Hodgkin's lymphoma Stem Cell Vs Immunotherapy

Husband 70 yrs 

Classic Hodgkin's lymphoma 1999

Classic Hodgkin's lymphoma 2010

Classic Hodgkin's lymphoma 2024

COPD Gold

Sarcoïdosis

Prostate cancer 2023 under control/remission

Heart attack 2015, stent insitu

Now hubby has been diagnosed again with Hodgkins lymphoma, stage unknown. He's had two cycles of GDP which resulted in mucus bleed and admittance to hospital for 4 units of blood to bring blood counts to normal values. The two cycles of chemo have him in remission. Now he is being offered stem cell transplant (self donor) or wait until he comes out of remission when they can carry out immunotherapy. We have been told that there is a risk he won't survive the stem cell and that full cure is possible but not guaranteed and that recovery time would be tough and up to a year. We really don't know what to do  

Any advice which option we should go for is welcome please

  • Hello and thanks for posting

    I'm sorry about everything you and your husband are going through and it's completely understandable to feel uncertain about what to do next.

    Treatment decisions are often challenging with the complications and risks involved, and many people struggle with them. But I'm sure you know, only your husband can decide what to do. People vary in making a decision about this depending on the type and extent of their cancer, how fit and well they are and if they have any other health conditions that may affect their treatment.

    There is no right or wrong choice, only the choice that feels best for both of you based on what you both want and what feels manageable. I think it is important that you both understand all the information that has been given by the specialist team to help reach a treatment decision. There is often quite a lot to take in and it can be overwhelming,  so I would encourage you both to get back in touch with the team if there is anything you are not sure about or want to discuss more fully.

    If your husband has a specialist nurse involved in his care then perhaps they can provide you both with further information. You often have to call and leave them a message and they will get back to you.

    You may also like to look at Macmillan Cancer Supports information on making treatment decisions as it provides some useful information and tips to think about that you may find useful.

    I hope this has been of some help. 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.

    Kind regards,

    Celene