Sandy1959

By the way, I noticed your post about your husbands reaction/response to all of this. I have exactly the same thing going on with my husband. He tells people that I am fine and will live to be 100. (Wouldn't that be nice!!!). He no longer goes to any of my appointments or scans , labs etc. He went to the first 2. I have tried to talk with him about this and have told him how I feel when he doesn't even ask how I am or what is going on. His only response is that when things get bad I should let him know.!! I thought something got bad the day of my diagnosis!!! Anyway, I try to tell myself that everyone handles things differently and process and worry in different ways but it doesn't really help me feel better. I also think a lot of it is a gender thing. Anyway, I can relate to how you feel and hope it gets better for you.

I didn't have this problem BUT many in this site talk about the Claritan for the Nulasta shot. One is better than the other I think the D Kind is BUT you may want to ask the group the question as you'll get LOTS of answers.
Barry

The best program I have had the pleasure of learning and teaching for depression, anxiety, and chronic pain is called WRAP. Wellness Recovery Action Plan by Dr. Mary Ellen Copeland. It is a small book with some life changing tips. She is a wonderful woman who began her journey to combat the same issue. You can find a lot of her material on line. Good luck, God bless, and there is light at the end of the tunnel. For bone pain the Ibuprofen and Claritin-D did work wonders for me.

Soon you will be like me. Looking back at your R-CHOP like it was a mere inconvenience you had to go through to get on with the rest of your LIFE!!

How Do You Fight the Cancer Battle?

One doctor candidly gave me his thoughts on cancer. The doctor said “it is luck whether you get cancer or not. It is luck what kind of cancer you get. It is luck when you find you have it. It is luck how you respond to treatment.” Luck has so far been with me and here is how I have dealt with it.

When others discuss cancer, they refer to it as a personal battle. I used to call it that; however, you cannot fight an unseen enemy alone. Cancer rarely comes out in the open to allow you to deal with it. One must rely on the doctors to search out and provide the tools to destroy what is attacking you. You are for the most part a bystander waiting to report the symptoms of the outcomes of the efforts of others.

You designate the fighters, i.e. doctors, nurse, hospitals, labs, etc. but your duties do not end there. Your primary responsibilities are to maintain a positive outlook, be proactive in working toward a good outcome, be candid with your doctors and nurses to insure good communication, and most of all maintain patience during the process. Impatience insures a more intense battle.

Nearly everyone that has gone through his or her own cancer journey has an understanding of just what this means. Their experiences and knowledge may be of help to you.

Using all of these resources (WhatNext) including an active Cancer Support Group has made my journey easier.

Good luck to you.

Welcome to the WhatNext family! The WhatNext family is made up of people like you who are looking for help or looking to help others. To help you along your journey the WhatNext family has put together a Beginner's Guide to Cancer that I highly recommend you check-out here: http://bit.ly/10BQKCi. Also, please do not hesitate to reach out to others or ask for help.

Wishing you the best.

David
Founder, WhatNexter

Hi Sandy: so sorry we had to meet this way (i.e. through a cancer survivor blog). I too have large B cell lymphoma and was diagnosed in Jan. 2014. Underwent 18 weeks of chemo, 15 days of radiation and 4 lumbar punctures (to prevent the "bad guys" from going to the brain). Since finishing treatment in August of 2014 I have had two CTs and both have come out "clean". It can be done with agressive treatment. Of course no one ever promised that the "agressive" treatment would be a lot of fun. It wasn't as you are well aware, BUT, it has worked thus far. Remission is the proper term to use at this stage but it's far better than the alternative terminology. As for the future? Well, I'm optomistic as I have a great oncologist who takes an active interest in me and my condition. I have a great deal to live for and do not intend for this "invader" ruin the rest of my life. Every day is a blessing and I have already made plans for my vacation next year and for our 60th. wedding anniversary which will be in 2020. I intend to be there and drink a toast to my lovely bride. I simply will not allow a few nasty critters to ruin what has been an exciting and enjoyable life of 77 years but if they insist, I will fight them every step of the way. I haven't come this far to go down without a fight. It would be easy to say, "what the hell, just get on with it" but we (you and I) cannot allow that to happen. Hang in there and all the best to you and your loved ones. You will win this one - just like many others on this blog. God bless.
Mike

I read where you used the sticky roller on your head & I don't know who to call my new best friend, my sticky lint roller or you! LOL! It worked great! Thank you! Thank You! Oh! & I told the nurses at the cancer center I attend & they had never heard of it but thought it was a great idea. I gave Sandy1059 the credit If you are on Facebook I am Sandy Mutter I would love to be friends.