new dx- diffuse B cell NHL-need suggestions

Hello
Hi - I was diagnosed with diffuse large b cell mediastinal lymphoma in August 2007. I had R-CHOP chemo followed by radiation. I am now in complete remission, back to work and living my life as normally as possible. It's an incredible, life changing event but you will get through it. A couple of suggestions... check out the lymphoma forum on webmagic at www.lymphoma.com - there are many wonderful survivors and people currently in treatment there who are fabulous resource and great people to "talk" to. I read a terrific book called "When God and Cancer Meet" that helped me address this from a spiritual angle. I found a spiritual side to my life that I never had before and I thank god every day that I'm here to live another day. Good luck to you and feel free to email me at: shellysaw@gmail.com with any questions.

lucky001
I am sorry that your going through this. I had stage 3 difuse large B-Cell Lymphoma in 2003. I had the CHOP+Rituxin and 25 radiation treatments. My cancer was in my face following nerves and along the outside of the bone. I won't tell you everything is going to be easy. Its quite normal for people to get sick from these treatments and there are side effects. But I decided before I started that I was not going to get sick and never did. Diet and rest are very important. Your body will constantly be throwing new things at you so please come on here and ask questions. Remember that your not just going through this alone and you have to fight for those that love or care about you. Its easy to get self centered when your in pain. The positive news is that the people your talking to on here are survivors. We put up with the loss of hair, sore muscles, financial struggles, numerous tests and everything else cancer could throw at us. And we are still here with our families and enjoying life as best we can. So here are some ideas for you now! If you feel the drugs are being put into your body too fast, tell the nurse to slow things down. You should be able to gauge what your body will absorb if you start feeling sick. I would come home and take 3 baths a day for 3 days to soak the chemo out of my pours. Yes you will smell the chemo coming out. Limit the smells like cooking food in your home as you really won't like some of them. I came home to my wife cooking bacon and had to stay outside for a while. Stay away from crowds of people or people that are sick. The last thing you need is a fever where your admitted back into the hospital. EAT,EAT,EAT. Your body needs food to rebuild cells. But stay away from drinks or food that cause acid in your stomach. You will have enough of that with the presidone I assume you will be taking for a few days after your chemo. Sleep when your body says you need a rest. Try to walk a couple times a day to keep your leg muscles working as sitting around will only bind things up. Moving muscles will shorten your recovery later and you will recover! Some of us suffered from loss of memory or the ability to multitask. I did crossword puzzles to make my mind work. Get a large desk calendar and write down every drug you take and all of your treatments and appointments. Its not uncommon to forget you just took a pill 10 minutes ago. You can beat this and with a family that is supportive you are in a much better position than many people. As I had my faith in God along with many family members and friends I was blessed in many ways. You will feel at times that people don't understand what your going through and that is quite normal. That is why we are here to support you. WE UNDERSTAND. Understanding what is going on with you and your body will help calm you down. There is nothing worse than not having answers to questions and constantly thinking about them. I had my lymphoma at 48 years of age and it took 4 months to diagnose. I had almost constant pain in my face for 2 years before a bump appeared and we started looking for cancer. In other words it had a good start in my body before treatments started. But I beat it and you can also. Giving up is not an option. Don't let cancer control your life. Don't take your pain out on others. Look forward to everyday the sun shines and relax to the sound of rain on your roof. Keep your life as simple as possible. And please come back here if you have questions or any problems that we can help with. I will be praying for you. Slickwilly

NHL survivor
Hi there.. In Sept I will have 3 yrs in remission...I had stage 4 aggressive diffuse large B cell also...with 8 courses of RChop. The best advice I can give you is to find joy in your life... in spite of this disease. The more you dwell on the cancer the stronger it's hold on you. It is a decision on your part but can make all the difference. There will always be people better off than you and worse off. I just feel that I am so much more than a cancer patient. I am still a mom, a sister, a friend, and a pretty good singer in the shower still LOL. When you need to cry, then cry..but then try to count all your blessings and there will be many if you look for them...Listen to music you enjoy, enjoy a meal with a loved one, try to do something for someone else who is ill..giving to others is a great way to feel better yourself..
And no, cancer is not easy, and I am not being a Pollyanna about it. Since my chemo I have had my 2nd knee replacement and now am having spinal surgery so I fully realize there are some difficult days. The difference is that I have decided not to give this disease one more moment of my joy than I have to.
Keep trying to communicate with positive people that keep your spirits lifted. I pray soon you will be in complete remission and finding peace and joy again.