Chemo only option?

[gymcoach]

Ok I just got 3 lymph nodes taken out and its getting tested for lymphoma. My doctor told me if I have it I have to do Chemo. Is this my only option? I would like it to be my last option and i'm really scared...

[SamQKitty]

As far as I know (and admittedly my knowledge of lymphoma is limited), chemo is the only option because you can't remove all the lymph nodes/lymph fluid from the body and radiation to the entire body would be too much. The type of chemo will probably be dependent upon exactly what type of lymphoma shows up after they do all the pathology tests.

Please do not be so scared of chemo. There are so many anti-nausea drugs on the market today that most people can go through chemo without any major side effects. Ideally, one is given intravenous anti-nausea medications (Zofran is one) prior to the chemo medication being injected. Then they usually send you home with compazine as well.

Of course, each individual chemo regimen can have different side effects, and even the same regimen on different people can have different effects. However, your oncologist should be able to work with you to minimize discomfort.

My mother was on and off chemo for nearly eight years due to advanced breast cancer. In that entire time, she only missed one day of work! I myself had chemo a few years back and had no nausea, although I did have generalized pain, but it only lasted for a couple of days and was manageable with pain meds.

The term "cancer" can be very scary; yet many cancers are totally curable nowadays, and even some which are not curable are completely manageable (where you might need further treatment, but could live a long and otherwise healthy life for many years).

Wait and see what the pathology results are; then you'll know a lot more and can perhaps get more specific answers.

Ruth

[gymcoach]

im more worried about loosing my hair.....does all chemo cause this?

[antoinettev3]

Not all chemo treatments cause hair loss and of those that cause hair loss not everyone loses all their hair. Sometimes it just gets thinner. Your hair will grow back. I know the thought of losing your hair may seem devastating now but you don't know if that's even going to happen. Even if it does it's temporary and your life is more important.

My brother-in-law had non-hodgkins lymphoma over 10 years ago and went through chemo but didn't lose his hair.

I know the waiting is one of the worst things and your mind races out of control with the "what ifs" but do the best you can to keep a positive attitude and if the news is bad know that you will deal with it.

Cancer is not a death sentence anymore. More cancers are succesfully treated today then ever before and that includes even the most aggresive. I highly recommend reading Dr. Bernie Siegel's books for uplifting and positive stories about people dealing with cancer. It was a life saver for me when I was diagnosed with a rare cancer 10 years ago and I'm fighting it again today.

Good luck to you and I will pray that your lymph nodes come back clean.

Antoinette

[SamQKitty]

Antoinette -
My mom also read Bernie Siegel and found him a great inspiration. I'm sorry to hear that you're fighting another cancer, but hope it will go as well this time as last time.

GymCoach -
Antoinette's right about the hair loss...depends on the type of chemo; depends on the individual. I lost mine, but luckily it was late spring when I started the chemo, so I got a bunch of hats and a bunch of bandanas and other types of scarves to wear on my head. I wore them under the hats, and frankly I don't think I've ever looked quite so stylish! I've been taking yoga from the same instructor for years, and she informed my fellow classmates of my condition...they presented me with a hat collection not to be believed. And a very close friend even bought me a hard hat, which I wore to radiation therapy one day and totally cracked up the technicians. Trust me on this...best way to get through it is with a large dose of humor!

On a more serious note, most insurance companies will pay for a wig for people going through chemo...get a good one and have your hairdresser cut it to your style, so it looks pretty natural. Or, conversely, this is the time to try on a new hair color via wigs. Do get a wig liner, as your scalp sometimes gets quite itchy from chemo.

Of course, your pathology may come back negative, in which case you won't need any of this advice! I will all keep that good thought for you in my prayers.

Ruth