Can a hodgkins lymphoma survivor go to his college?

Posted by darshsingh1 @darshsingh1, Feb 4, 2025

as a 21 year old after my first chemotherapy i saw many changes in my body as weight loss, muscle loss, swelling and trouble sleeping sometimes i wanted to know if i can continue my college now as being at home sucks for me . or should i just rest at home for 6 months? also does my body will get weaker after every chemo session or is it happens at the first time only ?

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Profile picture for darshsingh1 @darshsingh1

i have been real good even the results came out are good. the doc has told to bring the bloodwork on 5th june then he will determine if the chemo has to continue or stop it . the university is going aswell with studies i am giving my end semester exam rn they are going well too , i just want this to over so i can get some real rest and can start working on myself lol, i lost all of my hair too.

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@darshsingh1! Your attitude and determination to push through the treatments for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, all the while still pursuing your university degree is exemplary! You’re amazing, truly!
I hope all continues to go well so that you’re able to stop the chemo and get on with life! With that full schedule I’m sure there’s been precious little time for you to actually rest and recoup. So I’m glad to read that’s your next step…working on yourself. Recovery and survivorship!
Your hair will grow back along with your health and stamina! You can be very proud of yourself for how you’ve handled this situation. Your spirit of endurance is evident and you’ll do well as a lawyer! Good luck with the end of semester exam! ☺️

Please post an update for me, ok?

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Profile picture for Lori, Volunteer Mentor @loribmt

@darshsingh1! Your attitude and determination to push through the treatments for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, all the while still pursuing your university degree is exemplary! You’re amazing, truly!
I hope all continues to go well so that you’re able to stop the chemo and get on with life! With that full schedule I’m sure there’s been precious little time for you to actually rest and recoup. So I’m glad to read that’s your next step…working on yourself. Recovery and survivorship!
Your hair will grow back along with your health and stamina! You can be very proud of yourself for how you’ve handled this situation. Your spirit of endurance is evident and you’ll do well as a lawyer! Good luck with the end of semester exam! ☺️

Please post an update for me, ok?

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Heri lori , how you doing ? So the doctor has advised to complete the cycle that kinda made me feel bad as its a task to go through a chemo therapy session i have 5 rounds of more chemo therapy remaing plus the PET scan report has said no sign of disease anymore . So i am happy about it tooo

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Profile picture for darshsingh1 @darshsingh1

Heri lori , how you doing ? So the doctor has advised to complete the cycle that kinda made me feel bad as its a task to go through a chemo therapy session i have 5 rounds of more chemo therapy remaing plus the PET scan report has said no sign of disease anymore . So i am happy about it tooo

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Hi @darshsingh1 Well, that’s really super news that your PET scan shows no sign of disease!! Congratulations! Though I know that news also follows the need to finish your chemo cycles. The continued treatment adds protection to ensure the disease doesn’t return! So maybe look at it like ‘belts and suspenders’. 😅
I had to do that with my treatment as well. Even though the tests were all clear, finishing the cycles was important to consolidate the results.
But now you’ve graduated university and you may have an easier time with the treatments than when you were being a full time student! A little more time to rest during the day? That was an incredible feat! I know I mentioned it before but your spirit of endurance is exemplary. So keep up the good work…get the treatment…then take time to heal!
Last evening I went with friends to a Cancer Survival seminar. There was speaker…a man in his 50s who is a 30+ year Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor. I thought of you! He was a university student when he was diagnosed. Managed to stay in classes throughout his treatment. He goes around the US giving lectures on survivorship. About how important it is to try and retain a normal life even though the person you were is now forever changed. There is a time of mourning for what we’ve lost, the life we had before our diagnoses. Cancer does change us…life is different but we have the ability to re-invent ourselves. It was very motivational and encouraging.
I wish you well with your next round…and may it be your last! ☺️. Please keep me updated, ok? Hugs.

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Profile picture for Lori, Volunteer Mentor @loribmt

Hi @darshsingh1 Well, that’s really super news that your PET scan shows no sign of disease!! Congratulations! Though I know that news also follows the need to finish your chemo cycles. The continued treatment adds protection to ensure the disease doesn’t return! So maybe look at it like ‘belts and suspenders’. 😅
I had to do that with my treatment as well. Even though the tests were all clear, finishing the cycles was important to consolidate the results.
But now you’ve graduated university and you may have an easier time with the treatments than when you were being a full time student! A little more time to rest during the day? That was an incredible feat! I know I mentioned it before but your spirit of endurance is exemplary. So keep up the good work…get the treatment…then take time to heal!
Last evening I went with friends to a Cancer Survival seminar. There was speaker…a man in his 50s who is a 30+ year Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor. I thought of you! He was a university student when he was diagnosed. Managed to stay in classes throughout his treatment. He goes around the US giving lectures on survivorship. About how important it is to try and retain a normal life even though the person you were is now forever changed. There is a time of mourning for what we’ve lost, the life we had before our diagnoses. Cancer does change us…life is different but we have the ability to re-invent ourselves. It was very motivational and encouraging.
I wish you well with your next round…and may it be your last! ☺️. Please keep me updated, ok? Hugs.

