It wasn't ovarian, it was lymphoma

[Ohjoyohbliss]

My original thread is nearly full, hence starting this one.

I knew I probably had cancer in late July 2025 but it took until the end of August to get a definitive diagnosis: Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma, Stage 4.

I have had six rounds of chemo, the last of which was on 12 December. Had a lot of nausea and vomiting, plus an infection which left me hospitalised on oxygen and IV antibiotics for a while. I am extremely weak now, and waiting to find out whether the cancer is still active. (A scan at the half way point showed it was.)

Obviously things will be very different in 2026 and go one of two ways, depending on the scan result, which I will find out on Friday 16th January.

Previous thread:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/cancer/5382361-likely-ovarian-terrified-anyone-available-for-a-hand-hold

(Not sure why that takes you to the middle of the thread; sorry.)

Brilliant @Ohjoyohbliss that IS an achievement! I remind myself that any normal activity I do, is good and is to be celebrated. Whether it be driving to the next town, meeting an old colleague, cooking a reasonable dinner, cleaning my car ( okay that’s a bit much!! 😊)

Don’t doubt yourself @Ohjoyohbliss
You are still YOU, although some days it won’t feel like it. Driving will offer you that bit of personal independence again.

@Ohjoyohbliss after a long gap with driving, I booked a couple of lessons with an advanced driving instructor. It really helped. Any instructor would do a refresher lesson or two and it might be just the thing!

It is frustrating to have to regard doing normal things as progress - things you would have taken for granted before. But it is a step on the right road. I have been in these situations where illness set things back for me but I got back on the horse of life bit by bit!

It is to be celebrated - well done!

Well done with the driving, don't underestimate yourself. I remember feeling like you during treatment, one day I remember looking through the window people simply walking and I just couldn't. Ten years post cancer I'm training nearly every day and doing more distance as when I was in my 20s. Hang in there, you won't know yourslef. xx

Driving is real positive. A real tangible thing you couldn't face a month or so ago. Especially with the rain and potholes right now. Even I don't want to drive someday! So well done

Yes, I bet you felt like the driving was a real ‘win’ moment. Like not letting the fucker of your health at the moment compromise normal activities.

I hope whatever appointments / checks etc you have for the coming week Joy are manageable, and the line they did the other day, is as comfortable as it can be at this stage.

Get other half to pick up a Valentines Meal Deal lol (see trending thread lol!). Ha. Sending much strength and love.

The line was taken out on Monday night before I was discharged. It seems to be healing up ok.

Being able to drive, albeit temporarily, is giving me a sense of freedom, even though I still can't walk far.

DH did buy a Valentine meal deal, actually, but we're having it tomorrow as he's out tonight. He didn't consult me. This is the meal deal drink he got (picture.) I hope it's not too awful. I'll have to pretend to like it anyway because he has tried hard.

Oooo do give us feed back on the vino! Hope you enjoy your grub tomorrow.

I walked a mile this afternoon. Pre-cancer me would have said "Yes, and...?" The new me is "Yay for me; I walked a whole mile!" Plus elevation gain of 124 feet, so it's not exactly flat. The last bit was a struggle but I made it.

I wish it would stop raining for long enough to dry out the ground. I could do more interesting walks if it weren't so muddy but, going on my own, it seems sensible to stick to tarmac and solid ground rather than risk slipping and sliding in the mud.

Fantastic!

That sounds like a real achievement OP. Well done!

Wow! - I would give anything to have my health allow me to walk a mile!
What a success and a tribute to your grit and determination. Respect!

It's not so many weeks ago that I was attending hospital appointments in a wheelchair because I couldn't walk from the front door to the clinic. Then using a wheeled frame and now I'm doing it under my own steam.

The meal was lovely (beef bourguignon) and I was pleased with myself for eating it all, until I realised that it was a three-course meal and we only had the main course!

Haven't tried the Kylie Minogue 0% pink fizz yet, because the prosecco which has been in the fridge since Christmas incredibly still had some fizz! I was going to pour it down the sink but it opened with a huge pop and was still drinkable. I'd had it as bucks fizz at Christmas and a couple of small glasses at New Year and there was about 1/3 left.

