I'm wondering if there is anyone reading this that is over 15 years out from treatment. I am a Hodgkin's survivor, went through 8 months of Chemo and 3 months of radiation and finished 16 years ago. I've just been diagnoised with a thyroid issue that it looks like came as a result of radiation and my oncologist says that is to be expected after 15 years. So I'm wondering what else might be coming up so that I don't beat myself up again for not feeling well, when all along it was a thyroid issue. By the way to those not far along in treatment or just out - there is GREAT life after treatment and you CAN have a "normal" life!!!


PS a tip for those you experience mouth sores as a result of chemo - start taking L-lysine. its an amino acid you can get at the health food store - take it on a daily basis and it will help prevent you from getting the mouth sores. It worked wonders for me!!!

Hi there,
I found your post very encouraging.
I have Hodgkin's and had 8 treatments of chemo, and now am having 20 radiation treatments (I've done 7, 13 to go).
My original tumor was on my collarbone, with 2 smaller ones in my chest.
I was doing fine, until today---and started to feel like something's caught in my throat. My radiation nurse told me not to be alarmed...that it's a side effect. Anyway, I'm hopeful I'll be cured, or in remission soon. I'm banking on it!
I don't know if you watch Oprah, but she was diagnosed with a thyroid problem this past summer & it made her gain weight. I'm a bit concerned about secondary problems with radiation, too...but, my oncologist has assured me over & over that this treatment is best for me.
It's always nice to hear from a Hodgkin's survivor.
Thanks for sharing.
S.

the treatment isn't fun, but it is necessary to beat the cancer! As for what happens after, don't worry about that - concentrate on the now. Yes, there will be things to deal with in the future, but you will get through it. As for the difficulty swallowing, etc. just keep the nurses informed and get plenty of rest because the radiation really zaps your energy. The great news is that after you are finished it will start to come back!! I wish you the best.

Hi,
Just finished with my radiation, and I'm feeling t-i-r-e-d. whew.
..Was wondering if you found out anything about your thyroid issue.
I was told yesterday by my onc, that I might have a thyroid problem, when he accessed my symptoms.
How are you doing?
S.

Hey --I am 10 years out and havent had a problem yet --what were your symptoms --just weight gain? I have never heard of throid problem for people 15 years out post hodgkins. Has your doctor seen this in alot of patients?

I'm the cancer patients but Unfortunately, my husband ist no coping very well. He has gone into a depression, and has developed a cancer phobia in himself. He is scared that if anything happens him, he won't be able to take care of me later. As we are retired we spend a lot of time alone together...so things are difficult. He is going for councelling to-morrow. (he needs to be able to talk out his fears etc without upsetting anyone) I wonder would Lexapro give his tired mind the lift it needs. His doctor is hopeless. Imagine he went to a urulogist and the consultant said "tell your doctor you need to see a counseller". the doc he has been attending regularly for years just said he was depressed but did nothing more above it. Lexapro!!!!