Found out my brother has Hodgkins Lymphoma

[Charlie Mike]

The good news is this type of cancer has one of the highest cure rates. My brother is 21. For the last 6 months he had a cough that went from nagging to coughing up a lung. I thought it was just bonghitter's cough, he smokes weed every day. They went through a few false diagnosis such as asthma and bronchitis before they did a biopsy. Now he has a mediport put in. We don't know what stage it is at yet but they are going to start chemo now. He has lost a lot of weight and at 5'11" and 130lbs, he's starting to look like a Auschwitz survivor.

It's strange b/c my dad died at 50 back in 99 from chronic leukemia. A few years later his older brother died of a lung infection that we think had to do with his 30 years in the submarine fleet.

I figured I would be the one that gets something like this. I've smoked since I was 14. I've done way more drugs than him and for all intents and purposes, treated my body like shit. The worse part for him is he's scared to death of needles But I'm optimistic. He's a real argumentative shit and he will beat a dead horse to kibble.

 

[KeithAM]

I hate cancer. Prayers headed your way and his.

 

[richard j]

i hate the stuff too. i hope your brother beats the nasty stuff and lives a long time.

 

[T.K.C.]

Prayers sent to your brother and you!

 

[3Guardsmen]

Your brother, you, and your family will be in my prayers, SolidSoldier.

God Bless,
3G

 

[Brian Jones]

SolidSoldier,

My sister-in-law's brother had it. He was in Stage 4 (the last stage before death) and beat it hands down and has been clear for over 15 years. The experience inspired him to get into the medical field, and he became one of the heads of emergency medical services in his town, then got his R.N. He says to this day that he wouldn't change a thing in his life if he had the chance, because it made him stronger and set him on a course in life that is fulfilling, and helps others.

Prayers out to your brother, but know this can be beaten, even when it's in the final stage.

 

[markksr]

Smoke and Prayers sent your brother's way...

 

[Str8ShooterEsq]

Your brother will be in my prayers.

 

[mycroftt]

solidsoldier, I'm not the praying type but I send my best wishes to you and your brother. Keep your chin up - Hodgkins is very treatable and I hope your brother becomes one of the success stories. I know a stage 4B young lad who is now in complete remission, thanks to aggressive treatment and extraordinary efforts by people like NASCAR driver Kyle Petty who called my little buddy up every day at the Petty camp for sick kids - even during his busy racing season. Your brother is at the prime strength of his life. Help him fight - and let us know when you win.

 

[Bastid]

Be there for him and keep him upbeat every chance you get.
You and yours will be in my prayers.

 

[donn]

I’m very sorry to hear about your brother. That must be a shock for someone so young.
I don’t know what you know but I’ve just written some information here. I’ve worked with cancer patients in the past and have just started a secondment working with cancer patients in the community.

All stages are treated using a varying combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This may leave your brother feeling fatigued so it goes without saying he’s going to need your help and that of the family.
Survival rates for Hodgkins lymphoma are very good; even with late stage disease. As Brian Jones stated there are 4 stages. Survival rates are high, even for Stages 3 and 4. For Stages 1 and 2 the survival rate is 80%. Stage 3A is about 75-80% and Stage 3B about 70% (the A and B designation apply to what symptoms the patient presents with). Even patients in Stage 4 have a 70-80% survival rate with over 50% remaining disease free at the 10 and 15 year mark. If he remains disease free for the first 5 years post-treatment then he should be able to consider that a full cure.

The cause for lymphomas is unknown but as common onset is from 15-40 years lifestyle like drug and alcohol use doesn’t seem to play a role. Environmental factors (woodworkers, car mechanics and farmers have a higher rate of lymphomas), past cancer treatment, genetic factors and certain viruses are thought to play a part. My dad was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma (a similar disease) last year and was told that woodworkers and car mechanics have a higher incidence. His oncologist told him that there **MAY** also be a link to the nuclear industry. That would be the atom bomb tests throughout the Cold War, the Sizewell B reactor accident in the UK in 1956 and the Chernobyl accident in ?1986 I think. He expects to see far more patients with lymphomas; especially people whose jobs meant they worked outside.

Anyway, make sure your brother listens to his medics and informs them immediately of changes to his body, any pain and side-effects of the treatment. The medics should give him plenty of info’ about side-effects and advice regarding diet and lifestyle factors that will greatly aid his treatment and recovery. Often close family need to be there to help explain this sort of stuff and put it in order as your brother will have a lot on his mind. Theres going to be a lot of information and along with the treatment he may feel quite overwhelmed so it’ll be your job as family to help him with this.

Good luck to your family. There is good reason to be hopeful and I hope your brother gets through this.

D.

 

[westllen]

Cancer SUCKS! prayers and well wishes sent out.

Jules