First, you will want to find out everything there is to know about your lymphoma, such as what type, the stage, your treatment options and their side effects. The more you know about it, the more proactive you can be in your care. Talking about it with your doctor is good, but you can also find additional information at your local library and on the internet.

You may feel tired and discouraged during the treatment, but you do not want to let others make any important decisions for you, and this includes your family and your doctor. It is extremely important that you play an active role in your treatment.

It is great for you to have a good support system and a positive attitude during this time. It can help you cope with any issues that arise, as well as, any pain and anxieties that can occur. Your friends and family can be awesome allies, but they could have problems dealing with your disease. If that is the case, you may want to seek out a formal support group or others that are dealing with cancer. You could also find that you will develop special, long-lasting bonds with people that are going through the same things that you are.

By setting reasonable goals for yourself, you will feel more in control of your illness and it can give you a sense of purpose. Do not pick goals that you can’t reach. Take work for instance, you may not be able to work a complete 40-hour week; however, you can possibly work part time at the very least. In fact, most people with lymphoma find that continuing to work can be helpful. It can keep their mind off of their illness for a little while and it can give them another reason to get up in the morning instead of lying in bed feeling sorry for themselves.

Although you may want to continue to work, it is important that you remember to take time for yourself. By eating right, relaxing, and getting enough rest, you can help fight the stress and fatigue that lymphoma can add to your life. You should also plan ahead for the down times when you might need more rest and have to limit the things you do. This is why it would be a good idea to talk to your employer about your illness so that they understand what your needs may be, especially during those times.

It can be very beneficial for you to continue to work after your diagnosis and through your treatment. It will give you a focus outside of your illness. Just be careful not to overdo it and make yourself sicker. A good rule of thumb is that if you feel up to doing it, then do it. If you don’t feel up to it, then take the time to rest.

Moral Support

Perhaps the number one reason to do so is for the sheer moral support that one so desperately needs at a time like this. When individuals are diagnosed with lymphoma, they have a wide array of issues to deal with on a daily basis such as treatment and recovery as well as all the emotions that they go through along the way. There is a saying which states that if one cannot turn to their family members then who can they turn to. Confiding in one’s family with regard to their lymphoma allows the family members to be there for the patient and help them every step of the way.

Legal and Administrative Issues

There are also some legal and administrative issues for a patient telling their family about their lymphoma. Frequently doctors will have patients sign various documents where the patient must designate an individual to speak for them should anything occur where the patient is not able to do so for themselves. Other legal and administrative necessities may also warrant that the lymphoma patient notify family members. This will depend on the individual patient and the care facility from which they are receiving treatment; however this is another factor to consider relating to why you should tell your family about your lymphoma. 

For the Family’s Sake

Another very important reason to tell your family about your lymphoma is that in most cases the family members would want to know. Most families care for their own family members and may feel as if the individual did not value their support enough to tell them about the condition. Telling family members about one’s lymphoma also lets them feel as if they are doing something to help the patient, whether it be taking them to doctor’s appointments or just being there to talk to the individual when they need to discuss their medical condition. There are many ways that a family can help and most families would like to do so for their loved one.

Conclusion

It is important that a lymphoma patient confides in their family when it comes to telling them about their serious illness. Not only will doing such a thing allow the patient to have the love and moral support of their family but they will need help with various things along the way and who better to do so than family members. Also, by letting one’s family know about the patient’s condition, he/she can have them sign important documents which will provide the patient with peace of mind. Last but certainly not least, lymphoma patients should tell their family members about their lymphoma as most family members would want to know so that they can help the individual with whatever they may need along the route to recovery.

An early diagnosis of Lymphoma increases the chances of a quick and efficient cure.  If you or your family members have any of the symptoms of Lymphoma or suspect that you or your family members are likely to succumb to the disease due to a family history of it, it is necessary to consult your physician at regular intervals to ensure that you or others in your family are not developing the disease. 

If someone has been diagnosed with the disease then it is time to identify factors which will help them get rid of it quickly and effectively.  It is partly in the patient’s hands.

The patient can help the Doctor treat him by providing him with the following information:

• The complete family medical history;
• A list of people who suffered from the same disease in the family;
• Update on the symptoms and the side effects experienced during the treatment.

Additionally he could ensure that he is:

• Eating properly.
• Taking care of the body as far as possible and keeping one’s spirits high.
• Following the doctor’s orders carefully.

He needs to be fully aware of the disease and its impact on his life and the following facts:

• The type of lymphoma
• The stage of the disease
• The choices in treatment and the recommended treatment.
• Risks and possible side effects
• Durations of the treatment.
• Chances of success
• Cost of treatment.
• Changes in normal life
• The new treatments under study and whether you could be a subject of clinical trials.

