My brother has lymphoma

[3kidsandmore]

Hello,

I don't even know why I'm writing other than to offload. I'm 30 and lost my dad to mesothelioma when I was 15 (he was 44 and died quickly but suffered terribly).

Three years ago when I was 27, my mum had advanced stage 3 breast cancer. Thank god for the NHS... one mastectomy and lots of chemo and radio later, she is alive and well.

My mum told me today that my wonderful 16 year old brother has lymphoma. The GP called her this morning and because he's at college, he has no idea himself yet. Well, an idea that he is feeling unwell of late, hence having bloodtests this week.

It's his 17th birthday on Tuesday and mum & I have bought him a car and driving lessons. It was meant to be his best birthday yet but instead he has cancer. The car is hiding at my house.

There are three of us; me, him & our 9 yr old brother who is obviously going to be devastated too. My unwell brother is honestly adorable. I was there at his birth when I was 13 and have been close to him ever since. He is the sweetest 16yr old boy you could know. He works part time and buys his neices & nephew birthday & Christmas gifts with his own money. He is also a model and is (was) looking forward to London Fashion Week in January.

We don't know whether Hodgkins or non until scans & tests next week but sizeable lump is in his groin. Does anyone have any similar experience?

Thanks.

No similar experience but I couldn't read and run on this one. I just wanted to say I'm very sorry for the struggle your family is going through and has already been through. You sound like lovely and strong people, you need to be a rock for your brother even though you probably feel like crumbling inside. I've lost my mum and sister(though not through cancer, other illnesses) and am the same age as you so I know how hard it is. I'm here to hand hold if nothing else xx

I'm so sorry to hear this op

Please look at the ‘lymphoma action’ website.
It contains a lot of useful information and I seem to remember they have a buddy system

So sorry to hear this OP. I just wanted to let you know that I had lymphoma in my early twenties. I’m nearly 40 now with two kids, married and in remission for 13 years. I had stage 4b, (final stage) and had a tumour in my chest the size of a melon. I just wanted you to know that even if things seem really bleak now, there’s every chance that you too will be looking back at this in 13 years as just a tricky period of life all the best to your family xxx

Lymphoma is the name for a wide range of cancers: not all are life limiting, and many are very treatable. Relative in his nineties was completely cured by short course of radiotherapy.

It must be such a shock.But, hopefully, not as bad as you fear. All best wishes to him, you and your family.

Thank you so much lovely people. I really appreciate you taking the time to offer words of reassurance and I do feel more hopeful reading them.

Lymphoma isn't one I know much about at all and didn't realise it was a more generic name for a group of cancers. I will be sure to research wisely and look up Lymphoma Action.

This is the shittiest thing to happen to him just 4 days before his 17th birthday and right before Christmas, especially as having a December birthday means it comes all at once for him, only once a year.

Our mum is a single mum as his (their) dad is less than supportive (shame on him and his loss entirely). She still has monthly post-cancer injections into her stomach each month herself. Their GP cried a little when telling my mum. Hopefully next week will provide info and scans, and treatment will be underway quickly.

The lump in his groin was small 2 weeks ago and he saw the GP on the same day. As it grew rapidly GP did a full blood count this week and says the results suggest Lymphoma. I just hope it's been caught in its early stages.

Sorry for my 1am ramblings, I can't sleep but must for my own children. Luckily DH is around all weekend. Sorry too, to the PP who lost both your mum and sister. That's so unfair and you sound very strong x

SherlocksDeerStalker (sorry no idea how to tag / highlight your name) that must have been so very scary and thank you for sharing your experience. I'm so glad that you fully recovered and are here to tell the tale with your DH and DCs.
Do you now suffer anxiety or anything as a result, in the way that anything minor with your health sends you into panic? I am going to remember your story as our positive mantra x

Op, so sorry to read this - hoping for a positive outcome for your dear brother.

I lost my dad (quickly but brutally) to mesothelioma this year so have an inkling of how traumatic that is. And you’ve been through BC with your mum too.

Look after yourself too during this trying time.

So sorry to hear you are all having to go through this traumatic experience. Im also 30 my younger brother 25 at the time had non Hodgkin's lymphoma two years ago his gp dismissed the lump in his groin as a muscle spasm until it grew to the size of a golf ball.
The cancer was caught at stage 2 and after 6 months of chemotherapy he has been in remission for 20 months now.
Hopefully your brother is just as lucky ❤️❤️ sending lots of love,hugs n prayers your way🙏🏼 xx