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Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: GSOgymrat on August 10, 2007, 03:13:50 pm

Title: It's cancer
Post by: GSOgymrat on August 10, 2007, 03:13:50 pm
It has been almost 10 years to the day since he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma and successfully treated. We found out yesterday that my partner has lymphoma again.  He had a swollen gland on his neck and his doctors performed CAT and PET scans. He has four tumors that showed up, the one on his neck and 3 more down the middle of his chest. His going Tuesday for a biopsy on the one on his neck, Thursday for a bone marrow sample and Friday the oncologist will give us the recommended treatment and prognosis. He said it will be heavier chemo than before because lymphatic tumors generally don't respond as well if they return a second time.

We are both shocked, stunned and saddened. He is very fearful of going through even heavier chemo, as the first time was horrible, especially since he had complications. Here come hard times.
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Dan J. on August 10, 2007, 03:24:24 pm
Both of you are in my thoughts during this difficult time.  I am so very sorry that he has to go through this again.  With a good man like you by his side he can make thru this struggle.

Dan
(who doesn't pray often, but is saying one right now)
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: pozattitude on August 10, 2007, 03:43:05 pm
this is very upsetting news.  I am terrible sorry to hear this.
I wish you both much strength and luck during the upcoming battle.  I'll keep you both in my thoughts.

Rich
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: kentb on August 10, 2007, 04:06:49 pm
I hardly ever post here, but have followed you for a long time as a great source of inspiration for thoses of us who have had physical changes.

Will pray for strength and courage for you and your partner.

with compassion,

Kent in ATL.
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: J.R.E. on August 10, 2007, 04:13:10 pm
Ford,

I am deeply sorry to hear this. My thoughts go out to both of you...



Ray
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Miss Philicia on August 10, 2007, 04:15:09 pm
Ford, so sorry to hear this news and I'm sending my deepest thoughts to you and your partner during this period.
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: NycJoe on August 10, 2007, 04:21:21 pm
So sorry to hear it.  As if hiv isn't enough to deal with.  Prayers out to you and yours...Joe
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: thunter34 on August 10, 2007, 04:22:10 pm
Oh, Ford.  I am so sorry to read this.  My thoughts are with you both.
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: RapidRod on August 10, 2007, 04:24:57 pm
Ford, sorry to hear of this news. Lets pray that he beat it once and he can do it again. My thoughts are with you both.

Rodney
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: jack on August 10, 2007, 04:28:58 pm
bummer.
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Life on August 10, 2007, 04:32:46 pm
I am sorry Ford...  I hope that in the past 10 years treatments have gotten better and easier to deal with..  Prayers are with both of you..

Eric & Will
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: RAB on August 10, 2007, 04:35:08 pm
I'm sorry Ford.  I'll be thinking of you both next week as he begins to see where things stand.

RAB
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Dachshund on August 10, 2007, 04:35:20 pm
My thoughts will be with you and your partner.

Hal
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: cjc on August 10, 2007, 04:35:36 pm
Ford, I am sorry to hear this news. I hope that the cancer can be treated and everything will be okay. Will be thinking of you both.  Cristy
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: MOONLIGHT1114 on August 10, 2007, 04:41:32 pm
Hi Ford~

I am saddened to hear of this news for you and your partner.  I have dealt with a loved one having lymphoma as well.  The good news is the fact that modern medicine is amazing.  I am praying that you both stay strong and persevere through this!  My thoughts are with you both.  Please keep us posted.

~Cindy
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Dragonette on August 10, 2007, 04:47:02 pm
I am so sorry to hear this and wish you both all the strength.
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Cliff on August 10, 2007, 04:50:30 pm
Ford,

I'm sorry to hear this.  Keep us posted. You both are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cliff
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: mjmel on August 10, 2007, 05:00:18 pm
I pray, I send thoughts of both courage and strength to your partner in these hard times ahead.
I know you are the wind beneath his wings. Maybe it sounds a bit corny but it's true.

Mike
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: chrism1973 on August 10, 2007, 05:06:21 pm
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your partner.
                                                                                                                           Chris
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Lisa on August 10, 2007, 05:26:38 pm
You will both be in my thoughts.
Remember, I'm only over in Winston if y'all need any help.(been a nurse for 30 yrs too) Anytime friend, anytime.
I remember how sick and weak Grinch was when he came through this ordeal some time ago. Try to keep as healthy a diet as possible, and rest, even when you feel like you "should" be doing something.
Keep us posted.
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: marc11864 on August 10, 2007, 05:35:07 pm
Your partner and you are in my thoughts Ford. Try to maintain a positive perspective as best you can while you two walk this journey and help him to remember everyday that he is not his cancer.  :)
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Jody on August 10, 2007, 05:46:47 pm
Dear Ford...Here's hoping you and your partner come through this ordeal with flying colors...I know you will both give it your best shot and as has been said treatments are improving all the time as they get to the cancer without affecting surrounding tissue...Keep on truckin' one day at a time.

