My best friend was just diagnosed with cancer.

[Sub Atomic]

He has lymphoma, probably stage III.

He won't hear back on the blood work & stuff until next week.

Does anyone have any experience with this?

What is there to expect?

[Jade Fox]

1. So sorry to hear that, dweeb.....

Hoping for the best for your friend.

[Sub Atomic]

2. Thanks.

He called me about an hour ago and broke the news.

Kinda took the wind out of my sails today.

[zanne]

3. My heart goes out to you and your friend.

I don't know what stage III Lymphoma means. I just know that alot of people with pretty serious cancers manage to beat it.

[EFerrari]

4. I'm sorry, dweeb. That sounds very serious.

:hug:

[Sub Atomic]

8. Thanks

We won't find out until next week how bad it is.

His lymph nodes in his abdomen and neck have tumors. He's been sick for about a year and thought he was just having back pain.

[Akoto]

5. Both of my grandfathers had cancer. My best advice is ...

I won't provide all of the details of what they went through right now. You'd be better off to wait until the tests come back, so that you and your friend have the complete picture. My best advice?

You have to keep a positive attitude. I know that seems like an impossibility given the circumstances, but I think it's really important. You have to know that you can beat it, because that confidence really does help you get from one day to the next.

[Sub Atomic]

11. My mom died of breast cancer.

And I know the hell that she went through.

[Hello_Kitty]

6. My stepmother survived it but it was tough

I'm not sure what stage she was in though because it was over 20 years ago and she has since passed away for another reason.

[sinkingfeeling]

7. Unfortunately, my best friend of over 30 years was diagnosed with

lymphoma in 2002. He underwent chemo and was declared fine in May 2005. Then they discovered it was T-cell and he died Oct. 5, 2005. He was the only man I ever really loved. Hopefully your friend will do better and that the diagnosis is good.

[Lorien]

25. So sorry for your loss sinkingfeeling

:hug:

[SaveElmer]

9. It is serious...but

Lymphoma is one of those types there has been alot of success against. It definitely is not hopeless!

[supernova]

10. He needs to find an oncologist

specializing in the treatment of lymphoma, if he doesn't have one already.

And if he's near one, or can get to one, I suggest that he scope out one of the major cancer treatment centers (National Comprehensive Cancer Center) like MD Anderson in TX or here at Duke. Though you put up with what can seem at first like a more impersonal experince and more bureaucracy, the MDs are better informed, they have access to more resources, and outcomes tend to be better.

And just remaain his friend, that will be worth very much to him as he goes through treatment.

[Sub Atomic]

14. He's going to get on MediCal because he doesn't have insuranc

And he's been my friend for 20 years. I don't plan on bailing on him now.

[supernova]

18. Whoa! hold off!

I'm sorry if I seemed to imply that you would "bail" on him. Entirely not what I meant. :hug:

I meant that your friendship will be even more valuable to him at this time.

Better?

I seem to recall that UCLA is a CCC. I'll look up the list. I'm saying this as someone who has had two close relatives with cancer and as someone who worked in a cancer center for four years.

edit: Here's the list for each state:

http://www3.cancer.gov/cancercenters/centerslist.html

[HysteryDiagnosis]

29. A movie.... a book.... Anatomy of an Illness

A book...
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0553343653.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.gif

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553343653/002-0394416-1834466?v=glance&n=283155
Norman Cousins examines such topics as creativity and humor as being essential to treatment. Important to anyone touched by chronic illness. This was one of the first books my husband Tom and I read when we found out he had Alzheimer's disease. It was one I found particularly helpful in meeting the demands and changes Tom's illness imposed on me. It is a book that talks about outlook and attitudes and taking charge of one's life.

A movie

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086891/
Cast overview, first billed only:
Edward Asner .... Norman Cousins
Eli Wallach .... Dr. William Hitzig
Millie Perkins .... Ellen Cousins
David Ogden Stiers .... Cleveland Amory
Lelia Goldoni .... Mrs. Farelli
Haunani Minn .... Shigeko
Julia Montgomery .... Candis (as Julie Montgomery)
Claudia Wells .... Sarakit
Lenora May .... Pigeon
Reid Smith .... Resident Doctor
Allen Williams .... Wallace
Michael Fairman .... Dr. Lowman
Matthew Faison .... Dr. Barrett
Robert Phalen .... Dr. Paulson
Roberta Collins .... Joan

[channa18]

Depends on whether its Hodgekins VS. NON-HODGEKINS Lymphoma..

there are about 10 different types of non hodgkins lymphome.

In general NON-HODGEKINS lYMPHOMA has better prognosis.

Will need chemothereapy and possibly radiotherapy.

[Sub Atomic]

I was reading about it earlier.

