really bad news on dad's biopsy...any advice from onc RN's?

[SpecFuz]

Hi there,

I'm about to graduate nursing school (6 weeks left!) and my dad just got his biopsy results back showing Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell Type.

They thought he was having an allergic response to something for the last 8 months (ALL his doctors thought this) until about a month ago when I woke up one morning and realized it had to be something else. Sure enough, a doc palpated 1 of his lymph nodes and then the symptoms all fit together: recurrent fevers, generalized itching, fatigue, etc.

I feel very uneducated about Lymphoma in general but am even more confused by mantle-cell. Everything I've looked up online is AWFUL showing an average of 2-5 year survival rate.

I guess I am hoping that an Onc nurses would be willing to share with me their knowledge or point me to a reputable site? I'm trying to prepare myself for what to expect. Oh and he is 62-years-old and has always been in excellent shape, healthy diet and exercise.

Thank you so much

Spec

[PennyLane, RN]

My sister had an autologous (sp?) stem cell transplant, too. PM me if you have any questions. She tolerated it very well while she was in the hospital.

I've also thought about working in Oncology. I say go for it. And congrats on passing the NCLEX!

[CHATSDALE]

my heart and prayers go out to your father and to you...God bless

[jnette, ASN, EMT-I]

So sorry about your father's dx., SpecFuzz.

My father had lymphoma as well.. can't say that it was mantle cell, as I really don't know. He received steroids for quite some time, but don't recall him ever getting chemo.. might have been his preference.

He went into remission for eight years. Was told if he ever got a URI to expect that to trigger the lymphoma again.. to be very careful not to get any infections.

Eight years later he did get a respiratory infection and it went downhill from there. That was in Sept., and he passed away in Dec. ( over 25 years ago).

He was 55 when he was diagnosed, 63 when he passed.

During the eight year remission he did fabulously.. would have never known he was sick at all. He had retired, but continued to work for the Gov't. overseas, and traveled quite extensively. He lived life to the fullest.

It's difficult for me to remember all the details as I was in the Air Force at the time and we didn't get to see each other too often. Wish I could give you more info.. but again, times and medicines and options all have changed since then. I do wish your father the very best possible outcome.

(((HUGS))) to you.

Congrats on passing NCLEX as well ! :balloons:

We're here for you... come and inquire, vent, or cry if you need to.

[leslie :-D]

hi specfuzz,

i just wanted to extend my prayers, condolences and support to you, your dad and the rest of the family.

it's going to be a hard journey for all involved so be good to yourself; encourage your dad to do things he's always wanted to do and just be with him and love him.

congratulations on passing your nclex.

before you consider going into peds onc, you might want to see your reactions to what your father will be going through.

personally, my hats off to peds onc nurses- i could not work with children that sick.

again, come to this forum as much as needed. we're all here to support you.

with peace,

leslie