metastatic lymphoma

[+ Funguy]

Unsub….haven't heard from you lately and I was wondering how you are doing and if Paddington is a help.

Today, I just saw the movie, "Paddington", and it was terrific - I highly recommend it to you!

[+ purplekow]

If anyone has another manner of contacting Unsub, please let us know how he is doing. i realize that he may not be feeling up to posting but I would like to express my sincere best wishes that he is doing well and fighting the good fight.

[jackhammer91406]

Good and bad.....

 

Unsub, I was so sorry to read of your battle with cancer but was very glad you decided to share your story and post. Throughout my own struggles over the 5 months, it's the cards, calls, and messages from forum members that have gotten me through the many bad days. This is an amazing bunch of men (and women) and for all the seemingly gruff exterior, these are some very caring and supportive human beings. I thank God everyday for their support.

Feel free to send me private message if you have anything you want to ask, just remember I have some bad days and I may not reply right away.

Keep fighting.

[tyro]

We love you both, unsub and jackhammer!!!!

Well, at least I do.

Everybody get better soon. Many are sending you healing energy.

T

[unsub2O17]

Since I first posted my notice/question about my lymphoma, I've had the opportunity to read a lot about what's going on in the Lounge. There's a lot of angst/pain/what have you going on out there, and my problem seems to me now just one among very very many. So, for me, let me just catch you up that I finish chemo in mid-April. It hasn't been too bad (I can eat all I want and not gain weight!). My prognosis remains good. My best wishes to you all. You're a fine group, and I'm so glad that I found out about you. FG: Paddington goes with me everywhere.

[+ Funguy]

+1

[+ purplekow]

Thanks for writing, I was starting to think I needed to get out my Ouija board to speak to you. Keep up the good fight and while we all have out battles, remember Troubles shared are halved, Happiness shared is doubled. Here's hoping you continue to double.

[+ FreshFluff]

Unsub, thanks for the update. I'm glad the chemo is going ok and that the prognosis is positive.

[wisconsinguy]

Unsub, was waiting for your update. I was also happy that you are able to eat to your hearts content! Lucky dog! Please keep us updated. Sending you my best through the airwaves.

[Chuck50]

keep us up to date

[tom1980]

Unsub, thanks for the update. I'm glad the chemo is going ok and that the prognosis is positive.

 

+1

[unsub2O17]

Time for an UPDATE: Actually, YES, hospitals and chemo. suck! The first two months really knocked me flat. January and most of February turned out to be almost a complete loss. I was so tired all the time that getting up from a chair was a major undertaking--forget about things like shopping or even walking out to get the mail. No strength either--couldn't climb a single step let alone a flight of stairs. But the worst thing to hit me was what they euphemistically call "chemo brain". In my case this was a disruption of any kind of clear thinking or ability to make a reasoned decision. I managed to screw up my checkbook and a number of my scheduled payments. I lost a credit card. And I was in a pretty impressive traffic accident and totaled my lovely car. About the only thing that I escaped was the nausea and vomiting though I had no energy to shop, cook, or eat.

 

Then, somewhere around the last third of February, things started ever so slowly to get better. The chemo. bothered me less in general. My mind completely cleared over the span of a week (got everything fixed except the car). My energy level and strength are about 3/4 back to normal. And I've even gained 10 lbs. which in my case is cause for great celebration. Yesterday, I had what's called a staging CT scan. The results showed a "complete response" to the chemo. This means that I am "officially" in complete (and possibly permanent) remission! I'll have 2 more rounds of chemo. (just to be sure), and, barring a major setback, I should be my old frisky self by the beginning of May.

 

But, I can't leave it here. First, Prof. Mitch, then Fosterchow, and, of course, Jackhammer made me abundantly aware of what I was (and am) facing. But they also modeled such a quiet dignity and courage that I learned from, drew from and came to understand in a whole new way. I honor them and will most emphatically miss them.

 

Will I live each day to the fullest from now on? You bet! Thanks so very much to all of you for your encouragement and support. My four regulars that I mentioned much earlier have all been fantastic, and I am blessed with an extensive support system. FG: Paddington is smiling very broadly right now.

[MiamiLooker]

I very much appreciate hearing how you’re coping with the situation. I may have missed this if you’ve already posted this and it may be a silly question, but do you think your positive outlook has had a significant effect on your recovery?

[+ Funguy]

I'm so glad you are doing so well and appreciate that you check in with us from time to time. I, we, look forward to that "old frisky self" returning to the fold.

Tell Paddington hello from me.

[wisconsinguy]

Unsub, Thank you for your update. I think about you often, and hope for your comfort. When going through nursing in the 70's I had fantastic instructors. There is one that that I think walks on water and is still alive. Her philosophy was way ahead of her time. If a person has a life threatening condition, and everything is being done medically, you need to be comfortable. I am an atheistic. I want my patients to be comfortable and enjoy life. Unsub. Just let me know if u need anything. R.

[unsub2O17]

ML: Maybe. I've never had a single symptom (except for the overnight appearance of a neck mass) from the disease itself. Therefore, I know exactly how I should feel. That's what I expect and shoot for. I've got to say, though, that the way the chemo. blasted that neck mass was "awesome".