Talking Frankly about Living with Advanced Cancer

Hi My name is Richard. I have been diagnosed with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma. I live in Johannesburg. South Africa. I find the support is lacking (in South Africa) as to how one reacts to the chemo. What to expect, chemo brain and so forth. Does anyone have any suggestions as to obtaining futher info?

@dc4444 I wish I had answers to all your questions. In my experience, each patient has a plan designed specifically for them by their doctors. So my recommendation is to find doctors you like and trust and listen to them. I was diagnosed at Stage 2b in May, 2014. I had a Whipple procedure done at Mayo in Rochester followed by 18 infusions of gemcitabine at my local hospital. I am scheduled to go to Mayo in June for my (final?) checkup. Up to this time I have remained cancer free. Praying that your sister can find answers and a treatment that works for her.

My 60-year-old sister has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer stage 4 - metastasized to her liver. Currently on her 4th visit for chemotherapy at Harold Lever Cancer Center in Waterbury, CT.

For those with the same cancer:

1.) Has anyone tried alternative treatments such as oxygenation therapies and/or immune enhancement therapies (IV vitamin C) ?
- If so, what was your experience?
2.) Has anyone been to the Jacksonville Florida clinic and what was your experience?
3.) Any recommendations on approaches to this cancer?

Regards...Dan

1st psa 0.66 after surgery and T was 17

@fmh1, what did you find out on Monday about the Neulasts OnPro? How are you doing?

I will be getting a hormone shot of firmagon tomorrow. At the end of the month I will get Trelstar. Has anyone had this before and how did it work ?

I will meet with doctor Wednesday and will find out

Hi @9876 and welcome to Connect. I'd like to introduce you to @fmh1, who also recently joined the community and who has prostate cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes. He is having chemo. Everyone's treatment options are tailored for the person. You may wish to read other related discussions here:
- Prostate Cancer: What treatments did you choose after surgery? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/prostate-cancer-3/
– prostate cancer treatment choices https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/prostate-cancer-treatment-choices/
– Prostate cancer treatment: stereotactic body radiation therapy https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/prostate-cancer-treatment/

@9876, What type of radiation is being suggested?

Collen, This is my first time on connect. I had prostate surgery on the March 19, 2019. Urologest removed the prostate and lymph nodes. Biopsy shows cancer in lymph nodes and semen vessels. He wants to give me Hormone shot March 27 and radiation later. Any feedback on if this is the normal plan of action to combat prostate cancer.

@fmh1 welcome to Connect. I'm glad you found the community. You may also wish to follow the Prostate Cancer group here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/prostate-cancer/

I can understand you're worried about the Neulasta OnPro not working. You did the right thing by calling your doctor immediately. Your doctor doesn't sound concerned about the delay in dosage. As hard as it may be, try not to worry.

Here's what I understand about white blood cells and chemotherapy. Please keep in mind that I'm NOT a health care professional. Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) is not a chemotherapy drug. It is used to stimulate the growth of "healthy" white blood cells in the bone marrow, once chemotherapy is given. White blood cells help the body to fight infection. Chemotherapy has a cumulative effect. Friday was your first treatment, so your white blood cells may not go very low this round.

Between now and going to clinic on Monday, be sure to wash your hands frequently and avoid infection. When you get to the clinic, be sure to ask questions. When they demonstrate how to use the injector, repeat back to them what they said using your own words. I hope this helps.