Hunting with lymphoma

B

bigunit

WKR
Joined
Dec 23, 2017
Messages
314
Location
Saskatchewan
Good day, I've recently been diagnosed with lymphoma. I don't know what type or how severe it is but I was also just drawn for an excellent elk tag after 14 years of applying. I know it's a hard question to ask because I don't even know what I'll be doing for treatment yet. I hope to update this thread along the journey. Just wondering if people that have gone through it have had the energy and strength to actually get out and hunt or is my tag going to go to waste? Season is Sept 15- 30 and later in December as well.
 
I had Non Hodgkins stage 3b in 2016
I’ve been in remission since I had treatment

It allDepends on your stage and treatment plan and your physical condition and age!!


I missed two weeks of work but worked though treatment for 18 mths
I did treatment on my off day

It is hard as hell but I did it !!
I’m m sure you have grit and you should be able to do some hunting h maybe not all or at your normal speed but some for sure
Pm me and we can talk


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I was diagnosed with stage 2 Squamous Cell Carcinoma last August (2024). It was in my neck. Started radiation and chemo on Sept 9th and finished Oct. 28th. It sucked, but I was able to kill a spike bull elk (rifle) on Nov 7th. Had plenty of help with the packout. It's doable, but far from easy. If you're in good physical condition going into treatment, you'll come out the other end better off. Staying as active as possible during treatment is what allowed me to keep going afterward. Chemo will do things to your body and mind that didn't seem possible. I lost 35 lbs in 60 days (I didn't need to lose any), and I felt weaker than I ever have as an adult. You can continue doing most things, just with less intensity. Good luck with your treatment, I hope everything goes well. Cancer sucks.
 
I am. Had my 6 month PET scan come back clean a little while ago, and had my medical port removed last week. There's even been some days recently that I haven't thought about cancer all day. It's a long battle, but you'll be fine. It's awesome to wake up in the morning and not take anything for granted anymore. I'm grateful for everything.
 
4 years ago I had a 6.5lb mass of carcinoma pulled out of my midsection along with my left kidney. 12 inch incision with 48 staples. I had drwn my first antelope tag along with 2 family members. 9 weeks later I drove to Wyoming and archery hunted from a blind. Wasnt my plan but I was there, and killed my first pronghorn with my dad sitting next to me on his 69th birthday. Started my after surgery treatments 10 days later. Every plan I had that summer changed. Loved ones and an outfitter helped me kill an antelope. Be flexible. Do what you can. Stay positive. Love life. Challenges make success sweeter. Even if you sit in a blind 50 yards from the trailhead for a few hours a day and never see an elk, its better than being indoors not living the best life you can. Good luck.
 
I had diffuse large B cell lymphoma in 2019. I started chemo the week before rifle season. I had a day of treatment every 3 weeks for four times. I was on a horse every day except for the chemo days. Only season I ever hunted hairless. It hasn't come back.

Was informed that there are 93 differant types of lymphoma. Mine was simplest to cure and rarely returns. It is important to catch it early and get a good well experienced oncologist.
 
I did one season where I had done radiation/chemo, surgery, and then more chemo, which ended the week before elk season.

There are too many variables to say for sure. It will depend on your treatment plan, your current health/physical condition and how well you do with treatment. If you discuss your needs with your doctor, they should be able to do whatever they can together you to your goals.

I was 37 and in really good shape. I also have the type of personality where I never give up.

When you get more info on your treatment plan and your prognosis, you'll have a better idea on what to expect.

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bigunit said:
Thanks man. I'm sure I'll be fine. I know an elk tag is a real first world problem but it's really been on my mind.
Click to expand...
Having something to work towards is a real motivator during treatment. Any good doctor will tell you this.

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Marble said:
Having something to quell towards is a real motivator during treatment. Any good doctor will tell you this.

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Ya for sure. I'm just so impatient wanting to get this rolling. Waiting and not knowing is pretty tough right now.
 
bigunit said:
Ya for sure. I'm just so impatient wanting to get this rolling. Waiting and not knowing is pretty tough right now.
Click to expand...
For me and most I've helped that are in your situation, the period of time where you are left in limbo, wondering what the path ahead is, is the worst time. As soon as you learn (actually choose) the next steps, you will regain some control and be able to focus on the solution. You feel much better and have much more clarity. Do your best to exercise patience until you learn more.

Also, remember that you are in charge. Not your doctor.

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My wife just went through the Lymphoma battle. Diagnosed last July and finished treatment at Thanksgiving. There are 3 major DNA markers that are critical. One mutated is extremely treatable type with straightforward treatment. She was 'double hit" with 2 mutated so treatment was more aggressive. Doing well so far. Getting stronger. Went from a brunette to short grey hair.
She/we would be a wealth of information if you wish to communicate. She had a Lymphoma/Leukemia oncology specialist here and also a 2nd opinion at Mayo. (Mayo did change the protocol somewhat which may have made the difference in success)
 
go4thegusto said:
My wife just went through the Lymphoma battle. Diagnosed last July and finished treatment at Thanksgiving. There are 3 major DNA markers that are critical. One mutated is extremely treatable type with straightforward treatment. She was 'double hit" with 2 mutated so treatment was more aggressive. Doing well so far. Getting stronger. Went from a brunette to short grey hair.
She/we would be a wealth of information if you wish to communicate. She had a Lymphoma/Leukemia oncology specialist here and also a 2nd opinion at Mayo. (Mayo did change the protocol somewhat which may have made the difference in success)
Click to expand...
Thanks bud. I may be in touch with her once I know a bit more about my condition.
 
Marble said:
For me and most I've helped that are in your situation, the period of time where you are left in limbo, wondering what the path ahead is, is the worst time. As soon as you learn (actually choose) the next steps, you will regain some control and be able to focus on the solution. You feel much better and have much more clarity. Do your best to exercise patience until you learn more.

Also, remember that you are in charge. Not your doctor.

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Good advice once again. Thank you. Unfortunately here in canada , the dr is somewhat in charge. Once you have a family dr, he/she is the only one that has any say and can do referrals. I'm not sure what it's like once I'm in with an oncologist but for now there are no second opinions. Gotta love that free health care.
 
I am sneaking up on a quarter century of extra life as a cancer survivor, having been successfully treated for the same type of lymphoma as @Pony Soldier. I would not wish the experience on anyone, but paradoxically it is a part of my life I would not readily trade in. I don't have anything special to add to all the great insights above, but I vote for making plans for your hunt! I bet chances are good that you can pull it off. Also, please recognize that the day you were diagnosed you entered the special brother/sisterhood of survivors; be sure to have someone show you the secret handshake ;)
 
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