Strategies for managing treatments and their side-effects, associated health risks, and emotional trama can help patients living with Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Hodgkin lymphoma, also called Hodgkin disease, is a cancer of the immune system, specifically the lymph nodes, causing cells to grow abnormally and interfere with the body's ability to fight infections. While a diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma once carried a grim prognosis, the U.S. National Institutes of Health reports that most people diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma can be cured. In the meantime, there are measures patients can take to make living with the cancer less traumatic.
Who Gets It?
The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that in 2009, there were an estimated 8,510 new cases of Hodgkin lymphoma. While it can strike at any age, the ACS states that it is most common in young adults, ages 15 to 40, and older adults (those over 55). Children and adolescents account for 10 to 15 percent of those afflicted.
Diagnosis
Symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma can include any of the following: a painless lump in the groin, under arm, or neck; recurring fever; severe night sweats; unexplained weight loss; severe fatigue; itching; and a cough or difficulty breathing. Because these symptoms mimic other diseases and infections, a medical professional must perform a comprehensive physical exam. If she suspects Hodgkin lymphoma, she'll typically order a blood test and/or a biopsy of fluid from a swollen node. Additional diagnostic efforts could include a CT scan, MRI, or PET scan.
Once Hodgkin lymphoma is diagnosed, additional testing will help determine its stage of progression. Stages range from I (cancer limited to one lymph node region or a single organ) all the way to IV (cancer cells are in several portions of one or more organs and tissues, affecting other body parts).
Treatments
For stages I and II, patients can anticipate several rounds of local radiation therapy alone, or in combination with chemotherapy. For stages III and IV, patients will typically face cycles of chemotherapy alone, or in combination with radiation. For non-responsive or recurring cases, doctors might recommend patients undergo a stem cell transplant (SCT) which permits very high doses of chemotherapy. Patients will need to develop a support plan for both at the hospital and when they first return home.
Living with Increased Health Risks during Treatments
Because patients will have compromised immune systems during their cancer treatments, which can take months to complete, the ACS recommends that they wash their hands often and make sure that those coming in contact with them also wash their hands. They should also avoid large crowds and people who are sick.
Living with the Nausea and Vomiting
The ACS advises anyone experiencing severe nausea or vomiting during or after treatment to alert his care provider, as there are effective anti-nausea medications available. The ACS also advises patients to avoid big meals; drink liquids at least an hour before or after mealtime; eat and drink slowly; avoid sweet, fried, or fatty foods; and eat foods cold so their smell is minimized.
Living through Hodgkin Lymphoma
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society reports that Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most curable forms of cancer. The 5-year relative survival rate was 86 percent (for 1999 to 2005); for patients under 45 years old, the rate was 91.8 percent.
Managing Mental Health while Battling Hodgkin Lymphoma
Despite the high survivability rate, a diagnosis of the disease can still be terrifying. CancerCompass, a website dedicated to more than a quarter-million cancer patients and their care givers, suggests that Hodgkin lymphoma patients should speak with a social worker, counselor, psychologist or member of the clergy about their feelings or concerns. Some oncology centers even have their own mental care professionals---psychiatrists or psychologists---on staff to attend to the emotional needs of those undergoing treatment.
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