Worried about husband’s remission

My husband was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma 5 years ago at the age of 29. He went through 6 months of chemo and radiotherapy and was given the all clear halfway through treatment (but finished it anyway just to be sure)

Since then, he has had 6 monthly check ups (this year they have been phone calls) and bloods taken. The cancer originally didn't get diagnosed from blood tests, it was a biopsy on the mass in his chest. 
 

Anyway, he is due to have his final appointment (phone call again) but he's been having some pains in his groin and also his knee which has become very swollen lately. He has completely brushed this off and I don't want to mention being worried about it because I don't want him to worry but how do I tell him that he should tell his consultant without making him worry or panic. It's so hard for me because I'm so scared it will come back but I also don't want to tell him that because he went through so much and had such a horrible time through chemo, he hates talking about it as it is. 

Any tips on broaching the subject without causing upset or panic?

Thank you in advance xxx

  • Hi Scaredwife123,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. This sounds like a difficult situation and I can understand this must be a tough one to approach.

    If he is not planning to mention the symptoms to the consultant, it sounds wise for you to suggest that he does mention them, and you wouldn't want to regret not voicing your thoughts about this. You could frame it as him making the most of the opportunity of the time with the consultant (even if it is over the phone) and that there are no bad or wrong questions to ask - it's about getting any and all necessary information and either answers or peace of mind.

    The worries about things returning are also perfectly natural. You could keep this sort of worry slightly separate to the above (instead focusing on a pragmatic approach to the appointment) but you can always talk these worries through with others - friends or family, or us here on this forum. I'm sure there'll be many others here who have been through something similar, so you can always use the forum as an outlet to reach out to others.

    I hope that you're able to find a way forward with this. Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator