How can I cope with multiple cancer diagnoses and treatment uncertainty?

Communities›B-Cell Lymphoma›How can I cope with multiple cancer diagnoses and treatment uncertainty?

KD

Community Member

4 months ago

Looks like I'm the new kid on the block. In February of this year, I was diagnosed with skin cancer in four places on my head. Before I could get that cleared up, on March 6 the ER sent me to a hospital in Springfield, Oregon because they found a mass on my thyroid. March 14, the day before my 66th birthday, they performed a partial thyroidectomy and confirmed that I had B cell, non-hodgkins lymphoma. Of course, that couldn't be right! I was a firefighter for 25 years and still in good shape. Since that diagnosis I have been in the hospital pretty much continuously until just a couple of weeks ago. I came out of the hospital with a diagnosis of CPFE (combined Pulmonary Fibrosis and Emphysema). Basically, my lungs are just full of scar tissue from the fire service. Every time I go to get a PET scan something goes wrong and I can't get it. But, according to the oncologist, my next chemo on the 20th will be my last one. But how does he know?

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Accepted Answer

Dealing with multiple diagnoses and treatment uncertainty can feel overwhelming, especially when facing such a challenging combination of conditions. Many patients in cancer communities find that open communication with their care team helps address questions about treatment timelines - oncologists often base their decisions on test results, response to treatment, and established protocols, though it's completely understandable to want more clarity about the reasoning behind these decisions. This community is here to support you through this journey, and others may share similar experiences navigating complex treatment plans.

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DR

Community Member

3 months ago

Hi Keith I hope you are doing well my name is Daria I was diagnosed in July with low grade follicular non Hopkins cancer it’s in my abdomen it’s kind of like a blood thing something with my b-cells I’m just learning I fell and they took a complete body scan and that’s how they found the mass it is 8 centimeters I start chemo in three weeks or so I’m highly depressed so they want me to see a psychiatrist asap bc in this state it’s not good for chemo bc of the immune system all I do is sleep and cry I’m really scared 🙏

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JV

Community Member

3 months ago

Keith, I had stage 4 non Hodgkin's large B cell lymphoma, Jan 2025. I don't have your respiratory problems, but went through 6 rounds of chemo. 3-4 weeks later I had a PET scan and when I met with my oncologist, he said I was in remission. It's a long process. The worst part for me is the fatigue. It's getting better but you won't be running 5 ks very soon. Stay positive.

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CA

Community Member

2 months ago

Dealing with multiple diagnoses and treatment uncertainty can feel overwhelming, especially when facing such a challenging combination of conditions. Many patients in cancer communities find that open communication with their care team helps address questions about treatment timelines - oncologists often base their decisions on test results, response to treatment, and established protocols, though it's completely understandable to want more clarity about the reasoning behind these decisions. This community is here to support you through this journey, and others may share similar experiences navigating complex treatment plans.

How can I cope with multiple cancer diagnoses and treatment uncertainty?

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