Just diagnosed ...
 

Nice end to the week ...

Thursday night I laid down my bike. Broken rib, punctured a lung. During the CT scan process they found a mass in my stomach. Preliminary diagnosis is Stage 2 Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Plan is for biopsy on Monday. Then get the best Oncologist I can find and develop a treatment strategy. Any advice? Do's and dont's? For the doc's or other pro's out there is there a shot at success or is this a death sentence?

Good luck!!! not a doc and only play a gynocologist on weekends but it's a great time we live in, stage 2 of any kind of cancer is beatable...

Well sounds like it was a luck accident in more ways than one.

Wife went through breast cancer and when she was diagnosed, she asked everyone she knew who they recommended and then went to see the top 2-3 picks. If you don't have a great hospital nearby, you may want to travel up to the Bay Area or LA, not exactly sure where mid-coast is.

Good luck. Stage 2 is better than 4...

With your attitude, you are way ahead.

Fight the power, brother. Best.

Look into the City of Hope down here in greater LA, Duarte actually. They treated my dad with stage 3 lung cancer. He's been cancer free 11 years now. His docs all say he's will be fine. He's a very lucky guy. That hospital is at the very top of their game. All the doctors and the rest of the staff is very very nice. Good luck, you will be OK.

Jeff

No a doc, just a guy with anecdotal. I had a friend who survived this; he's doing great, and gained a whole new perspective on life.

Keep us posted.

Dan

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Take it one step at a time. Waiting for test results sucks, but you're going to have to see what the biopsy says before you know where you stand.

Your chance of surviving will depend on the sub-type of NHL. It will also depend on who you are, both physically and mentally.

I am a 25 year survivor of Hodgkins. I know NHL is different, but I was given *only* 75% chance to survive when I was diagnosed. I've had surgery, chemo, radiation, more chemo and more surgery so I know the place where you are now, emotionally.

Get second opinions on everything. Find the best treatment center within a reasonable distance from where you live. Find one with an on-staff head shrink and make an appointment to see him/her asap. Cry 'till you're dry.

Start researching NHL and become an expert in your own illness.

Join some cancer support forums. Reach out to some who are in your situation and eventually to some who have survived whatever type of NHL you have.

Buy this book: Amazon.com: Peace, Love and Healing: Bodymind Communication & the Path to Self-Healing: An Exploration (9780060917050): Bernie S. Siegel: Books

PM me if you ever need someone to talk to.

Martin

I will pray for you...

You could have gone for a long time without finding this out, so yes the accident was a God-send.

Good luck with it and press ahead!

As Art said, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

+1

Keep positive.
Les

Good luck as you move forward, accident was a blessing.

Keep in mind not much has changed in your life, you just have more information to deal with and that is good. Don't hesitate to get second opinions.

Good luck brother, you can and will beat this. I have a buddy with a similar circumstance about 5 years ago. He recieved treatment, beat the big C and is a better person today.
In our thoughts.

Good luck,

I went through this a few weeks ago with prostate, it was negative on the biopsy

Sorry about the accident but it appears to have helped in a way. Good thoughts and encouragement sent.
Regards,
Sandy

A friend of mine,Terry, is a two times survivor of non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

The first time, was in the 70's and they told him it was almost certainly a death sentence. Wrong - not for Terry, not at all.

The second time, he caught it early and was cured again.

Time has advanced the process for treatment for this disease and for its final prognosis. No - YOUDO NOT HAVE A DEATH SENTENCE. My friend, Terry, is living, breathing, finishing-the-Iditarod proof, that this is gravely serious, but NOT a death sentence.

Do what Technoviking advises and remember your on-line family prays for your success.

angela

+1 Martin. Research and become an expert on NHL, Nobody will fight harder for you than you.

I went through testicular cancer 21 yrs ago and trusted too many doctors. Im not dissing the Drs-they ended up getting it right but I trusted a few for too long. Totally different than the hand you've been dealt, but positive outlook and subject knowledge are key.

I wish you the best, but It'll work out.

Very sorry to hear of your troubles. Maybe this will help?
...Then imitate the action of the tiger:
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
......

stay positive brother.

UCSF is probably where you want to go on this end of the state. Good luck.

A good friend of mine found a lump on her back a few years ago..was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma on Christmas Eve :(. She was so positive and we were devastated for her...but she has been cancer free for some years now; looks amazingly fit and healthy and is loving life.

The treatment knocked her about a bit...but her ever loving husband took over the shopping and the cooking; nothing but fresh as he could get organic food, no preservatives or other nasties. He was adamant and he worked hard at it for her.

I'll never forget her saying to us what her oncologist had told her...if you have to get one cancer then this is the one to have as we can beat it cold.

Good luck - I hope your prognosis is the same as for my friend SmileWavy

Lucky accident as they say.

A very close friend had NHL; first oncologist was old-school, wanted to put a port in and dump in the toxins. Forecast of hair loss, nausea, blah. Fortunately he got a second opinion on Tx options from a more "up to date" group: New antibody therapy (Rituxan), he said the worst he felt was like a low-grade flu. So being informed and finding a current Oncologist you trust is most important.

As has been said, this is the cancer to get, cure rates are very good.

Good luck!

Don