My SO's father went to the hospital last week with pneumonia. He was supposed to go earlier last month, but his doctor said he wasn't sick enough. Anyway, he was there for a week and we found out there are some nodes on his lungs. SO told me yesterday that he has large b cell lymphoma, geminal center type, in his lungs. He has a ct scan scheduled for next week, and then he's going to see a cancer specialist. SO said they will probably treat it with radiation.
I did a little bit of googling, but I haven't found any sites that will simplify things for the person without a medical background. Any information would be helpful. What should we expect?
Thanks.
I don't have any experience with that, but did want to offer you and your H my support and good wishes.
My tolerance for stupid shit is getting less and less.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma This is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the United States, accounting for about 1 out of every 3 cases. The cells are fairly large when seen using a microscope.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) can affect any age group but occurs mostly in older people (the average age is mid-60s). It usually starts as a quickly growing mass in a lymph node deep inside the body, such as in the chest or abdomen, or in a lymph node that you can feel, such as in the neck or armpit. It can also start in other areas such as the intestines, bone, or even the brain or spinal cord.
About 1 in 3 of these lymphomas is confined to one part of the body (localized) when it is found. Lymphomas are easier to treat when they are localized than when they have spread to other parts of the body.
Genetic tests have shown that there are different subtypes of DLBCL, even though they look the same under the microscope. These subtypes seem to have different outlooks (prognoses) and responses to treatment.
DLBCL is a fast growing lymphoma, but it often responds well to treatment. Overall, about 3 out of 4 people will have no signs of disease after the initial treatment, and about half of all people with this lymphoma are cured with therapy.
"Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you." -Walt Whitman
Much of the literature I've read so far is overwhelming with information and large words. Vocabulary is not a strength of mine.
NIK, thanks for the thoughts and hugs.
I'll keep you guys updated.
I'm glad that treatment has finally started. I hope there are minimal side effects. They didn't say how long treatment will go for.
Positive thoughts and prayers are much appreciated. Thanks
(((SI)))
Edit: Update from SO's mom - Chemo treatment will start next week and will be once a week for 7 weeks. They are still working on the blood clot. He will be home from the hospital tomorrow or Saturday.
[This message edited by little turtle at 12:19 PM, March 20th (Thursday)]
Been awhile, hope posting links is ok.....
SI was where I finally found people who understood.
I guess chemo won't start for another week... why do they wait so long to start treatment?? He's got a pet scan this week and bloodwork to check his coumadin levels. He has a compress thing to wear on his arm.
