Return of the Lymphoma

[RCYoung]

   January 8th I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  I am 47yrs old and This is the 4th time I have faced cancer.  Having gone through chemotherapy enough that it has caused me permanent physical damage, I don't think I am going to fight it this time. I had a stem cell transplant in 08-2009 that nearly killed me.  I am widowed and a single dad. The hardest part of this entire ordeal is knowing the pain and heartache my son will experience.  In some strange way this diagnosis is a relief to me. I won't have to worry about material things any longer. I for once in my life know what is going to happen 

[Margaret_CCNSW]

Hi @RCYoung,

Welcome to the Online Community. We are glad you have reached out to this supportive environment.

That sounds like a difficult diagnosis to hear, after everything you have already experienced. You may wish to access some additional information with this booklet from Cancer Council: Understanding Hodgkin Lymphoma and here. 

You haven't mentioned how old your son is, but you both might find it helpful to be in contact with Canteen if he is between 12-25 years old. Canteen is a great organisation that supports young people when a family member has a cancer diagnosis.

If you would like to have a chat with one of our supportive team, the health professionals on the Cancer Council Information and Support line on 131120 are available Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. They can discuss further support that may be helpful.

Also please do keep us up to date here in the Online Community with how you are going.  We are here for you.

Kind regards,

Margaret

Online Community admin team

[Cindy]

Im so sorry to hear you in such despair. Dont give up! Fight again for your son.

[ToughChick]

I’m so sorry to hear this. As a fellow cancer sufferer and a mum, reoccurrence is what I am most scared of. No one can tell you whether you should have or shouldn’t have treatment. That is your decision and I’m sure you have thought deeply about what to do. I think as a community and I think the medical world always says “oh of course, you should fight it!”, but sometimes that broad statement doesn’t allow room for the individuals suffering and anguish. All I can offer is I hope you come to a place of great peace in your decision. Maybe you need to reach out to a trained Psychologist specialising in illness/mortality to help you navigate this tremendously hard road. I wish you all the very best. 

[lillian1]

My heart goes out to you, you are so young, but dont give up yet. Just one more time !!