Jody
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Iggy on August 10, 2007, 06:40:30 pm


I'm sorry to hear this and hope only the best for treatment.

Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: aztecan on August 10, 2007, 07:26:57 pm
Ford, you will both be in my thoughts and I will send copious amounts of healing energy your partner's way.


HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Ann on August 10, 2007, 07:43:17 pm
I'm really sorry to hear this, Ford.

I've added you both to my daily love, light and positive healing energy list.

Hang in there buddy. You know we're here for you.

Hugs,
Ann
xxx
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: sdcabincrew74 on August 10, 2007, 07:44:42 pm
Oh my, what terrible news.  I can say nothing to make it better.  I have followed you and partner for some time since he and I do the same job in life.  I am saddened to hear this news.  You both are in my thoughts.  Please take care!
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Nadine on August 10, 2007, 09:05:42 pm
Ford, I'm very sorry to hear this. 

You & your partner will be in my thoughts and prayers.

(((HUGS)))
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Basquo on August 10, 2007, 09:15:38 pm
Ford, he could have no better caregiver than you! Take care of the both of you...

Love and Healing,
Creighton
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: BT65 on August 10, 2007, 10:23:58 pm
Ford,
  Keep the faith and live life to the fullest that is possible.  Create good memories.  You both are in my thoughts.
Betty
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Buckmark on August 10, 2007, 10:47:08 pm
Ford,

I'm not sure what to say, except that I'm very sorry to learn this news about your partner.  I will say some prayers for both of you, and hope that the two of you can find your way through this together.

Henry
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Robert on August 10, 2007, 10:52:03 pm
Oh ford.  I'm so sorry for both of you.  Good luck in the upcoming days and months.  Like everyone else here, I'll be hoping for the best.

robert
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: AlanBama on August 10, 2007, 11:06:52 pm
Ford,

I am so saddened to hear this news.   You will both be in my prayers.   Stay strong...

love,

Alan
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Queen Tokelove on August 11, 2007, 12:31:50 am
I am sorry to hear the sad news regarding your partner but agrees with Basquo, he has you in his corner and you will provide all the tlc he needs. Will keep you both in my prayers..
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: milker on August 11, 2007, 12:38:21 am
Ford,

I'm sorry you and your partner have to go through this. Thinking about you.

Milker.
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: frenchpat on August 11, 2007, 03:48:06 am
I am sorry your partner and you have to go through this, and I wish you lots of courage and strength over the next months.
You are in my thoughts

Pat
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: carousel on August 11, 2007, 04:23:43 am
Your partner is lucky to have you at his side to share these difficult times.

I hope that the doctors give a good prognosis.

Best wishes to you both,
Charles
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Optimistic on August 11, 2007, 04:39:03 am
I'm so sorry you and your partner have to go through this.  Please know that you are in my prayers.  Take very good care of each other and hoping for the best for you both.

Justin
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: JohnOso on August 11, 2007, 06:14:27 am
Ford,

I am also sorry to hear about your partner. 

Roller-coaster ride coming?  Yeah....but thankfully you will be there for him.

Keep strong.

John
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: DanielMark on August 11, 2007, 06:37:35 am
That is hard news, Ford. An ex and friend of mine died of AIDS-Related Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma back in 1994.

Here's praying and hoping for the best possible outcome.

Daniel
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: bear60 on August 11, 2007, 10:47:47 am
Ford
I dont know what to say.  This is not good news.  I hope for the best for the two of you.
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: northernguy on August 11, 2007, 10:56:06 am
I am very sorry to hear the news.  Hang in there and both of you keep your strength and a positive attitude. He's beaten it once, he can do it again!
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: pozguy75 on August 11, 2007, 01:08:58 pm
baby I am sorry to hear this...My thoughts and prayers are with you today!!
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: emeraldize on August 11, 2007, 02:15:11 pm
Ford, I'm sorry to learn of this repeat challenge, but knowing you have each other makes it easier to take on. Flying solo while ill makes it all the more troubling and exhausting. I'll be thinking of both of you. Em
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: MoltenStorm on August 11, 2007, 02:21:37 pm
I'm so sorry, GSO. I will definitely keep you both in my prayers. I know you're probably being the strong one, but hopefully it doesn't sound hollow when I say that you have people who are here for you.

Molten
(who has two well-worn shoulders, and two well-used ears)
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: JeffreyM on August 11, 2007, 02:50:35 pm
Hello, Sending  you and your partner  light, love and hugs during this difficult time.  JeffreyM
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: puertorico2006 on August 11, 2007, 05:24:49 pm
I'm sorry :'(

*hugs*
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Matty the Damned on August 11, 2007, 05:27:57 pm
Oh Ford! Such terrible news. Matty the Damned is thinking of you both.

