possibly better than you suspect
    A lot will depend upon your general health, the specific type of lymphoma that you have been diagnosed with, as well as the stage that it is in. However, there is more hope than ever for many who have even the rarer types of NHL. There are new non-chemotherapy drugs which are low toxicity. You are clearly a survivor, and have a strong motivation to fight. Due to your role as caregiver, I would suggest that you contact the largest, most experienced treatment center that is available to you, as the involvement of a specialist can be vital. Doing so saved my life. You are in my prayers.

    Jim

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