A journey with a positive outcome
Lymphoma is a cancer that is concentrated in the lymph nodes, found in the abdomen, groin, chest, pelvis and neck. Ferdinand, who had been through a series of health events over the last few years including an ablation for atrial fibrillation, COVID-19 and a blood clot, noticed a lump in his groin one day while leaning against the kitchen countertop washing dishes. It was confirmed as stage 3 Hodgkin lymphoma. At age 72, Ferdinand now laughs at his reply at the time, which was, “For me, it’s the fourth quarter. I need overtime.”
The care he received at the Cancer Center at Hazleton gave him that time.
Ferdinand began chemotherapy in November 2023. He received a combination of four drugs that were modified over time based on how he tolerated them. He was also given steroids to take before the treatments to minimize the side effects of the drugs. He remembers feeling very comfortable while he was receiving his treatments. “Everyone always had such a positive attitude,” he says. “It was like being at home.”
While classic Hodgkin lymphoma is “highly treatable” even at stage 3, it requires standard doses given on time. Ferdinand was intermittently hospitalized during the treatment for other concerns, so his care team had to be especially vigilant about dosing to be sure he wasn’t undertreated. Ferdinand did very well and successfully completed treatment in May 2024.