Cancer

[Connemmara]

My friend will be going into 4 years of cancer treatment of Lymphoma- cancer of the blood - she visited her consultant last week (he told her that lymphnodes) had grew 11mm) I don't know what that means but know it wasn't good news -- and he has told her that awaiting results of a future scan - he may put her through 3rd round of chemo.

Is she ever going to get better. Just a thought. Her hair has hardly started growing from this second session. And between 1st and 2nd second underwent major surgery in her heart where she was opened from neck to her waist and she remains so positive - I feel ashamed of myself. Care to comment re more chemo. Thanks

[Sqad]

A general response form me...... depending upon the type of Lymphoma and despite the fact that after two courses of chemotherapy her lymph glands are not regressing(getting smaller) but get larger indicates a poor prognosis.

[Connemmara]

I agree with you Sqad - but then sombody said well if they (consultant) did not think it was worth it - why continue.

[anneasquith]

sorry to correct you conn. lymphoma is cancer of the lymph nodes...leukaemia is cancer of the bone marrow/blood.

[boxtops]

They surely wouldn't offer the treatement if they didn't think there was some hope.

[woofgang]

treatment can be palliative as well as curative, If it will extend life or ameliorate symptoms then doctors will prescribe it if the patient wants it.

[excelsior-1]

i do not have the necessary knowledge with which to advise you, connemmara

i merely want to wish your friend all the best with what she is about to endure - again

[anneasquith]

I agree, if her doc recommends chemo she should go for it, but only after asking him the merits of further treatment IMO

[Connemmara]

Well Anne I have to admit to getting confused with her - it is definitely lymphnodes or as I said she has said Lymphoma (God I do feel so mixed-up - my heart is breaking for her either way (maybe this will help too) she got two bone marrows taken along with "millions of blood taken" Also she has said "you know my dad died of lieukiemia" - I genuinely don't understand - did google it but that confused me even more. In between with the heart she gets massive choking and coughing - and last week doctor actually came out to her as she had been vomiting for about 24 hours. Just don't know what to say here any more.

[anneasquith]

conn, please don't be offended by my reply, I do hope your friend feels better soon,

[Sqad]

anne....Conne is correct.....a lymphoma is a type of blood cancer.

[anneasquith]

I have always assumed lymphoma is cancer of the lymph nodes................. makes no difference the poor lady is ill.

[Connemmara]

No of course not Anne - I am pleased to see any kind of answers - offence from you was not taken.

Her and I have been friends for about 35 years - highs and lows - but this certainly has been the lowest - she never drank smoked, gambled, drugs, nothing so I so wonder. Thanks guys for your replies.

[excelsior-1]

be strong for her

[Connemmara]

thank God - she has a wonderful supportive hubby and two great sons - they are only 25 and 27 - she married late in life. The boys however have settled but they phone or see her every single day - her positivity just radiates - keeps herself immaculate as her house - a dinner made for hubby every night when she is well. A great role model for me. PS we do have our wee fights - she loves that and is a great adviser on my financial and personal matters.