DeniseD's Journey:
Patient: Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) > B-Cell Lymphoma > Follicular Lymphoma
Patient Info: Newly diagnosed (has not begun treatment), Diagnosed: about 11 years ago, Female, Age: 69, Stage III
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Experience Icon Descriptions
Procedure: Drag this icon to show a procedure.
Radiation: Drag this icon to show a specific radiation therapy experience.
Drug Therapy: Drag this icon to show a specific drug therapy experience.
Clinical Trial: Drag this icon to show a clinical trial experience.
Side Effect: Drag this icon to show experience with a specific side effect.
Oh No: Drag this icon to show when something bad happened (e.g., cancer’s back, lost job).
Celebration: Drag this icon to show when something good happened (e.g., last treatment, hair is back).
Loss: Drag this icon to show a time of loss (e.g., lost hair, lost loved one).
Decision Point: Drag this icon to show a time when you had to make a tough decision.
Other Care: Draft this icon to show a time when you needed other care (e.g., hospice, psychotherapy).
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I am in watchful wait
Other Care
I have folicular lymphoma in grion, both side, in the abdomen, and the neck. I have been told, unless a major organ becomes affected, no treatment is needed. I did get a second opinion. Both doctors agreed.
Problem with doctor
Oh No
My doctor failed to answer my questions and wouldn't even respond to my husband, acting as though he was'nt in the room. I made the choice to stop seeing him in November 2011
Choosing a new doctor
Decision Point
After much research, and a visit to a top notch Cancer center, I discovered my lack of insurance severely affected my ability to recieve quality care at a lot of facilities. I have paid all bills at time of service, or within 30 days. I was given good advise from primary doctor and am now seeing a very qualified physician at the University. What a difference. Mine and my husband's questions have been answered in a very professional manner. For the first time since my diagnoses, I have confidence in my doctor.
Fatigue (tiredness)
Side Effects
This seems to be my biggest obstacle. This varies from day to day. At times I feel like a child that missed their nap, I hate that. I have always been a very active person and now I pace myself. I do realize I have been blessed with excellent health until now, so I try to keep that in mind. I also realize How much worse it could be.
Psychosocial
Other Care
I have a good support group to address issues of depression. I go every week and it has certainly helped.
Lost loved one
Loss
On the 14th of January 2013, I lost my life partener to heart disease. My life has been turned upside down, but I intend to land on my feet. We did everything together and I always knew I could count on him for everything. There will be some major changes to come.
Bone marrow, port, CAT, PET, teeth pulled, EKG, and biopsy
Procedure or Surgery
Wow, all this in the past 3 weeks. It seems my cancer has decided to get aggressive, so my doctor has a quick defensive plan in place. I start R-Chop on the 29th. I am very optimistic, as I am in the hands of my God and an awesome doctor.
Chemotherapy
Drug or Chemo Therapy
Well it is early in the game. Yesterday was the first R-CHOP treatment. I have not experienced any negative effects yet, however I know it is too soon to expect the impact. I am emotionally up for the challenge, as I am a looking forward to completing my bucket list. I have the support of many wonderful family and friends. I will report when Things are not so comfortable as well, that's when my support team will kick in. I am in it to win it.