1. Symptoms to be Aware of
Hodgkin's Lymphoma is cancer of the lymph system. Symptoms may vary depending on how far the disease has spread. At first the symptoms may be vague and feel like the flu. A person may experience fatigue, fever and weight loss. Itching and night sweats may be present. There may be swelling of one or more lymph nodes in the neck or armpit. The swelling is usually painless.
2. Meaning of Diagnosis and Staging
It is important to not ignore symptoms. The earlier a diagnosis is made the better the prognosis. Diagnosis is usually made through a biopsy of one of the swollen lymph nodes. The procedure is done under local anesthesia. Blood work and a bone marrow biopsy may be ordered as well as a CT scan or MRI to look for disease spread. After a diagnosis is made the disease is staged. This means how much of the disease is present in your body. Stages range from one to four. One being the least amount of disease and stage four meaning the disease has spread from one or more lymph nodes to other organs of the body such as the liver.
3. What You Need to Know About Treatment Options
The main forms of treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma include radiation and chemotherapy. Radiation is given to the affected lymph nodes. Chemotherapy involves different drug regimens. For some people a bone marrow transplant may be part of the treatment plan. Treatment will depend on the stage of the disease.
4. Coping With Side Effects
Both radiation and chemotherapy can have some side effects. The good news is there are many ways to lessen the effects. Nausea is a big concern for many people undergoing treatment. Take medication for nausea prior to and after chemotherapy as prescribed. Another way to reduce nausea is acupressure wristbands. Fatigue may occur with treatment. Listen to your body. Rest when you can. Take a nap if you need to. Stick to a healthy diet and drink plenty of water to help flush the drug toxins from your body.
5. The Emotional Impact of Hodgkin's Disease
Educate yourself about the disease and what to expect. Take an active role in your treatment plan. This will help reduce feelings of helplessness. