Liz's Race for Life

Cancer is happening right now, which is why I'm taking part in a Race for Life 5k to raise money and save lives. 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Every single pound you donate makes a difference to Cancer Research UK’s groundbreaking work, so please sponsor me now. In May 2016 my husband, Derrick, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Just three months previously we had enjoyed a long weekend in Lisbon with lots of walking and sightseeing - blissfully unaware of what was to come in the following months. He had had routine scans in the February which had all come back clear following removal of a kidney a few years previously. It was, therefore, a total shock when he went to A&E with what we thought was a swollen leg and was subsequently diagnosed with Stage 4 NHL. Once over the initial shock I spent many hours "googling" whilst we waited for confirmation of the specific type of lymphoma - who knew there are so many types of Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?! And so many potential treatments, depending on individual circumstances...... Despite the poor prognosis Derrick was determined to put up a fight and chemotherapy provided him with a short period of remission in October 2016. Sadly, there were many odds stacked against him and he passed away in May 2017. During his frequent visits to hospital we met a number of men with different types of lymphoma and we concluded that potential symptoms are difficult to identify - a few aches here and there - nothing unusual for men who are doing gardening, DIY, etc. Maybe some weight loss - but isn't that supposed to be a good thing ……..?The night sweats - but didn't the weather just get warmer and - we've still got the winter duvet on…........? Derrick never complained of feeling unwell and just got on with life - so please take time to check with your GP if you think something isn't right. New treatments and therapies are being developed all the time and I hope that future generations will benefit from early diagnosis and more effective treatments that have fewer side effects.