Donald's Journey with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Patient: Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) > B-Cell Lymphoma > Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Patient Info: Currently in active treatment (initial surgery, receiving chemo rounds/radiation), Diagnosed: over 8 years ago, Male, Age: 61, Stage IV
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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).
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Other Care: Draft this icon to show a time when you needed other care (e.g., hospice, psychotherapy).
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Cancer has spread/Metastasized
Oh No
I first found out about my lymphoma from a broken femur. It just snapped right in front of my eyes. I went to the hospital, but they couldn't find the reason. They fixed the leg and I went home after about 3 weeks. Went back to the hospital in about a week with very high calcium levels (causing extreme fatigue) and this time the biopsy showed staged IV large diffuse cell lymphoma that showed very aggressive markers. I immediately began treatment and now am in between my 4th and 5th round of chemotherapy. Things seem to be going as well as can be expected. But it's been a roller coaster ride with a lot of emotions, especially fear and panic. I only hope that as I get the treatment I need I can sustain my spirits and outlook. Each day brings with it a challenge to my psychological well being. I've lost so much (my hair, of course, but that's really nothing compared to everything else). I've had to move closer to my doctors and in the process I had to say goodbye to 90% of my possessions. I have a new roommate who is nice, but I've been completely torn from my previous life and feel afloat in a sea of feelings, both good and bad, but all rather unsettling.
Depression/Anxiety
Side Effects
So far, I guess the Zofran has stopped most of the nausea, but I feel worn out and rather depressed. My pick line caused a thrombosis that led to a pulmonary embolism (and a frightening trip to the hospital). Fortunately that resolved itself under Heprin. Now I've got a port in the other arm and am just hoping that nothing bad comes of that. Overall. it does seem like I've missed the most common side effects of headaches, vomiting, nausea, etc. That I'm grateful for. Now, if I could figure out how to live my life while going through this it would be nice.