That is great Joy. Impressive re drinkable prosecco after so long! I hope the pink fizz will be good. Fantastic re your mobility too! I am aware of the !! But I think they are warranted!!!!😀

Aargh, DH is ill. He brought my breakfast and pills up this morning as usual and didn't mention anything. I thought it odd that I didn't see him again. He had gone back to bed. (We've been sleeping separately since I came home from hospital.)

He was shivering and had the runs (but not sick.) His temperature is high. Lower back pain. He's keeping hydrated but doesn't want food. I'm worried about him (but don't know what to do about it.) I guess I'll keep checking on him and insist he contacts the GP tomorrow, or A&E if he's worse?

I'm also worried about catching it myself, but that's quite selfish. My first radiotherapy is tomorrow morning. MIL is taking me. Normally DH would come with me but I don't want him in the car if he's unwell. Thankfully I'm now strong enough to go on my own, and fend for myself at home. Maybe MIL can take him to the docs when we get back from Leeds, but that might be as late as 12. Hopefully earlier.

Oh no I am sorry and you are definitely not selfish. There is 111 too as am sure you know. There is all sorts going around at the moment. Is your GP any good?If your dh okish tonight will be call them in the morning? Good he is hydrating.Does he have paracetamol for temp? You do need to keep away! Wishing you all the best for your first radiotherapy.

I've worn a mask when in the same room as DH. He still doesn't want anything to eat but the runs have stopped. His back and legs are aching and he still has a fever (38.8°C.) I've given him paracetamol and made sure he took his normal meds. I've left him with a glass of water, ibuprofen and paracetamol and instructions to call me in the night if he gets any worse.

I don't think there's much more I can do for him tonight. I didn't sleep well last night (awake from 4) so I really need to get some sleep myself.

His GP (we are registered at different practices) is maybe five miles away but there are roadworks at the moment and it could take ages to get there.

I'll remind him of 111 as an option, thanks.

OP please you need to mind yourself. You know your immune system is not very strong right now. You are really kind but think about it, he is an adult and he should know what to do, please don't be in the same room as him until he is fully recovered. Best of luck with your radiotherapy, and someone said to me once- you are one step closer to recovery. ❤

Lots of hand washing! Develop OCD fot a while! Separate towels etc. Stay out of his room.
He will fight this off ... with medical help if needs be ... but your immune suppressant state needs to bevtaken seriously.
I hope he is better soon.

DH is a bit better today but still not right. He managed half a pizza at lunch time and said he would try some curry for tea. I don't know how how much of that he's eaten but I heard him go to the loo so maybe it didn't agree with him.

Other than check on him from time to time and take in meals, I've avoided him all day. I've worn a mask when I've gone in there. We are using separate bathrooms.

I can't just abandon him! He has been absolutely amazing throughout my illness and chemo, and I will really need him after the CAR-T. Right now he is ill and needs a bit of help from me and I'm happy to give it, although I'm finding it tiring. I'm washing my hands a lot and nagging him to do the same.

My last bloods showed my white cells are almost at normal levels - although that was before the apheresis so I guess they've dropped a bit since then.

Second radiotherapy went ok (as did the first one yesterday.) MIL can't take me tomorrow or Friday so I will have to drive myself, which is a bit scary, especially as I will be alone and not have DH with me.

DH is worse again today, said he had been awake since 2 am "shaking, but not cold" which sounds scary. He contacted his GP and was diagnosed over the phone with a UTI. Seems weird when his main symptom is diarrhoea, not urinary problems. However, I had wondered if his back pain might be kidneys.

He had to take a urine sample and (without testing it) they have given him antibiotics. I don't understand this at all, but IANA doctor. (I did diagnose two previous conditions when his GP and nurse seemed to have no idea. He was in agony with one and could have died of the other, so naturally enough I don't have much confidence in them.)

He also seems to think that now he's been told he's got a UTI, he's not infectious, so he's not keeping the door shut and wearing a mask in my vicinity. I'm still wearing mine, avoiding him as much as possible and continuing to nag him about hand hygiene.

Oh goodness. What a worry ..... you really do not need this problem with OH. He should keep away from you ideally.

But good that radiotherapy went OK.