Hi my sister has just been diagnosed with Lymphoma, the doctors say they are 95% sure it's Burkitt's. They say it is a high grade aggressive type and it they have done biopsy's and found lymphoma cells in her bone marrow as well as several other areas. Which does not sound good although they have said it responds well to chemo. My sister has already been in hospital for 3 weeks and they have said her case is complex and that they are still waiting for some results so that they can see the complete picture. she started treatment last wednesday and is so scared. She wont talk about it to us and although she is happy for us to speak to the consultant, it's hard to track her down and we keep getting the junior doctor just re-hashing the information we already have. Is it normal for it to take so long for a full diagnosis? Does anyone have expierience of this type of lymphoma?
Hi. I'm so sorry to hear your sister's in the hospital.
My spouse has non-hodgkin lymphoma, but it's in the bone marrow, too for him and took at least 9 days for the full diagnosis. His bone marrow biopsy came backm but days later came the fuller pathology report. Maybe it's sooner if your in the hospital? I don't know.
I just had to write to offer support.
Can they give you brochures or websites with more info?
I've read on a different thread of 1-800-4CANCER, I think.
Also the American Cancer Society has info on cancer.
I think it's normal to be scared. Many of us feel knowledge is power, so I hope they soon give you more info.
I feel the more I read, the better questions I'm able to ask his oncologist, etc.
Your sis is luck to have you as a patient advocate. I always have pen and paper to take notes when I get to speak to any of his medical eam. That way, if I'm stressed or haven't slept well, ... You know.
Maybe a social worker or chaplain can speak some comforting words to your sister. : )
Sending you and your family all my best.
Thank you, I think the pen and paper is a good idea, i'm not always at the hospital my dad and her partner and me are splitting the visiting times so she is not overwhelmed. She has had a councellor speak to her but only briefly. I'm brand new to this site but after i posted this i read some other posts and a lot of it made some sence more than what the doctors have told us.
I to feel knowledge is power but my sister is very scared and just does not want to hear stuff which makes it difficult to ask to many questions in front of her. thank you for your support .
Try to read as much as you can about your sister's specific type. There are many many differents types of lymphoma, and actually an aggressive type is easier to treat. It could take a long time to DX, but I am happy you are being vigilent. It's natural to be scared, but the power of information strenghtens us.
Peace
My Mom has been diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma and she is 68. I am 39 and plan to be there every step of the way...but am scared. Our faith in God is strong...I know she will beat this!!
Hi ErinKay, very sorry to hear of your mom's DX. She is lucky to have you by her side because she will always need an extra set of ears. I am glad you both have a strong faith, it is something that will def shore you up and I believe prayer helps you deal with whatever news you get. When will she start treatment or has she already? There is lots of info on her type, but I would only read the most recent studies because there have been great changes in this field during the past few years. We are here for you, if you just need to vent or maybe we can steer you toward answers you seek. God Bless and tell your mom I pulling for her! KBeale