Diagnosed with lymphoma: need answers - Lymphomas Message Board

ScarlettA · 07-28-2009, 10:03 PM

A few days ago, I posted this question as a response to someone else's message. Now I am going to copy and paste it as new thread, in hopes that someone can help me.

My husband, age 74, was just diagnosed with low grade lymphoma.
He had all the tests - bone marrow biopsy, CT an PT scan, bone scan, blood, etc. The doctor told him today that he doesn't want him to do chemo, but instead be on a "wait and watch" plan. In other words, NO treatment at all. He will go back in three months for another blood draw.
The strange thing is that my husband feels fine - full of energy and sleeps and eats well, and hasn't lost any weight. We can't figure out if this is a dangerous cancer or not? The doc seems to be fluffing it off. On the internet sites it says that a person can live for 10 to 20 years with lymphoma. So it doesn't sound serious? I wonder if it can suddenly turn bad?

osorosy · 08-04-2009, 05:34 PM

There are several forms of Lymphoma. Some more aggressive than others. I have heard that watch and wait is a very typical plan for the less aggressive diseases.
Good luck to you and your husband.
Kari

Malc · 08-05-2009, 09:57 PM

Hi, Much like your husband I was diagnosed with NHL in March 2009. I have had all the tests and am also being treated on a watch and wait regime. This is normal practice if there are no obvious signs lof the lymphoma taking a hold. eg. night sweats, loss of weight etc. so make the most of watch and wait. I like your husband am in the same boat. learning to live with it.