MtD
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: pozniceguy on August 11, 2007, 06:38:26 pm
Ford that is terrible news...I can really empathize..I am very close to someone who has had the same sort of issue..recurring lymphoma......  I hope your partner can receive the newest care available....the Dr who treatment my friend kept saying how improved the treatments had become and how selective the chemo has been designed now.    she has recovered as fully as possible   which means the nodules  shrunk and have not grown back in more than six months...
Best wishes and to you and partner   I hope the treatments are super successful

Nick
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: GSOgymrat on August 12, 2007, 02:12:03 am
Thanks to everyone for your support. The first time he had cancer he insisted on only telling the people who had to know. We even managed to keep it a secret from his family, a plan I disapproved of but went along with. This time he says he is going to tell his parents about everything, including his HIV status, which will completely shock them but be a relief to me. We have a lot more support this time around and I am preparing for the bad times and hoping for the best.
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: MOONLIGHT1114 on August 12, 2007, 02:44:53 am
Hi Ford~

I'm glad that you can anticipate some relief with your partner disclosing his status, especially at such a trying time.  Family is amazing, sometimes they are all we have, but they are ALWAYS THERE.  Your partner is lucky to have YOU, too.  Yes, there will definitely be more support for the both of you this time, as well! 

Prayers for You,

Cindy :-*
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: mjmel on August 12, 2007, 04:34:57 am
Thanks to everyone for your support. The first time he had cancer he insisted on only telling the people who had to know. We even managed to keep it a secret from his family, a plan I disapproved of but went along with. This time he says he is going to tell his parents about everything, including his HIV status, which will completely shock them but be a relief to me. We have a lot more support this time around and I am preparing for the bad times and hoping for the best.
Ford, this is a big deal for your partner...........to disclose everything he formerly held back from his family.  The news will likely shock many yet family ties that unify will offer support. It will be a blessing to have some help through those days ahead.
Please continue to keep us posted here at AIDS MED forum. Rant when you need. Many will be here for you and partner.
Mike
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: anniebc on August 12, 2007, 06:00:14 am
Thinking of you both...and sending you (((hugs))) from NZ.

Praying that you both find the strength to see this through.

Hugs
Jan :-*
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Andy Velez on August 12, 2007, 10:34:50 am
Ford, hope you guys are getting through this latest challenge the best you can. It sounds like you have a wonderful strength together. You know we're all here hoping for the best.

Hugs to you both.

Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: lucas clay on August 12, 2007, 06:09:08 pm
medicine has come a long way in the last ten years.
im praying for you  and you partner.

                                                Lucas
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Christine on August 12, 2007, 06:56:11 pm
Oh...I am so sorry. He is blessed to have you by his side. Sending you both good thoughts, prayers, strength..anything you need.

Christine
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Teresa on August 12, 2007, 09:40:16 pm
I am so sorry to hear the news about your partner. Hes lucky to have you there for love and support. I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.

Big Hugs
Teresa
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Longislander on August 13, 2007, 12:20:26 am
Ford, I'm so sorry to hear it has returned.  It won't be an easy road, but hopefully it will be a short one to wellness.  Your inner, as well as physical strength will be able to carry you both through this. I hope all goes smoothly with his family.

Remember, we're always here for you, whatever you need from us, just ask for it.

Love,
Paul
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: StrongGuy on August 13, 2007, 12:33:14 am
My thoughts and wishes are with you for strength for you and your partner.

Mike

 
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: DCGUY2007 on August 13, 2007, 02:12:40 am
Gso,

really sorry to read this. I really hope the chemo this time won't be so bad for your partner
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: woodshere on August 13, 2007, 09:25:19 am
Thinking of you both,

Woods
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Grinch on August 13, 2007, 11:24:53 am
That is bad news indeed.  Hang in there and let us know the DX
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: chadly on August 14, 2007, 11:37:39 am
You are both in my thoughts-

Chad
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: zeb on August 15, 2007, 03:34:24 pm
I wish you all the best! I really hope your partner will get better!

My thoughts are with you!!!

Zeb
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: GSOgymrat on August 18, 2007, 03:01:42 am
After the blood tests, ultra sound, CAT scan, PET scan, lymph biopsy and bone marrow biopsy we met with the oncologist Friday. To everyone's surprise my partner has Hodgkin's lymphoma, not a recurrence of the non-Hodgkins lymphoma he had 10 years ago. The oncologist said this was the best outcome that we could have hoped for, considering my partner has small tumors throughout his lymphatic system. Fortunately he doesn't have cancer in his bone marrow. If it had been non-Hodgkins again the outlook would have been grim. However the prognosis with Hodgkins is relatively good. My partner was thrilled. I told the oncologist that my partner was probably the happiest patient to which he had ever given a cancer diagnosis.