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heeyyyy so i have completed all my cycles on 18th i got my follow up on 25aug most prolly ik the doc will advise for a pet scan again, im just tired tbh the side effects are the worse thing but i m happy its about to be over now

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Profile picture for darshsingh1 @darshsingh1

heeyyyy so i have completed all my cycles on 18th i got my follow up on 25aug most prolly ik the doc will advise for a pet scan again, im just tired tbh the side effects are the worse thing but i m happy its about to be over now

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Hi @darshsingh1 Thanks for the super update!! What a relief to have all your chemo out of the way! I can sympathize, some of the side effects of chemo can be really difficult to deal with month after month. But now that’s behind you and time to heal…body, mind and soul.
You’ve been quite amazing and strong throughout your journey with keeping up with your studies for your law degree. I can’t imagine how exhausting that had to be!

I expect you’re right about your doctor suggesting another PET scan at some point. Though you’ve been very good about continuing with your full treatment schedule so we’ll be very optimistic that this scan, if needed, will be another clean one! ☺️ Please keep in touch and let me know how you’re doing! Did you take time off after your final exams to rest before searching for a job?

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Been there done that. So sorry to hear. Dual hit (in body and skull) Large B Cell Non hodgkins lymphoma Stage 4. In hospital every 3rd week for six months.
Had lost over 30lbs before diagnosis. Had the best Doctor in the world.
I did get weaker over time. Lost hair and finger/toe nails. Lost feeling in lower face feet and fingers from chemos.
Dr gave me prescriptions for nausea, pain, sleep, fungal, bactira, also a newlasta injection to boost
immunity after each session plus spinal injections for tumors in skull.
Key is sleep, nutrition, exercise and good support.
Recovered within a month rather quickly.
It is tough and I wish you well

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Profile picture for Lori, Volunteer Mentor @loribmt

Hi @darshsingh1 Thanks for the super update!! What a relief to have all your chemo out of the way! I can sympathize, some of the side effects of chemo can be really difficult to deal with month after month. But now that’s behind you and time to heal…body, mind and soul.
You’ve been quite amazing and strong throughout your journey with keeping up with your studies for your law degree. I can’t imagine how exhausting that had to be!

I expect you’re right about your doctor suggesting another PET scan at some point. Though you’ve been very good about continuing with your full treatment schedule so we’ll be very optimistic that this scan, if needed, will be another clean one! ☺️ Please keep in touch and let me know how you’re doing! Did you take time off after your final exams to rest before searching for a job?

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@loribmt hey lori hows it going , just wanted to tell you i am in remission finally and have started to get back on my routine it was one hell of a journey and i am sure i am gonna remember this my whole life , i have started hitting gym getting back on my career and most probably gonna start doing internship this month. and i wanna thank you for being there for me in my tough times as i do find it scary, it does feel so good to get back on track again and a fresh start. and also can you tell me a way where i can join and be a part of those zoom meetings.

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Profile picture for darshsingh1 @darshsingh1

@loribmt hey lori hows it going , just wanted to tell you i am in remission finally and have started to get back on my routine it was one hell of a journey and i am sure i am gonna remember this my whole life , i have started hitting gym getting back on my career and most probably gonna start doing internship this month. and i wanna thank you for being there for me in my tough times as i do find it scary, it does feel so good to get back on track again and a fresh start. and also can you tell me a way where i can join and be a part of those zoom meetings.

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Hi @darshsingh1! Happy New Year! And what a year it’s been, huh? I just love getting encouraging replies like yours, that show cancer treatments can work and life can go on. By sharing what you’ve been through, endured and overcome, you have the opportunity to spread hope for other younger members.
What wonderful news to start your new year…being in remission from Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I’ve been so impressed with your exemplary attitude and tenacity to be able to continue university studies for your law degree while undergoing your treatments. That’s no easy feat! So congratulations to you and I wish you continued good health and a successful career in law!

I’m not sure what zoom meetings you’re referring to. There are cancer organizations such as the Blood Cancer United and other entities which offer podcasts and possibly some zoom meetings to connect with others. Mayo Clinic offers a AYA (adolescent and young adults from 18-39) monthly meeting (alternating online - I know you don’t live in the US)
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/event/aya-adolescents-and-young-adults-support-group-meeting-y-a-me-too-1-a6f63f52/
However at this time I don’t see anything listed for upcoming sessions. Do you recall anymore information about the zoom meetings?

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