The doctor will be concerned about particular allergies that the patient may be having like frequency of colds, pain, the medication already taken by the patient, alternative medicine he/she may be following and other medicines prescribed by other doctors.

Remember, there is a high chance of the cancer being cured, but there is also a good chance of recurrence. Many factors will play a role in developing the cancer again:

1.      The type of lymphoma

2.      The aggressiveness and the malignancy of the disease

3.      The stage of the disease – the lower stage (I and II) has a better outlook than the higher stage (III and IV).

4.      Other important factors that play a role are the absence of B symptoms, age, and gender and health conditions.

Recurrence of the cancer

Most patients have a fear of recurrence of the cancer. These thoughts do not help the patient and the depression, anxiety and restlessness present a cause for additional treatment. The patient must ask the doctor of his/her chances of having a recurrence. The patient must understand the doctor’s instructions carefully and do the following

1. He/she must follow a strict diet and try to get back to normal life as much as possible.
2. The person must attend regular check ups.
3. Alcohol and excessive smoking can lead to recurrence. These must be avoided.
4. Lymphoma is highly curable and new innovative methods are being found. One must not lose hope in the fact that someday a plausible cure could be found.

In case there is recurrence of any of the symptoms then the patient should immediately contact the doctor. The doctor will immediately perform all the tests to check if the cancer has returned. The patient should be admitted in the hospital and the treatment must be immediately started. Many people suffering from lymphoma have a high chance of developing a second cancer.

Remember a stitch in time saves nine.  If your family has a history of the disease or you are a high risk category for Lymphoma, get yourself checked at frequent intervals. If you have already been treated for the disease, make the effort to go for regular check ups.

            While lymphoma is commonly thought of as a single disease, there are actually more than 30 different types of lymphoma that one may be subject to.These diseases are actually subdivided two different types of lymphoma: one is known as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and the other one is known appropriately by the name Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. There are 5 types of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and more than 25 different types of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is actually the most common type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, and the rate of occurrence of this type of disease has risen sky-high in recent years. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is actually not just one type of tumor, it represents several types of cancers that are closely related to each other that affect the lymphatic system of waste removal present in the human body. The disease can begin growth in the lymph nodes, the lymphatic organs of the body, and the parts of the body that contain lymph tissue. Basically, it can strike anywhere. Common symptoms of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, and unexplainable itching. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a little different from its counterpart. One major difference between the two diseases is that Hodgkin’s lymphoma occurs much less often than it’s counterpart. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is formed when white blood cells grow out of control. It begins to grow in the lymph nodes, just like Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and it generally spreads outward throughout the body in a uniform pattern, as opposed to Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma where tumors may appear at random intervals throughout the body. The symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma are much the same as those of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, so unexplained itching and swelling of the lymph nodes should be addressed by a doctor if you are concerned.

            The reason that people become afflicted with these two types of diseases is still relatively unknown. While much research is being conducted about the subject, there are only a few leads as to why someone may contract the diseases. One major warning sign for a risk of lymphoma is a family history of the disease; while not conclusive proof that one will get lymphoma or not get lymphoma, it is definitely something to watch out for. Also, those who are afflicted with an auto-immune disease such as HIV may be more at risk for developing lymphoma. In addition, people who receive organ transplants are considered at risk for getting lymphoma. There are many types of therapy that patients may undergo to help them cope with the lymphatic disease, and most commonly, some form of radiation therapy or chemotherapy is employed. As far as Hodgkin’s lymphoma goes, the five-year-survival rate for the disease rests at around 85%, which is a significantly high rate, considering the damage that lymphoma can do to the human body. This is due to the high amount of research and experimentation that is being conducted on the topic to help us figure out new ways to fight the disease. One terrible fact about lymphoma is the disease’s ability to become immune to different types of medications and treatments over the years, and what worked once may not work again if the disease comes back from remission. To that end, those with lymphoma need to always check what’s on the horizon when it comes to possible treatments, as this disease can be a tough one to tackle.

So what causes Lymphoma? The cause of most lymphomas is unknown. It has been hypothesized that it is triggered by mutations in the genes which regulate normal cell division.  Mutations in these genes cause the cells to divide uncontrollably leading to cancer and formation of tumors.

Some of the factors which can lead to mutations in the genes are listed below:

• Exposure to specific type chemicals such as solvents, pesticides, herbicides, and water which has been tainted with nitrate.
• Drugs that suppress the immune system during transplantation and surgeries.
• Autoimmune type diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Ulcers and gastritis caused by bacteria called H. pyelori.
• Having a damaged immune system due to diseases like AIDS.
• Some viruses like the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in Africa causes Burkitt’s lymphoma.