They won't know until the bloodwork comes back.

[catabryna]

32. Hate to be a downer...

but, Hodgkin's Disease has a higher cure and survival rate. Trust me, my husband was diagnosed quite early and passed away last year after a two year battle at the age of 38. We never expected he would pass on because the survival rate is between 85 & 95%.

I suspect that with either diagnosis, non-Hodgkin's or Hodgkin's, will initially require both chemo and radiotherapy. Hopefully this will put the disease in remission. If not, the next step is a autologous stem cell transplant, which we went through. It did put him in remission but only for 5 months. We weren't able to find a compatible donor for an analogous stem cell transplant.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

47. The reverse is true. Hodgkin's is the one that is generally cureable,

with around 80 or more percent long term survival if caught sufficiently early. Non Hodgkin's less so.

http://www.lymphomainfo.net/hodgkins/diagnosis.html
Survival Rates by Stage
Stage 5-year relative survival rate
I 90% to 95%
II 90% to 95%
III 85% to 90%
IV 80% to 85%

[northernsoul]

12. no advice, just warm wishes for both of you

Peace to everyone effected by this.

[LiberalinNC]

13. Here's a number for him or a family member to call for up-to-date info:

1-800-4-cancer

Tell them the type of cancer, and they will send you the most up to day treatments. This way he and his family can be sure he is receiving whats current.

BTW - I am a 12 breast cancer survivor - I was diagnosed at age 28 There is life after cancer, tell him to stay strong and keep positive thoughts. I know it will be hard right now to think positive, but he'll get there with the love and support of family and friends like you.

Good luck!

[sandnsea]

15. Not sure

My sister was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma the end of 2004. She had a tiny tumor in her shoulder. She went through about 6 months of chemo, and then a couple of radiation treatments. It's all gone, for now anyway. They told her all along to not worry, it was the most curable cancer. She had good days and bad days, but it wasn't completely physically devastating. So if it's the non-Hodgkins, there's plenty of reason to keep your spirits up and hope!!

[Sub Atomic]

16. Thanks for the encouragement.

[Horse with no Name]

Just be there for him

I lost my best friend to breast cancer 3 years ago.
Make sure he has a good oncologist.
Make sure he is at a research facility (US Oncology is a good one).
That way he will be able to do the cutting edge treatments as well as experimental if that is not effective.
It is also easier on him if the office can do all of his treatments in one place--including chemo, radiation, xrays, lab work, etc.
Make sure he sees a nutritionist at the very first. That is very important.
Good luck to you and your friend.:hug:

Edited to add link
http://www.usoncology.com/Home/

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

17. A very good friend of mine has been dealing with it for 5 years now.

They removed the lymph nodes under his left arm and he has had some problems with fluids in that arm but has been going great sisnce then.

Best of luck to him.

[wake.up.america]

19. This is what I could find in English. Early detection is important!

http://www.lymphoma.org/site/pp.asp?c=bfIKIVMIG&b=36832

[Sub Atomic]

20. The biggest thing I'm worried about

is that he's been sick for about a year.

He thought he was having chronic back pain and didn't go to see a doctor until a couple of months ago.

[Olney Blue]

23. Yes, his body was trying to tell him something.... the good news

is that he finally sought medical help a couple months ago.

I don't know enough to give medical advice, but I hope and trust the treatment
will be successful.

:hug:

[Democrat 4 Ever]

26. Give him lots of support. There will be endless tests, treatments,

etc. He will need friends that "pick up the pieces" while he is fighting for his life. The kind of things that don't readily come to mind. Like a ride to various appointments, books on tape for when holding a book is too tiring or watching TV is just to hard to concentrate. If he has a spouse don't forget she is suffering this diagnosis, too. Don't ask if he needs help (who needs/wants to admit they need help?) just say you will be there to do (fill in the blank). Be sure and remember that he hasn't lost his sense of humor, help him laugh.

I lost a friend to leukemia on January 6th. He fought a long hard battle for almost seven months. He had had two rounds of chemotherapy and was scheduled for a stem cell transplant on January 10th. Unfortunately he couldn't make it to the big day. Encourage him to fight hard and aggressively, inform himself on what treatments are available and to never give up.

Good luck.

[Frustratedlady]

21. I have had friends with lymphoma

and they underwent treatment and would go into remission, again and again. There are advances, but one of the strongest weapons is a positive attitude....you for him, and him for himself. One way to take away the sting is to consider fighting lymphoma as a "project" and one which you intend to win. That gives you an absolute to work toward and makes the lymphoma less personal.

I know it will be hard for you, at first, but the best thing you can do for him is to LISTEN. Let him talk his way through this battle. The more he mentions it and gets his frustration and fears out in the open, the less it hurts and he'll suddenly realize he is going to fight it, no matter what it takes.

