Need Help With Emotional Support For Aunt

I have an Aunt who was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease in February. She is having a very hard time. I have to say her and her husband (which is my uncle by blood) are already very negative people. She is having a terrible time with her chemo. She is sick for a full week and will not eat hardly anything. I can't tell you what stage she is because I have no idea. Her Dr. did not do a bone marrow biopsy until last tues. I don't think they ever tested all her lymph nodes either. I want to help, but she is very down. I live 2 1/2 hrs. away so it is kind of hard. My father was diagnosed with Hodgkins about 20 years ago and I think he did the mopp chemo. He did very well and did not really get that sick until he started his radiation. He said that was the worst part. But we stayed very opitmistic with him. I worry about my Aunt because she will go a whole week without eating. I was wondering if that is normal and the best way to find a support group for her family. She has a 9 year old son.

Hello Christi!!
Sorry to hear that your aunt has this disease. I'm hoping I can in some way give some support to her. I am 22 now, was diagnosed with Hodgkins when I was 19...went through 6 cycles or 12 treatments of ABVD....and am now currently in remission. I've been done with my treatments for 2 1/2 years now. I also just got my port a cath out this past Monday 5/22. I went through the whole experience with my hair falling out...and at a point I had my twin sister who is a cosmetologist shave it. I wanted to take control of it and so I did. :o) Actually for me, it wasn't so bad being bald!! and then I had some people say it looked cute. haha!! I didn't mind at all. The part that really got me was losing my eyebrows and eyelashes...because I felt that really made me look sick. Through it all though, I say it was a amazing experience for me. I've learned a lot about myself and life in general. I think it's key to have a positive attitude and outlook....and prayers are wonderful! Be strong girl!! I'm here if your aunt or you would like to talk. Look forward to hearing from you soon!! Take it easy...and God Bless! :o)

-Laura