Substances causing Lymphoma:

Medicines like Mycophenolate and CellCept in large doses are known to affect the cells of the immune system and cause specific type lymphomas.

General factors causing Lymphoma:

It is believed Lymphoma can be triggered by other diseases. The diseases which weaken or destroy the immune system are known to cause lymphoma.  Some of these debilitating diseases are listed below:

1. Celiac Disease
2. HIV/AIDS
3. Pancreatic cancer
4. Sjogren’s Syndrome

Specific causes of Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas

Non Hodgkin’s Lymphomas are caused by any of the following cell abnormalities:

• Lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) - It develops from native T or B cells. These are prevalent in the lymph nodes. The cancer can spread to multiple organs and can be fatal.

• Burkitt’s lymphoma - Develops from B-Cells. It has been named after the scientist Denis Burkitt who first found it in Africa. This is an endemic cancer which is caused by infection from the Epstein-Barr virus. The hypothesis is that the virus mutates the B cells into a cancerous one. Usually a tumour is formed either in the bone of the jaw, or in the abdomen.

Specific causes of Hodgkin’s disease

Hodgkin’s disease can be caused by a genetic predisposition or an exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).  The correlation between these causes and Lymphoma shows greater incidence among children rather than with adults.  Moreover, everyone who has any one or all of the above infections or predisposition does not succumb to the onslaught of Hodgkin’s disease and hence the cause of the disease still remains a mystery in some ways.

It is clear from the above, that most researchers have not been able to pinpoint the source or cause of the disease.  Efforts have been made to find patterns in sample populations to identify risk factors which can trigger the onset of the disease. Even these patterns are indicative rather than conclusive and there are many exceptions to the rule.  The trigger of lymphoma remains a mystery. A number of hypotheses exist and are being explored.  However, today, its clinical manifestations alone are examined, classified and treated.

Lymphoma is the cancer of the lymphatic system.  Immune cells called Lymphocytes, become cancerous and begin to multiply and spread all over the body through the lymphatic system.  It crowds out normal cells and causes the disease.

Let us understand connection between the Lymphatic system and the spread of Lymphoma by studying the system briefly.

The Lymphatic System

The Lymphatic system includes lymph nodes, lymphocytes, spleen, bone marrow, tonsils, adenoids, thymus and the lymph.

Lymph nodes are kidney-shaped or round with a diameter of one inch. They form clusters in the neck, armpit, and groin area.  Lymphatic nodes are also found in the chest, abdomen and pelvis which fall within the lymphatic pathways.  The function of these nodes is to filter the blood as it enters the organ.

The Lymphocytes play an important role in the immune response to the entry of a foreign body or pathogen into the body. Lymphocytes are of two kinds – the B- Lymphocytes (or the B-Cells) and the T- Lymphocytes (or the T-Cells). The B-cells are derived from the bone marrow while the T-Cells are derived from the thymus. The T-Cells play an important role by producing chemicals called cytokines which activate the B-Cells. The B-Cells produce the antibodies which fight against the antigen.

The spleen is an important lymphatic organ. The spleen regulates the amount of blood and blood cells that circulate through the body.  It also plays an important role in destroying damaged cells.  

The thymus plays an important role in educating the lymphocytes to differentiate between the body’s own cells and foreign cells in the entering the body.

The tonsils and adenoids are secondary lymphatic organs.

The lymph is a clear watery fluid which consists of water, proteins, fats and other substances. It is also a store for lymphocytes.

The lymphatic system is analogous to the circulatory system. It transports lymph through the lymphatic system.

How and why does lymphoma spread through the Lymphatic system?

Lymphocytes are the body’s soldiers that fight against abnormally dividing cells. When the lymphocytes become cancerous, the immune system is weakened and the system is unable to efficiently fight the disease. The cancerous lymphocytes grow rapidly in the body of the person suffering from lymphoma and these lymphocytes accumulate in the lymph nodes and other parts of the body to form tumours. Since the lymph network is widespread and the lymphocytes freely circulate in the blood, the cancer can spread easily. These tumours can often be felt as a painless lump or swollen gland in different parts of the body. This enlargement of the lymph nodes is called “adenopathy”.

Non malignant versions of this cancer are localized. They can be surgically treated or destroyed by use of Chemotherapy.  Malignant, life threatening cancers of the lymphatic system spread to other organs and even to the bone marrow and would require aggressive treatment.

Lymphoma is a silent killer and is not detected very easily. It is estimated that about 56 percent of the cancers detected annually are lymphomas.

