Hi! I am a 26 year old female who was diagnosed with Stage 1 NHL in my left tonsil exactly 1 year ago today-Nov. 4, 2005. God blessed me with wonderful doctors and family, and after 3 rounds of CHOP w/Rituxan and 20 radiation treatments, I was put into remission on March 17, 2006.
The day I was diagnosed, I lost my job. I was only there for 3 weeeks, so...2 days after my first treatment, my now exfiance kicked me out. It was a pretty bad time. However, I am beyond thankful to have my life today and to have all of the lessons learned.
My only problem is, when I have to go for the follow-up CT Scans and visits with my oncologists, my entire body spasms and I get depressed. It starts on my drive to the medical building to get the scan. When I lay down to get the iv contrast, they have a hard time getting it in, because my veins spasm and I get extremely shakey and emotional. Then, when I leave there, I'm a wreck until my appt. with my doctors. When I find out good news, I'm great, but then spend the next week not believing this just happened to me and reliving the pain of chemo/radiation and my engagement ending. Does anyone else experience this? Is this normal and what can I do to help myself relax without having to rely on antidepressants? Mind you, I have a career in pharmacy, so I'm fully aware of the benefits and side effects of these drugs. Can anyone help me with this? Thank you so much and God be with all patients/survivors and their families.