Need information and insight

don't guess at your diagnosis. Instead go to an oncologist. To me it seems unwise to make life changing decisions based on sketchy info and guessing. I lived just next door to ND in MN for a very long time. I can tell you definitively that you will not find better care anywhere. Good luck.

Hello Menoozie,

A lymphoma diagnosis is a precise (and often lengthy) process necessarily requiring a biopsy. There are many different types, each with their own specific treatments. Treatment options also depend on a variety of factors, such as the patient's age/condition, other medical issues, symptoms, affected site/organs, etc. They range from "watch and wait" to radiotherapy, combination chemotherapy, and all the way to allogeneic transplant.

Therefore, as Shady Guy above has already replied to you, there is no point in diagnosing yourself. Symptoms of lymphoma can also be symptoms of something totally different, that an MD has been trained to detect, and that  we mere mortals may not even be aware of. If you are experiencing symptoms of "something", get thee to a doctor's and let him/her start the diagnostic process. Then, by all means, if indeed you have guessed correctly, come back with your definite diagnosis and treatment plan and I am sure you will find many people here to answer your questions.

As regards the need to be surrounded by a cohort of helpers, no need to worry. You and your somewhat reluctant (if I read you correctly) husband will probably be able to manage on your own - you might consider paying someone for a few weekly hours of housecleaning work IF you ever have to undergo chemotherapy and IF it makes you feel too ill. Perhaps - but there again, that depends on treatment - if neither you nor your husband can drive, you may need assistance getting to and from hospital.

Just to give you an idea, last year I had six rounds of a chemotherapy regimen which is generally considered to be towards the harsh end of the spectrum. It did not stop me from going out most days and taking care of my own shopping and cooking. I have since resumed work.

Hope this answers your current preoccupations.

Do let us know what a professional MD finds!

PBL

First knowing which of the many kinds of Lymphoma you have makes a huge difference in treatment etc. I like others on this forum can only give you their experience and even on the same treatment that is different. Every person responds differently. Some have very view side effects and some have many. So I will answer your questions but do not want you to have a false sense of security that now you have all your information to make a decision.

I first went to Dr 2/5/2017. Diagnosis was around 2/24/2017 of the specific type of Lymphoma.

I had 2 very rare types one Hodgkins and one Non Hodgkins. One was indolent and one was aggresive.

Started treatments on 3/21/2017 after getting 2 more opinions from Oncologist for course of treatment.

Treatment 1-3 were ok still got out except on A few bad days. Treatment 4 and 5 I have been more fatigued but still up and about. I have slept very late for long periods of time maybe 4 or 5 days of the 15 weeks of treatment thus far. Helps to have someone who can pamper you on bad days but I can do it if push comes to shove.

I have been on RCHOP. I have hopefully 1 treatment left. 

Remember everyone is different and what kind of treatment you get makes a big difference. I am also 53 which I am told by all my Dr's is young . 

Sandy Ray

menoozie said:

Thank you all for your

Thank you all for your information and "chastisement". I realize that a list of symptoms do not equate to cancer and just wanted some insight in case they do. I am almost 69 and had (have) what seemed unrelated issues/symptoms until three new ones occurred. While researching one (nodes on right side of neck), when lymphoma came up, it was like a checklist for what's been going on with me for the past six to nine months or so.  I intend to see a doctor next week (wanted to give nodes opportunity to possibly go away if just inflammation) and go from there. Sorry if in your minds I'm being silly but thought "they've been there - they'll understand". Apparently not but blessings to all. 

That cancer produces symptoms, but symptoms do not produce cancer. Once we are suspicious of something sininter occurring, we tend to notice each and every ache, pain and oddity of bodily function and aggregate them, when they may be completely unrelated. You are not silly to be concerned about your health, as conditions arrive and multiply as we age. The point is that lymph nodes are not cancer detectors, but integral parts of our immune sytem. If they did not react and enlarge, we would all soon expire of massive infection - the most common enemy we have. Simply keep doctor updated on any new concerns and let the medical degree decide.  

unknown said:

Have you seen the doctor yet?

Have you seen the doctor yet??? I am curious to know what you have found out. I am very much like you, in that I google everything! Sometimes it has caused me unnecessary worry, but there are times it has brought me a measure of relief as well. The key is to stick to reputable sites. Regardless of whether you "google" or not, don't  wait to see your doctor! It is worth the peace of mind it gives you to know or at least to be on the path to knowing what is going on. 

That being said, you sound like you are a planner and perhaps that helps you to cope with worry. See what the doctor says...it could very well be something completely unrelated to cancer. If it is lymphoma, don't panic! They are making great strides in treatment. And regardless of what the prognosis is, don't be afraid to ask for help and take it when offered! And if your husband isn't helpful, talk to him about what you need. Do not think of yourself as a bother! We all need help and care sometimes...you are an important part of your family, and need to think of yourself as one. Now go see that doctor! (And don't even think about moving at this point!)

I work in IT and I always approach problems looking to gather all of the information I can. Then dig through it and figure out the options. Next step is to determine the pluses and minuses of each option. That is how I prepared and got through it all.