My husband has been in remission for 4 1/2 years from Stage 3 non-hodgkins lymphoma. He refuses to go back for check ups. How often does this really come back? I feel like I am on my own with fear.

Hi Sarah Beth. I have been in remission from Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma for 23 months. I was diagnosed August 06', received chemo Aug. 06 - March 07'. I faithfully have a PET scan once a year, and a CT scan once a year. My oncology check-ups are still at the every 4 month intervals. My doctor is extremely happy with my progress but continues to tell me that there is always a 50/50 chance of reoccurrence. 5 years marks a very positive milestone but.....there is STILL a possibility for a return. Your husband is very blessed to be in remission for 4 1/2 years. However, it is foolish to drop the ball for check-ups now. After all he's gone through to get to this point, why would he not go to the doctor now?? This is the EASY part! I am amazed!! I want to know everything, good or bad ASAP. If it's good, I will be relieved. If it has returned, I want treatment right away so I can resume my "remission for life". Cancer is tuff, but we're tuffer!! I'll pray for you both. Sincerely, Kathy

Hi Sara Beth and Kathy - I have been in remission for 7 years. I was diagnosed with Stage IV Small Lymphocytic Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. My doctors are amazed that I have not had a reoccurrence. I have been truly blessed by God. I have not had my staging in 2 yrs now because I did not have insurance nor the funds to pay for the testing and it is very expensive, as I am sure you know. I now have insurance but I do not know that the staging will be covered, I may have to wait another year. Sarah Beth, I too will pray for you and your husband. If I could have afforded my tests I would have been every 6 months as the doctors have suggested. May God always be with y'all, Joyce

Hi Sara Beth,Kathy & Joyce-I am a 16 year survivor of NHL[high-grade B-cell) and a 29 year survivor of Hodgkin's. Urge him to follow-up if at all possible! Treatments are very effective but if he has a recurrence and doesn't know asap then he can't get treatment and in the words of my hematologist,"these things tend to recur". I would not be raising my 3 beautiful children if I hadn't done all the follow-up care. My NHL (in my brain) occurred 13 years after my cure from stage llA Hodgkin's, which is not uncommon. I'll add my prayers! God is merciful, He has given us the science and knowledge to treat this. May He give you the strength to endure! Nice to read of other survivors! Nancy