Non-hodgkin's Lymphoma Support Group

Hey, don't knock yourself! As the saying goes, hind-sight is 20/20. But beating yourself up about "should've" and "could've" won't do anything more than hinder your focus on the future and the fight you've got ahead of you.

My brother just completed 6-months chemo for non-hodgkins lymphoma (nodal marginal zone b-cell). His lymphoma is not curable, it can only be put into remission for periods of time but it will come back. He was 40 when he was diagnosed and he was very scared.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that you CAN beat it. Keep a positive attitude and a sense of humor if possible. (I think my brother's sense of humor really helped him.) Don't be afraid to ask for help from those who love you -- support is very important!

I'm happy to say that after my brother's chemo, his lymphoma is as minimal as it's going to get -- which is the best possible case scenario for him. His bone marrow is rebounding very well and he's starting to feel much better again. There were times when he felt he wouldn't get through it...but now that he's gotten this far he knows persistance and positive thinking along with a whole lot of support from friends and family helped him get the best possible prognosis.

I hope you can work through your feelings and find the focus you need to beat this thing because you CAN beat it!

I am in remission for 2 years. I feel like I never had it. I had chemo, Chop and rutuxan. I have every reason to belive your treatments will work. I lost my hair and no other side effects. Keep up the good work.

Stay positive and accept help from those that want to be there for you. Talk about your feelings and know that you can get throught this, the odds are on your side. Please keep your chin up and do whatever you need to do to get yourself into remission. God Bless you !!

I feel the same way. I was diagnosed with stage 3 about 4 weeks ago and felt the same way. Thinking that I could have known sooner and how scary this all is. How lonely this stupid disease makes people. About a week ago I found out I am actually stage 4 and there is a good chance chemo will work. They are making progress all the time. If you need someone to talk/write with, let me know.

hi minkido. i was just diagnosed myself stage 4. i thought the night sweats were the start of peri menopause.sometimes i feel perfectly fine, other times i too feel like i will now have to spend the rest of my life fighting to live. My heart goes out to you.

Don't feel bad. I went to the Doctor for over a year before I was diagnosed. Very frustrating. They are making progress all the time. We can win this fight...together!But I have made it 4 years since then and I am not giving up yet! If I can help, let me know...and if Junebug gives you advice, listen, I wish I had sooner! I guess just talking to people who have walked where you have is good, because I have made lots of mstakes trying to muddle through this on my own. Now I am accepting help to get the best treatment available...Here is hope, healing, and praying for all of us! God bless!
Sandi

My husband has been in remission with MCL (Mantle Cell Lymphoma) for three and a half years. He went through very agressive chemo and at times it was rough, but today he is a survivor. Never give in and never give up. Hope is what you need to get through this. You aren't alone in your journay, never believe that for one minute. There are support groups everywhere, find one for yourself. Research everything you possibly can about your type of Lymphoma. Knowledge is power. Never be content to just "make do" with a doctor that you aren't comfortable with. Ask questions and demand answers. If it doesn't "feel right" go someplace else. Don't let the lack of money stop you...there are programs out there to help you. Be your own best advocate!!! If you give up, the cancer wins. Become more than what cancer demands of you...be victorious! Fight the fight....ask for help when you are down. I care!