Currently Fighting Hodgkin's

RobertK · New User Joined: 13 Jun 2008 Posts: 7

I was diagnosed back in June on Friday the 13th of all days and staged a week later. Stage IIA - 27yr old male.

My case started as a small swollen lymph node in my left clavical. I immediately went to the doctor and told him I had 2 concerns due to family history. Thyroid cancer and Hodgkin's Lymphoma. My family doctor said I was being paranoid and gave me a prescription for Augmention (antibiotic). He said if they were still swollen after 10 days come back. I waited 7 and requested an early follow up. My family doctor said he still was no concerned but performed a CBC and chest xray to ease my mind. Both were clean but because of my concerns he agreed to give me a referral to a general surgeon and let him make the decision to biopsy a lymph node. The whole time no symptoms.

The surgeon said my lymph nodes were too small for lymphoma and referred me to an Oncologist then basically said he would not biopsy a lymph node unless the oncologist was concerned enough request it.

The oncologist basically did what my family doctor did. Blood tests, and a Z pack to treat any possible infections. He then told me to come back in 30 days if the lymph nodes were still swollen.

By the time 30 days rolled around I had 5 swollen lymph nodes on the left side of my neck. Still no symptoms. Then the oncologist finally ordered the surgery. Looking back I should have demanded the biopsy instead of playing by the books but I did not want to risk pissing off the people who might end up treating me.

Essentially I was told my prognosis was very good with a 90%+ chance of survival since I am young, healthy, and it was caught early in a localized area. I'm taking ABVD chemo and I hope that I can avoid radiation if my next PET comes back clean. After 6 treatments all my affected lymph nodes have returned back to their normal size. My only complaint is the terrible constipation that follows the chemo treatments. Otherwise I'm still working and playing as much as I can.

Those of you who would like to know more about my journey through all this are welcome to visit my blog here: www.robertandtara.com

ilovecoffee · New User Joined: 05 Sep 2008 Posts: 5

RobertK, wishing you a speedy recovery to good health and a stress free life. How long has it been since you got done with your treatment, and how have you been feeling about your overall health?

I ask you because your situation is very similar to a close friend of mine. He was diagnosed with IA hodgkin's last year, and went throught the MOPP treatment. Its been 4 months since his treatment got done, but however, he continuously feels fatigued.

Also, he has recently caught a bacterial infection. Is that something to worry about? His first round of tests post treatment came clean, so his blood counts are fine. I believe flus post chemo are common, but are bacterial infections worrisome? He is on anti-biotics now, and again that adds to the fatigue and tiredness.

I look forward to hearing from you all on infections/flu type symtoms 4 months post MOPP treatment for hodgkins.

Best wishes to all.

RobertK · New User Joined: 13 Jun 2008 Posts: 7

[quote="ilovecoffee"]RobertK, wishing you a speedy recovery to good health and a stress free life. How long has it been since you got done with your treatment, and how have you been feeling about your overall health?

I ask you because your situation is very similar to a close friend of mine. He was diagnosed with IA hodgkin's last year, and went throught the MOPP treatment. Its been 4 months since his treatment got done, but however, he continuously feels fatigued.

Also, he has recently caught a bacterial infection. Is that something to worry about? His first round of tests post treatment came clean, so his blood counts are fine. I believe flus post chemo are common, but are bacterial infections worrisome? He is on anti-biotics now, and again that adds to the fatigue and tiredness.

I look forward to hearing from you all on infections/flu type symtoms 4 months post MOPP treatment for hodgkins.

Best wishes to all.[/quote]

I currently have 2 more treatments to go but I can say that what small amount of fatigue I did experience before treatment is gone once the chemo side effects are gone. I recently told my doc that I feel better and have more energy between treatments than I did before I started them.

When I found out I had Hodgkin's I didn't stop at the cure the doctors were offerring I also made a point to learn EVERYTHING about cancer and Hodgkin's in particular. On top of my treatment I've made a dramatic change in my diet and lifestyle. Cut out read meat, I purchase all organic fruits and veggies, added many more Omega 3 goodes (ie. golden flax seed), I only drink green tea, water, and occasionally Propel when my electrolytes get low. I RARELY eat sugary foods especially if they are processed. Above all I keep a super positive attitude.

I read a study that found only 1 of 10 cancer survivors actually start eating right and exercise 1yr after remission. I firmly believe that cancer is a product of how we treat our bodies and if you do not improve on that you are at a much higher risk to relapse.

I would have your friend start by looking into his diet and activity levels. Also, if he continues to have problems I would have him go to his family doctor to be checked for metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance) since many cancer and post-cancer patients tend to have this problem and not realize it. It can also be a contributing factor to a potential relapse.

ilovecoffee · New User Joined: 05 Sep 2008 Posts: 5

Thanks a ton RobertK.
Your post was very helpful.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.[/quote]

ChemoMan · Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 2:47 am Post subject: Re: Currently Fighting Hodgkin's

Hi ilovecoffee
A persons reaction to chemo is very personal. What some people shrug off others get knocked over by, so its very much a personal thing. It also takes a while to get back into tip top shape. 12 months seems the norm but once again its very personal.

Good luck
_________________
Age 52
Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma
Stage 2a
Finished six cycles of R chop 21 26th May 2008
Officially in remission 9th July 2008
Remission confirmed 1st October 2008
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9620

Argon · New User Joined: 07 Oct 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Ohio

31 y.o Male just diagnosed on Friday 10/03/08 with Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkins. I believe Stage IIA. I haven't seen the oncologist yet (this Friday) so I am not 100% sure.

Started about 6-8 weeks ago with a swollen throat just below adam's apple, gradually enlarged supraclavicular lymph nodes. Received 2 CT Scans, PET Scan, incisional lymph node biopsy and bone marrow biopsy (just to make sure). Hoping for a great diagnosis from the oncologist.

I have been reading a lot of web and print material on the issues and there is a lot of confusing info out there, but I am very positive and I am trying to eat very healthy and get my body ready for treatment.

RobertK, I checked out your blog and I was very enthusiastic about the relatively short duration of treatment you had. I know every case is different but I am optimistic. Very cool to see how everything was going with you. Hopefully I can pick your brain a bit in the future about what to expect or get ready for.

Lets all stick together and kick this diseases' a** !!!

Argon · New User Joined: 07 Oct 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Ohio

Chemo man and RobertK congrats to both on your remission !!!!!

Wish me luck Very Happy

ChemoMan · Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 3:11 pm Post subject: Re: Currently Fighting Hodgkin's

Hi Argon

Good luck on the journey Smile

Best wishes to you and your loved ones and let us know how you are going once its all over, if you feel up to it, as any info you share could help someone else.

Cheers
_________________
Age 52
Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma
Stage 2a
Finished six cycles of R chop 21 26th May 2008
Officially in remission 9th July 2008
Remission confirmed 1st October 2008
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9620

RobertK · New User Joined: 13 Jun 2008 Posts: 7

Best wishes to you Argon. Continue to be proactive am I'm sure you can beat this thing.

Just remember these are the MOST important things when preparing to battle something of this magnitude.

1. Strong personal and spiritual Faith (no matter what religion you believe)

2. Keep a positive attitude

3. Nutrition - research and practice good nutrition during and most importantly, after treatment.

Stay strong and you will beat this thing before you know it.

Argon · New User Joined: 07 Oct 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Ohio

Thanks to you both. I have already begun to change my eating habits and trying to get as healthy as possible. I will be discussing my treatment options and all that stuff tommorrow with the doctor.

I will try to update as often as I can.

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