Not sure if there is any link to Lymphedema

[Pand]

Over the past few months my dad has developed a very swollen left leg. Symptoms have actually got worse now over the past couple of weeks whereby his genital area is that swollen he has to sit down to pee. To top that, he now has a very painful left shoulder blade. I think this is related to his posture as is the groin pain. Has anyone had these symptoms? He 's just had 2 scans (abdominal I think), but we don't have any results yet. The word Lymphedema has been batted around by other doctors and also Lymphoma. I'm not medical but I am scared. Does anyone have any advice?

Pand

[pat]

I'm sorry, Pand, but I don't have any advice. I just wanted to tell you I understand your fears. Perhaps you could go to a doctor's appointment with him and ask his doctor to be frank with you about what s/he thinks is the matter with him. Hugs to you and best wishes!

[Pand]

Hi Pat,

Thanks so much for responding. My sister actually went with my dad to see the specialist on Weds this week. The scans confirmed that he has growths on the lymph nodes and adrenal glands. They are now taking more blood tests and a chest scan - still no definite diagnosis but the specialist thinks its lymphnoma - my worst fear.

Will keep you informed.

Keep safe.
Pand

[pat]

Hi! Whatever your dad has, there are good treatments today for people with cancer. Although a cancer diagnosis is always scary and the last thing a person wants to hear, it's not always as dire as it used to be. Stay as positive as you can by not imagining something that might not happen. Just deal with what you know today. Best wishes to you and your family; I'm sending healing thoughts your way.

[Pand]

Hi Pat, its Pand here.

We are now waiting for a biopsy to be done on the right groin. The consultant has told us that my dad has a tumour on his third vertebrae. The biopsy apparently will confirm a number of things - they are looking for some form of lymphoma: multiple myeloma or one of the hogkins diseases. I've asked for a "price" to have the histology done privately. Everything seems to be going so slow, and my dad is getting more tired every day.:(

take care
Pand

[pat]

Where do you live? I suspect you might live in Canada since it's taking awhile to get a diagnosis. Or maybe it only seems like it's taking awhile. I know when I found out I likely had cancer, the days of diagnosis and surgery couldn't come quickly enough. It was different going about my normal routine when I knew my health was anything but normal. I felt much better once we had a diagnosis and we could DO something. You all will, too, I would think. Keep me posted. OK? Take very good care of yourself during this trying time! Pat

[Pand]

Hi Pat,

Sorry I haven't written for a while. Don't know where the days have gone. Too many hospitals trip and work.

Well firstly I live in Leicestershire. NHS slowed it all down as the private bills got too dear. My dad got an post op infection in the biopsy. Now having to go to the hospital every day to get it plugged and dressed for the next 4 weeks!

My dad has prostate cancer. The cancer is secondary in the growth in the bone on the spine. They have started him on drugs and then he will get an injection every three months. His PSA reading is low which is why they can't rely on it to measure his progress. They did say that if he responds to the treatment, he could live for another 2 to 3 years.

Well I suppose this is better than I anticipated, although its not curable, just controllable.

Hope you have a good xmas and new year. Thanks for all your online support and do keep in touch in 2006.

Take Care
Pand x

[pat]

We all know our parents are going to die before we do, but it must be a shock to receive a timeline. I wish you well, and I, too, hope you had/have a wonderful holiday season. I suspect this and next Christmas have/will have heightened meaning for you and your family. Take care, Pat