Diagnosed last night - in shock

Time for an update!

Yesterday we went to the oncologist. It turns out that A has stage 3A Hodgkins. He will be treated with ABVD starting on Friday for what will likely be six cycles.

As I type this I am remarkably calm -- I guess it's the idea that we're going to do something about the Hodgkin's that's calming both of us down. The doctor didn't think he needed a port-a-cath as he has "good veins". I think we'll see how the treatment goes and get one later if needed. Are there complications with a port-a-cath?

Unfortunately I"ve been sick and I think A has a touch of the cough now. He went to bed early and seems better today.

The weather here in Boston is not too great -- icy and cold. I'm glad our appointment was yesterday!

We are both scared but much stronger and more confident than we were three weeks ago. The shock has worn off and now we're trying to focus on getting through the treatment. He's very worried about the side-effects. I've tried to block all of that out and have focused on getting him healthy! It's so strange that someone can be so sick and feel and look so well.

Last week we were married 16 years -- I hope and pray that next year on our anniversary he will be hodgkin's free.

Thank you all for your support. Your personal experiences have been helpful, calming and inspirational for us.

Any advice you'd like to share in terms of being ready physically or emotionally for the first chemo would be great.

I will post an update after the first treatment.

uglyowl said:

I went to MGH for a second opinion. Are you seeing Dr. Takvorian. If so you got a great doctor.

I was diagnosed in February 2004 with 3A. I am now back to work and waiting for my next check up in January which will be 5 months after I finished chemo.

Good luck to you,

-Joe

Hi Joe,

Yes, we're patients of Dr. Tak! I hope we do as well as you have! My husband picked up all of his medication today (Friday is the first chemo). He's not as calm as he was yesterday -- first times are probably the scariest.

Anyway, thanks for your note! I wish the best of luck with your scans!

Lisa

Time for an update!

Hi!

It's been such a long time since I last wrote -- I wanted to provide a mini-update on my husband.

My husband is going to have his fourth treatment on Friday. Overall he is doing pretty well. He opted out of a cath (no interest) and his veins are holding up (so far, so good). He counts remain OK and he hasn't needed any extra medicine to boost them. (keeping our fingers crossed).

He seems to be tolerating the ABVD pretty well, although I noticed that he was much more tired after #3 than the previous two infusions. He is more than satisfied with the care he has received so far at the General.

I've noticed that the dynamics in our family have changed as a result of the disease. Because he is less energetic, our kids are having to do more (not popular), I've also gone back to work to ensure that we have medical insurance just in case something happens to his job. These changes have caused some stress. I do feel terrible about having less patience -- but I confess I'm tired as I"m doing more on less sleep. He is also getting more focused on the disease, the treatment, the side effects, etc.

On a positive note, the lump on his neck appears to be gone (at least to me) and the doctor is pleased with his progress.

I guess this is a bit longer than I thought. I want to thank everyone again for their helpful advice. I will post again (hopefully) after we get (GOOD) results on a scan tentatively scheduled for the March timeframe.

May this year bring good health and much happiness to everyone!

Best,
Lisa