Splenic Marginal Zone NHL - diagnosed Sept 2024

My name is Ruthy 63, and up until Aug 2024 I was a fit and healthy person who’d never had any illnesses let alone been in hospital and I wasn’t on any medication. That changed overnight following a routine blood test!
I was diagnosed in September with stageIV low-grade splenic marginal zone non-Hodgkins lymphoma. I needed to start chemo/immunotherapy in October due to very poor bloods. Shocked beyond belief! No one who knows me could believe it of me either such was the manner in which I lived my life.

Typically I am strong and resilient, and while I am now focused on getting through treatment, this has floored me emotionally. I’ve become hyper sensitive and sometimes cry a lot which is so uncharacteristic. I just try to go with the flow. I know tomorrow I will feel differently.

I just don’t know how to live with this day to day yet, eating seems like a minefield with blood cancer… any tips would be appreciated x

  • Hello Ruthy12

    I'm so sorry to hear about the diagnosis that you received a few months ago. it sounds like it's been a real bombshell in the way you've been left reeling from all this but I hope that I can offer some reassurance that you're not alone in feeling this way. This is a normal response to a very stressful life experience. 

    We do have some information on our website about managing your emotions that you may find helpful but I'd really encourage you to talk with someone about how you're feeling. If you have a named specialist cancer nurse they are a good point of contact to reach out to. They will know what resources are available in your local area and may be able to refer you for counselling. I'd also suggest talking with your GP so that they can talk with you about ways they may be able to help you with managing your mood. 

    It may be that there is an organisation such as Maggies in your local area and if so I'd encourage you to visit them. Talking with people who understand the rollercoaster that life with cancer can be really can help. Again your cancer specialist nurse should know about any support groups or meetings in your area if this is something that you want to explore. 

    The Blood Cancer UK website has information about eating well with blood cancer. If you'd like to talk with one of our nurses for some advice and support you can call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. 

    I hope that you have a good circle of friends and family around you Ruthy who can offer some support whilst you're finding a balance of things again. Don't be afraid to reach out to a trusted friend or loved one and confide in them about how you're feeling. 

    Take things a day at a time and be kind to yourself. Keep in touch with us here at Cancer Chat. We're here for you. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Thanks Jenn - I’m in the process of reaching out now. I do need to talk about this rather than keep reading. I’m sometimes my own worst enemy because I’m the strong one people turn to. I need to let people help me.

    I’ve already been receiving emails from Blood Cancer UK and also Lymphoma Action. 

    Im sure I’ll be fine. Thanks again 

    x