Interview 32

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosed in 1996 after developing swellings in his neck and face. Treatment’ chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a stem cell autograph. Two recurrences. Treatment included an allogenic bone marrow ‘mini transplant’.

One day he felt what he thought was a couple of strands of tight skin in his throat, which he assumed was due to a slight infection. A few weeks later he felt a large lump in his neck, showed it to his GP, who suspected an infection. Two weeks later he felt that something was pushing his eye out, for which his GP gave him Sudafed and pain killers. After another two weeks he had difficulty breathing and his GP treated him with decongestants and more pain killers. His partner persuaded the GP to arrange an appointment with a visiting Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, who referred him to the local hospital for a biopsy, the results of which showed he had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

He was given 6 doses of CHOP chemotherapy followed by 10 sessions of radiotherapy to his neck and 3 doses of methotrexate chemotherapy. After a two month break from treatment he was given a stem cell autograft. He had a remission lasting about 11 months then he experienced fatigue and felt lumps on his neck again. He had more treatment and was in remission for 8 – 9 months. Then the lumps recurred in his neck. He declined immediate treatment and instead went abroad for a holiday, starting treatment on his return. He was given a ‘mini transplant’ using bone marrow from his sister. After 3 – 4 weeks in hospital he was sent home and within 4 days had a heart attack caused by an infection of his pericardium with cytomegalovirus, and spent another 4 weeks in hospital. He had another cytomegalovirus infection affecting his eyes 18 months later. His lymphoma is in remission, although he suffers from other health problems.

His daughter was OK about his illness until she learned that cancer could kill, after which he…

Age at interview 49

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 39

Since his illness he has become quieter and calmer, more understanding of others and prefers…

Age at interview 49

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 39

Had 2 relapses of his high grade NHL and the 2nd time was told he would die but was later offered…

Age at interview 49

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 39

After having radiotherapy to his head he found it difficult to talk, eat or drink; he developed…

Age at interview 49

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 39

Had long hair and a beard before his chemotherapy – used humour to cope with the hair loss.

Age at interview 49

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 39