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Lymphoma

Sarah.t
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Hi everyone,

I am looking for a bit of support and guidance. My father (79yrs) had been feeling generally run down, fatigued and a bit on the unwell side for a few weeks. He went to the GP who ordered at CT TAP and some bloods. The CT TAP results came back likely lymphoma with enlarged lymph node in the right axilla and the cervical regions along side splenomegaly. He has his urgent haematology appointment this Wednesday. So far we don't have a lymphoma type and biopsies have been mentioned but we don't have a date for that yet. I also believe the GP who initiated all the investigations is also referring him to the endocrinology team too. He has never had a lump that is commonly associated with lymphoma. 

For background information he is a very fit, active 79 year old. He is completely independent and when the weather is nice he still rides his motorcycles. He has had previous acute pancreatitis approximately 18 years ago, and has had malignant moles removed. 

I am just wondering what his potential treatment options would be? I would hate for the medical team not to offer him potential treatments purely because of his age. 

  • Hi Sarah.t and thank you for your post,

    I am sorry to learn that your father may have lymphoma. If lymphoma is confirmed then the treatment options available will depend on several things; such as the type of lymphoma, whether the cancer is slow-growing (low grade) or fast-growing (high grade), the stage of the lymphoma (how far it has spread) and how well your father is generally whether or not he has any other health conditions.

    So at this stage it is difficult to say exactly what treatment your dad may have. Also, there are many different types of lymphoma which may be treated differently. For example if it is a high grade lymphoma the main treatments used may be chemotherapy, targeted therapy and radiotherapy. If it is a low grade lymphoma and not causing too many symptoms, then treatment may not be recommended to begin with and the lymphoma is monitored (watch and wait) until the lymphoma changes and causes significant symptoms.

    Once you know more with your fathers appointment tomorrow, and if you have any further questions, please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care, all the best

    Jemma

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