Nutrition and Emotional Support

Hello Luara,
I'm 22 and was diagnosed with hodgkins a few months ago(stage 2a). I will have completed my 4th cycle of ABVD in 2 days(on my B-day)... The original plan was then to have 3 weeks of involved field radiation. Because of the tumor being in my chest, and the chances of breast cancer as well of other long term side effects, I wanted to avoid radiation if possible. We are now considering 2 more cycles of chemo instead. We still have to run some scans and I want to get a second opinion. Anyways, I was wondering if you had radiation? Do you have any advice? I hope you are doing well, let me know...

God Bless
Erin

Hello Erin!!!
So good to get a response back!! Happy Birthday if you get this by then!! Hope so!! :o) How are dealing with the whole aspect of having cancer? I was originally supposed to have radiation as well, but when my parents showed my oncologist an article they found about the long term effects of breast cancer etc, I had one extra cycle of chemo. I was originally supposed to have 5 cycles and then radiation. What did your oncologist say about having the 2 more cycles of chemo instead?? No, I did not have the radiaton....just 6 cycles (12 treatments) of ABVD. I would talk it over with your oncologist, and see what he suggests. Where is the cancer at?? I am doing good, have been in remission a little over a year now. Still tired, but what can you do? Let me know how everything is going with you!! I would love to be able to help you through this. Hope to hear from you soon! Take care and God Bless!

-Laura

I am so sorry to hear about your cancer, but you seem very strong. I have a 17 year old friend who was just diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She also has a softball size tumor in her chest. She had what appeared to be a heart attack that led to the diagnosis. She and her family is at the shock stage as we all are. They are looking for the right doctors to treat her. She just had her biopsy monday.                                                    I want you to know my prayers are with you. Stay strong...Livestrong..

Please keep in touch and I so pray all goes good.

Margie

 

Hi, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. I am sure that once she starts her treatments she will do well. Chemo seems to just melt Hodgkin's tumors, even when they are that big. My tumor shrunk by 75% after only 6 treatments. I have been in remission for almost 18 months. I have a checkup in March. So far, every scan they have done since I finished my treatments have looked great. No cancer in sight. Tell your friend to hang in there and stay positive. If she needs any encouragement or support she can email me at --- Message edited by CancerCompass staff: for personal protection, email address removed.  Please review CancerCompass Member Guidelines at http://www.cancercompass.com/common/guidelines.html ----. I will answer any questions she has and lend a kind ear. God Bless!