• The appearance of the lymphocytes (cancer cells) under a microscope.
• The distribution of the cancer in the body in the form of compact clusters (nodular) or lumps in a specific node or organ.
• The different genetic mutations that caused the disease.
• The origin of the cancer from a specific type of cell.
• The proteins present predominantly on the surface of the lymphocyte.

Another categorization of Lymphomas is the distinction that is made between Hodgkin’s lymphoma (after the scientist Thomas .D. Hodgkin who first discovered the disease) and the non Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of lymphoma which is characterized by the presence of the Reed-Sternberg cells in the cancerous region.  It is supposed that a specific type of virus called the Epstein-Barr virus plays an important role in this in causing this cancer. This cancer is common both in children as well as adults.

Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Many cancers of the Lymphatic system are classified as Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas.  Age is not a determinant factor in the occurrence of this disease, but it has been observed that the potential of contracting the disease increases with age.  Inflated Lymph nodes, sickness and weight loss are common symptoms of this condition. 

It is observed that Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) can be of two kinds—the aggressive or fast growing lymphomas and the sluggish kind or slow growing lymphomas.  They are further classified in B-cell NHL or T cell NHL. 

B-cell Lymphomas include sub categories such as Burkitt’s lymphoma, diffuse large cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, immunoblastic large cell lymphoma, precursor B-Lymphoblastic lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma.  T-Cell lymphomas include mycosis fungoides, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and precursor T-lymphoblastic lymphoma.

 Persons with HIV, Epstein Barr Virus, stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria, Human T-cell leukemia or Hepatitis C Virus are High risk categories for NHL.  Obese people also fall within this category.  Persons who work with herbicides and some other chemicals are likely to contract the disease. However, not all persons classified as high risk fall prey to the disease.

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer that spreads in a more orderly manner and is a less common form of Lymphoma.   There are 5 types of Hodgkin’s Lymphomas that have been identified as against 25-30 types identified for the non-Hodgkin’s type.

Hodgkin’s disease (HL) as it is often called, may begin in a single lymph node, a group or lymph nodes or in the bone marrow or spleen.  Thereafter, it will spread from the lymph node of origin to the neighboring lymph node in order of proximity.  This lymphoma is distinguished by the presence of the Reed-Sternberg cells.

Persons in the age group of 15-34 and over 55 seem to be most vulnerable to the disease. Family history of Hodgkin’s disease increases the risk of contracting it.   Persons infected with the Epstein-Barr virus also have a high risk of developing the disease.

Research indicates that the overall survival rate of persons infected with Hodgkin’s disease is around 85% over a five year period.

Lymphomas of different kinds require different kinds of treatment.  However, most lymphomas, both NHL and HL, are treated with some form of chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of the two.  Sometimes Bone marrow or stem cell transplant may also be recommended.  Many patients live long healthy lives after treatment of the disease.

Many start attending church again. This in itself can raise someone’s spirits for a church is a family of people that come together when you are in need of help. Some don’t have family close to them or maybe not any at all. So, having this family in the church can help them in so many ways.

When you turn to religion you can have a fresh start. Maybe they have been saved in the past but need to renew their bond with the lord. It is not uncommon to do this after finding out you have lymphoma. It gives them hope. They will start reading their bibles again and attending all types of church events. Some big churches even offer support groups that can help in their own way.

Being diagnosed with lymphoma or any illness can be life changing, sometimes for the better. It helps many step back and take a good look at their lives and what they want to do with the time they have left. It can help then get through each step of treatments with a higher power on their side. Prayer becomes part of their everyday battle.

There is nothing wrong with turning to religion for help. It is part of the shock that comes along with finding out the news. You shouldn’t have to struggle through the battle alone. Having faith and a church family that will have you in their prayers everyday it enough to give you hope and raise your spirits. There are people who love and care for you and will help you no matter what happens. You can find this and more in a church family. 

It doesn’t matter your age or what you have done in the past. All that matters is you are coming home to where the lord wants you to be, with him. You have to forgive yourself for all things you have done and know that you will no go back to that lifestyle. You are changing your life for the better and relying on the lord for help. As the saying goes, he doesn’t give you more than you can handle. Even though at times it seems he does and that you can’t possible keep doing what you are doing. You can and you will, for him.

There is a reason for all the things that happen in our lives and ways to deal with them all. You have to find the way that works best for you and turning to religion may be the best way for you. Get the strength and support you need from your fellow church members, but most importantly from the man that can help you always.

The prognosis will help you understand the kind of Lymphoma and give you a clue as to the kind of treatment required to be given.  It is important to remember that the patient or the family is not alone in this fight against the disease.  A number of support systems have been set up to assist them through this traumatic phase of life. 

