Hodgkin's Lymphoma - Lymphomas Message Board

Caregiver21 · 11-13-2007, 09:14 PM

Hi everyone,

Since I'm new on the board, I was hoping that those with Hodgkin's could chime in.

I read a lot of the threads but since this is a general lymphoma board, I wanted to know if there were many on this board that have/had Hodgkin's.

I hope to give encouragement (and get some pick-me-ups when I'm down!

) to those going through this awful fight. God Bless!

Eva

singer78 · 11-14-2007, 10:22 AM

Hi Eva,

Since no one has responded yet....well....here I am.

As you know already, I have Hodgkin's 2A, dx'd in May of this year.
Since then, it's been a whirlwind. I've yet to catch my breath.
I have noticed that there seems to be more people here with "non Hodgkin's" lymphoma, than with "Hodgkin's." Or maybe it's just this particular board.
I noticed, when I first found out & after doing research, that it seemed there were a lot more young people with Hodgkin's. It makes me wonder if, perhaps, it might stay 'dormant' in one's system for years. I had swollen glands ALL my life. I had my tonsils out when I was 6, and my parents thought that would help. It really didn't. I was such a sickly child...But, somehow managed through....until midlife....then WHAM...

How is your husband these days? Is his prognosis good?

I'm into my 2nd day of an antidepressant, myself. I know if I don't do something, I'll be a complete basket-case, waiting for my Pet/CT scan coming up in December.
I woke up today (even after only having taken 1 antidepressant so far) not feeling quite so desperate. Is it possible it's already working? If so,....I should've done that a long time ago.

This disease is not easy, that's for sure, as you already know.
Cancer is scary, no matter how you look at it.
I bet your husband is lucky to have someone like you, to care for him.
I don't know what I'd do without my husband. He's my "rock."

It's nice to have you on the board.
I've made many lovely friends here (you will, too) & the support is awesome!
love, S.

FullCircle08 · 11-19-2007, 02:40 PM

hey guys --thought I would chime in also to give a DIFFERENT perspective. I was diagnosed with Hodgkins's 2A in March of 1997. Yes 10 years ago. I am doing fine, (little bump I am dealing with along the way unrelated to cancer) I have been SUPER healthy and actually have totally forgotten about the disease. I never thought I would say that or I would ever reach this point, but it happens. I am proof that life goes on and there is a HUGE bright light at the end of the tunnel --Stick with it and be strong

O

singer78 · 11-19-2007, 05:12 PM

Thank you.
I LOVE hearing good news---especially from a Hodgkin's survivor!!!

Glad you're doing well.

Caregiver21 · 11-19-2007, 09:39 PM

Hi Meddguy (and Singer!),

Thanks for the chime in. I really hope that we can get to where you are now! It's so encouraging to hear from the survivors! Thanks for coming back on the board and helping us...I'd like to stay on and make sure that I can support those that are going through treatment right now and one day, be able to give advise while looking back at the years of Johnny being in remission!

Singer, you too! I just realized I didn't see your question in the last post here. Johnny's prognosis is good. He received a clean PET after finishing 6 cycles of chemo and prior to starting his rads. They said that it was a really good sign of his prognosis, to be clean prior to starting rads.

We went for 3 opinions prior to "hiring" his Onc (I was able to get them all within 2 weeks of each other). It was really something I believed strongly in and I wanted to make sure that Johnny felt exceptionally comfortable with his Onc. He didn't get any "warm and fuzzies" from the first Onc and that is what induced me to seek other opinions. We finally went with the leading Hodgkins guy in our area, and he was very impressive. Johnny's prognosis is 80-85% curable and that's what all 3 said. All 3 also had the same plan for treatment so it really boiled down to chemistry and comfort for Johnny. He made the final decision and I support him fully.

Your prognosis should be as good, if not better than Johnny's, Singer. You don't have the "B" symptoms and that jumps you up a bit in the percentages. Take heart! It will all be over soon and you'll be able to get back to doing the things you enjoy.

I pray that both you (Singer) and Meddguy continue to do well, wherever life leads you.

Take care!

Eva