On 11/24/2006 Csr11219 wrote:
I am very concerned about my sister's hsband who has Lymphoma. I only know these facts about his condition...He has night sweats, he had his 25 lb. spleen removed 10 years ago and went through radiation treatment at that time. Now over the last 15 months he has lost 140 lbs., has had chemotherapy several times (rounds) has lesions on the liver, was taking procrit, he is very weak, runny nose, anemic, swollen lymph glands, night sweats, has been on steroids for mental confusion. My sister doesn't seem to ask too many questions of the Oncologist and she is basically totally dependent on her husband who is very ill as you can see. I am worried that he may not be with us much longer but I can't say that to her and I don't think she has any idea of just how ill he is. Can anyone help me here? I am reading everything I can on Lymphoma and from his symptoms I think he is a stage 4 B-cell, hope I am saying that right. How long will he be able to survive this? His doctor put him out 4 months ago to apply for SS Disability so I think that must mean that he knows my BIL will never be able to return to work? I am just worried about them both and want to be prepared to help out any way I can. Thanks to anyone who can offer any information. Connie
Hi Connie,
I am so sorry for the pain you and your family are enduring seeing your brother in law so sick. Where is he being treated? Have you considered taking him somewhere for a second opinion? There are many new approaches for cancer treatment that may be considered. I was in a similar situation with my husband who was grossly misdiagnosed (he was Stage 4 with NHL ALCL T-cell) and brought him to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville and was happy with the results. That was in February 2005 and he is doing well at the present.
You also mentioned mental confusion which my husband had as well. Cancer (or tumors) can raise the body's calcium level, my husbands was very high, I believe it was 14 when the high-normal is 10. Anyway, they gave him drugs to reduce it, only it reduced it too much which causes shaking and even possible cardiac arrest. I'd ask the doc what his calcium level is and question whether he is receiving the correct drugs to adjust it.
My prayers are with you and your family.
Mindy