We have attempted to briefly describe below, the different types of treatments that are available to the patient.

Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy

The use of drugs to neutralise the cancer cells is called chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is usually a combination of drugs which is different for every patient. Radiation therapies kill the cancer cells by the use of high energy rays such as X-Rays. These shrink the cancerous tumours. If the tumour was benign surgery alone would be sufficient.

Chemotherapy is often called systemic treatment. This is because the drugs travel though the body and kill those potential cancerous cells that have not yet started dividing rapidly. Patients receive a combination of treatments which include radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.

Bone Marrow Transplant

High-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) is a method in which high amounts of the drugs are introduced to kills the cancer cells. These doses are lethal to the cells in the bone marrow. During treatment patients are given regular bone marrow transplant for normal production of red blood cells and white blood cells. This transplant may be from the patient themselves or from another person.

Biological Therapy

Biological response modifier therapy (BRMT) is one of the latest techniques used in curing cancer. The technique involves the chemicals of the body to activate the body’s own defences against the cancer cells.

These therapies are still experimental and research is being actively carried out in these areas. The new approaches include:

• Immunotherapy
• Angiogenesis inhibitors
• Gene therapy

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy involves the activation of chemicals called cytokines, which help the B-cells produce antibodies to fight against the cancer cells. Research is being done with two important chemicals called interleukin and interferon. A new therapy developed by the scientist is to bind the antibodies which fight these cancer cells with a drug which will kill the cancer cells. This type of targeting will be very beneficial as only the tumours will be affected and not the healthy tissues.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved of one such drug called Rituxan. Another similar drug Bexxar is waiting for approval. A new novel approach done by the scientist is to develop a tumour vaccine. The vaccine activates the body’s own defences even before the cancer is developed.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors

Angiogenesis inhibitors are drugs that prevent new blood vessels from forming in the site of the cancer. Tumours need new blood vessels for their supply of nutrition and oxygen. Cutting off their supply to these essentials will prevent the cancer cells from growing.

Gene Therapy

 This is the newest approach to cancer. Pieces of DNA are sent into the cells to correct mutations in these cells. Most cancers are known to arise from damage to the DNA and this therapy will help a great deal.

Research and experience has revealed that not all cancers are terminal and not all patients die when they are diagnosed with Lymphoma.  It is important to understand the type of Lymphoma, the stage of the disease and the treatment required and one must aggressively undertake the same.  More and more patients are regaining their health and live long quality lives after the diagnosis and treatment of the disease!

            Since Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is present when malignant cancer cells are present in the lymphatic system, anti-cancer agents need to be used in order to get the disease back under control. There are basically four different types of treatment available for those who want to undergo treatment for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: they are, in no particular order, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, biologic therapy, and the ‘watch and wait’ approach.

            The ‘watch and wait’ approach is employed when doctors feel that the cancer may not cause a significant problem to a person’s health; they may come to this decision based on how hard it would be to remove the cancer, and the possible risks of performing therapy as opposed to letting the patient’s condition to remain present and closely monitoring it to note any change. Radiation therapy is one of the most commonly used approaches for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma; using x-rays or an alternative form of radiation, doctors attack the cancerous cells present in the patient’s body through either externally exposing the patient to the waves, or using a radiation ‘seed’ directly injected into the cancerous cells to damage them. Chemotherapy is another approach that has been shown to be effective in attacking Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma; through the use of drugs, the patient’s cancer’s growth is stopped either by killing the cancerous cells or not allowing them to divide. It can be deployed via an oral medication or a direct injection into the area that needs to be treated. Last, but not least, comes biological therapy. The biological therapy approach is used when doctors feel that the best bet for the patient would be for their immune system to fight against the cancer. Doctors give the patients the means of getting their immune system as healthy as possible in the hopes that it will repel the cancer.

            While the methods that we have of fighting Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are good, they are not good enough to provide a complete solution. To that end, there are several different treatments in the works that will hopefully help us in the fight against lymphoma in the future. One notable treatment that is undergoing testing right now is the use of vaccine therapy. Through showing the body exactly how to fight off a small amount of lymphoma cancer cells, doctors hope to teach the body how to attack the main cancer’s cells. Another approach that is undergoing testing is the use of stem cells coupled with chemotherapy. This method could prove to be very efficient; they plan on removing stem cells from the patient prior to a major dose of chemotherapy. After the chemotherapy has done its work, the doctors will reinject the stem cells into the patient’s body to help it build back up after the chemotherapy. With the advent of these types of treatment available, it’s good to see that we maybe we winning in the fight against lymphoma.