Monday he has to get a MUGA scan of his heart to see which chemo combo he can tolerate and Tuesday he will start chemotherapy. He won't have to have a bone marrow transplant, radiation or spinal injections. It will last either 3 months or 6 months depending on which combo will be effective without damaging his heart.

Even though doing chemo again is going to be a bitch (mouth sores, hair loss, weight loss, etc.) my partner is psyched and ready to kick ass. He told his parents and all our friends about the current cancer situation and everyone is very supportive. Even though we have been through cancer before, not to mention other fun things like AIDS, blood clots, stroke, etc. we have both been completely stressed all week. Right before we went into the oncologist's office he said "I'm afraid he's going to tell me this is it. It's like the end of the world." I said "We've been to the end of the world several times before. Let's vacation somewhere else next time, okay?"
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Queen Tokelove on August 18, 2007, 03:27:32 am
Gee....Should I say congratulations? Although it is something else? It doesn't sound right to say it but I hope he kicks ass and gets rid of this other or lighter version of the cancer.
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Jeffreyj on August 18, 2007, 04:17:52 am
I hope everything goes well with all of this, i'm glad the results were better then origionally thought.
All the best!
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: bear60 on August 18, 2007, 09:02:40 am
Hey Ford
I dropped in to see what was happening here at AIDSMEDS and am really happy to see that your partner is going to be ok.
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Grinch on August 18, 2007, 10:17:04 am
I'm so glad to hear that he won't have to endure interthecal (In the spinal fluid) or bone marrow injections!
His attitude sounds great so hang in there.
I found really consistent almost fanatical adherence to the mouth washes they gave me helped tremendously with the mouth sores.
Ask the nurses about "swish and spit and swish and swallow"  They'll know what you mean.  He'll end up with discolored teeth but hey they can be cleaned.

Hang in there and if he ever needs someone to just vent about chemo to just drop me a PM.
 
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: JohnOso on August 19, 2007, 03:47:09 am
Right before we went into the oncologist's office he said "I'm afraid he's going to tell me this is it. It's like the end of the world." I said "We've been to the end of the world several times before. Let's vacation somewhere else next time, okay?"

Hell yeah!   :D
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: MOONLIGHT1114 on August 19, 2007, 04:15:01 am
Hi Ford~

Wow, nice to get a surprise when you were going to the doc's anticipating THE very worst!  I say attitude is half the battle with cancer, and I am very happy to hear about your partner's raised spirits!  You guys KICK ASS together, and know that we're here rooting for you both!

~Cindy   :D
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: PeteNYNJ on August 20, 2007, 12:04:19 pm
Ford

Such great news (even though its cancer) and it couldnt happen to a nicer guy.  Your partner is lucky to have you.

Sending good vibes to both of you

Pete
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: gaspode on August 20, 2007, 01:16:24 pm
my partner has Hodgkin's lymphoma, not a recurrence of the non-Hodgkins lymphoma he had 10 years ago.

Still a bitch to have to go through, but great that is isn't NHL. Thinking of you both.
Gary
xxx
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: northernguy on August 20, 2007, 09:02:41 pm
I'm glad to hear that its the easier to treat Hodgkins.   
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Life on August 20, 2007, 09:24:28 pm
Ford, my I say that both of you are inspirations to all of us.  When things get tuff, you turn and face it with alot of dignity and prowess...

Eric

Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Longislander on August 20, 2007, 11:16:04 pm
I too am glad it's better than originally thought. I wish him great success in beating this. Please take care of yourself as well~

Paul
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: RapidRod on August 20, 2007, 11:42:12 pm
Ford, please keep us updated. Best wishes to you both.
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: milker on August 20, 2007, 11:50:43 pm
he said "I'm afraid he's going to tell me this is it. It's like the end of the world." I said "We've been to the end of the world several times before. Let's vacation somewhere else next time, okay?"
There are great places you can visit after his chemo. I'm waiting for the pictures of the vacations that are inside the world :)

Milker.
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Matty the Damned on August 21, 2007, 12:09:44 am
Ford,

I'm genuinely pleased that you guys have gotten a break at this grim time and that the prognosis is better than first thought.

Know that I'm thinking of the pair of you and hope you share many more happy years together.

MtD

/edited for a one armed typo/
Title: Re: It's cancer
Post by: Ann on August 21, 2007, 05:56:50 am
"We've been to the end of the world several times before. Let's vacation somewhere else next time, okay?"

Sounds like a good plan, Ford!

I don't know how I missed your update the other day - but I'm happy to read it now. Better late than never, eh? I'm so glad things are looking (comparatively) up.

Sending some special recipe love, light and positive healing vibes your way... for the next three to six months at least. Hang in there, both of you.

Hugs,
Ann
xxx