Mantle cell lymphoma

[Blackandblue]

I know you shouldn't type drunk but, well, there you go.

My mum has been diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma.

This is a month after my - I always thought quite healthy - father had a serious heart attack and, as a result, double heart bypass.

A year after my daughter died.

Needless to say I am feeling a bit beaten up. Although - as is my nature - I am also acutely aware that many other people have a much tougher lot than me.

The heart attack thing was a shock but, effectively, reparable.

Cancer isn't so easy to fix.

And I know people don't last forever but I am not quite ready to accept the mortality of my mum or dad.

But, well, here we are.

I'm not expecting comments. I just needed to "let it out".

 

[Bayerd]

To be fair B&B I don't think any of us are ever prepared to accept our own or anyone else's immortality. We all know it's there, but hope it's further away than it really is. I never thought I'd lose my mum when I did nearly 3 years ago of cancer, she'd always lived a healthy lifestyle (unlike dad who's still going like a goodun..) and went at 61. I always thought it would be the other way around. Sometimes there isn't a lot we can do about the cards fate has dealt us other than to play them as best we can and enjoy every moment we can.

Best wishes to you and yours.

 

[Johnny B]

Blackandblue,
I lift a glass to you. I found your post as I have mantle cell lymphoma also. I had serious chemo in 2008 and have been in remission for closing in on three years. I continue to ride centuries and do trialthlons. Don't despair, while mcl is allegedly incurable, there are new developments all the time.

I suggest you check out the mcl forum on ACOR.org - it's a patient forum and there is lots of information about different treatments. I know there are several posters from the UK.

Best of luck to you & your mom.
Johnny B

 

[buggi]

Words fail me

spend as much time with your loved ones as you can and tell them often that you love them. As said, don't lose hope, there are developments all the time.

 

[Arch]

Words fail me

spend as much time with your loved ones as you can and tell them often that you love them. As said, don't lose hope, there are developments all the time.

This +1

All the best Blackandblue.

 

[soulful dog]

Agree with Bayerd's comment about not being prepared to accept our own or anyone else's immortality. My 92-year old Gran passed away last year, still makes me sad when I think about her not being here anymore. Best wishes to you and your family, and like buggi said, spend as much time with your loved ones as you can. Love and enjoy them while you can.

 

[Intelligenthamster]

I feel for you Blackandblue. I had a similar thing happen with my stepmum, and while she and I initially had our ups and downs she eventually became the big sister I had up to then never had.

Don't be afraid to cry if you need to, this was what someone told me and it was good advice.

Big hug

 

[Blackandblue]

Thanks chaps and chapesses. Will look into the mcl forum, Johnny B.

Spent the day with the folks today. Took my sis and my two boys. We didnt talk a lot about the mcl - bit I'm so glad I went and really glad I took the boys. My parents were really frail but on good form and enjoyed seeing their grandkids. Mum was as ever very pragmatic and, I think, is keeping a certain sense of humour about the whole thing which is really great.

It appears the heart problem is likely to be hereditary which isn't great news but forewarned is forearmed.

Thanks again.