Thus began the
My story with lymphoma - non-Hodgkin's high grade stage IV.So it began:
June 2003, 43 years old, is my high-grade non-Hodgkin's, stage IV diagnosed. There were large lymphoma in the stomach, the largest 11 by 10 by 7 cm., In the pelvis, in the spleen, which was very strong increases were several fires, there were lymphoma in my left armpit and groin, and lesions in the liver . This was what was visible on the scan. From July to December 2003, I have 16 outpatient chemo at the LUMC in Leiden. With good results. I have been 50% chance of a positive result given. I am also to Dr. Valstar been at the Hague and non-toxic cancer therapy to follow. Houtsmuller Diet, nutritional supplements, exercise, outdoors, drink plenty of water. During the chemo, I also started acupuncture treatments with Dr. Setyo in Rotterdam. Before the start of chemotherapy (editors note: see also under chemo and nutrition ), I was in a poor physical condition, a lot of weight, a lot of pain, weakened. The lymphomas expressed various organs in the stomach and close to their place. My left kidney was not functioning anymore. It pressed against a nerve lymphoma as severe pain in my lower back, abdomen and leg caused. The aorta was pushed to the side. The intestines did not work properly so I constantly had diarrhea with abdominal cramps. An additional complication is there that I acquired an immune disorder, have hypogammaglobulinaemia. Since 1993 I get this 1x per 2 weeks a gamma globulin infusion, outpatient. My immune system is thus in theory, according to the numbers of doctors, not strong. Along with asthmatic bronchitis, coughing, frequent lung infections and sinus infections. The chemotherapy did their job well, but after each course I weakened further. Diarrhea, nausea without vomiting permanent vague, cough, weight loss and sometimes fever. Actually too weary to one leg for another turn. And cold, icy cold I had. My hair, I was lost within four weeks. Bald, very bald. That my eyelashes and eyebrows would disappear I had not sufficiently realized. I walked around bare head indoors and outdoors, I wore scarves and hats. The wig was there but I felt so strange in. The cure prednisone shot 1x per 3 weeks gave me a moment to feel the whole world seems to. Sleep and heat were both good. The acupuncture treatments were doing their job. Then there was a moment I heard my stomach growl and a sandwich with goat cheese was a pastry. I felt after such treatment less unpleasant. If at all possible, I went out for a walk or a short distance shopping. I loved it. Fresh air. And I continue to eat, although little bit but I felt it clear that a bit of food helped against the unpleasant feeling in my stomach and abdomen. A red grapefruit was my favorite fruit and evening meal with warm yellow raisins I found delicious. Distraction was very welcome but everything in moderation and of short duration. Actually I had more than enough for my daily self-care and my food. I had my mouth with care to avoid it completely broke. Showering was fine but a brisk business. Watching television, I found far too often intrusive and tiring. Beautiful music was pleasant for a short time. Reading a Ruth Rendell thriller in English gave distraction. I had to concentrate on something else and it worked. Even for a moment because my eyes were so dry from the chemo (mucosal damage) that they soon started irritating. Children visit was great, although I could do nothing with them but look at that healthy young lives gave me fresh energy from within. The endless flow of mail, every day something to look forward to. The countless bunches of flowers, all the colors I liked. All the dear people in any way or in any form have provided for me. Despite all the unpleasant physical sensations and mental sensations all unpleasant, we also laughed. Then I just forgot everything. Why did I laugh? Oh, for very small crazy events. It worked relaxing.