Good luck to you both, and thank you for being there for your friend.

[GreenPartyVoter]

22. I am so sorry. I hope all turns out well.

[brook]

24. Lymphoma...

has a number of 'variations'. Do you know the specific type? Try to stay hopeful, as some are very treatable.

The Anderson Clinic in Houston is leading edge in this field. Check out their website.

I have a very close friend who has been undergoing treatment there for some time with excellent results. I wish the same for your friend.

[PWRinNY]

27. Help here

http://www.lls.org

[emdee]

28. I'm sorry for your friend....

my thoughts and prayers will be with you and your friend.

My dad has been battling lung cancer since August '04. I can say that the treatments are so much better now than they have been in the past. My dad's doctor said that in times past, everyone received the same drug, basically. Now, they know what combinations of drugs work best for the different types of cancer. We've seen many success stories since we've been in this world and, as another poster said, a positive attitude absolutely helps.

One thing that some doctors/nurses make sure to tell patients is to rinse their mouth several times daily with a non-alcoholic mouthwash. It helps to keep mouth sores at bay. I mention this because not all doctors/nurses will tell you this until the sores are there and they are painful.

My dad is 69 years old and has done very well. The drugs to keep the patient from being sick are good - he hasn't been sick yet.

Will your friend have someone to go with him? I think it helps to have someone with the patient because it is hard to remember and keep up with appointments and doctor's recommendations. I keep a notebook and calendar with me so that I can jot down what is said and done and any questions we want to have answered by the doctor.

Please update us.
emdee :hug:

[1monster]

30. About two years ago, my mother told me that her half sister had stage four

non-Hodgkins lymphoma, which usually means death is not far off.

I don't know what kind of treatment she is having for it, but she is still alive and does a lot of traveling.

While there is life, there is hope.

[applegrove]

31. Sorry.

[catabryna]

33. My sympathies dweeb...

I remember how we waited for biopsies, CT and PET Scan results... the waiting is difficult. Since I'm of the praying sort, I hope you won't mind if do a little of that for your friend.

I'm sorry that your friend and his loved ones are going to have a bumpy ride. It isn't easy, but there is a lot of hope out there! Treatments improve everyday!

[renate]

34. the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is AWESOME

http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/hm_lls

I couldn't recommend them more highly.

Best wishes to your friend. :hug:

[SPKrazy]

35. Many Kinds Of Lymphoma

The typology will determine the treatment and the prognosis.

[niyad]

36. peace and only positive thoughts for you and your friend. I lost my best

friend in july, after an 11-year battle with cancer. She was called "the miracle patient" by her doctors, for the length of her survival. please know that there is hope, and know, too, that all of us are here for you and your friend, as needed.

[bigwillq]

37. Such sad news.

Wish him the best for me. :hug:

Don't have any experience with this but I do offer you my thoughts and support. :hug:

[Sub Atomic]

38. THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING HERE.

I just got back from spending the past 5 hours with him. We laughed, we cried ( a lot ), we looked online at some websites so he can find out what he's got in front of him.

Thank you for all of your support, encouragement, advice, and love.

:flowers:

[AKPacker]

39. Please try

to keep him upbeat and certain that it can be beat. It can, and the more friends and family encouraging and supporting him the better off he will be. I have seen many cases that were supposed to be un-treatable be beaten by the support of family and friends.

[Ray Doh]

40. Drs. wrote me off in '99

due to massive bone cancer on my pelvis. The only advice I will give is to get to a good treatment center like M.D. Anderson in Houston for at least a second opinion.

[Sub Atomic]

41. Just got word

It's metastatic melanoma, either stage III or IV.

His oncologist appointment is Friday.

He'll probably go through chemo.

Fuck.

[KitchenWitch]

42. Can I ask what type of Lymphoma?

Hodgkins or Non-Hodgkins?

I am a 19 year survivor of Hodgkins Stage II. I was treated with radiation only, in stage III (back then) they treated with a combination of both radiation and chemotherapy.

I am alive, have not had any recurrences, and every day above ground is a good one.

I do have many long term effects of treatment, but it is far better than not being here.

PM me if you need any more information.

[Sub Atomic]

43. His biopsy came back

as metastatic melanoma which has manifested itself in his lymphoidal system.

[KitchenWitch]

44. wow

I know nothing about the treatment/prognosis for that. I know you will be there for your friend, no matter what! Find a way to have people be there for you emotionally, as it is my opinion that the support people go through deeper emotional turmoil than the actual patient.

:hug:

[Sub Atomic]

45. Thanks.

[KitchenWitch]

46. PM me any time

It may help to chat with someone who went through something similar.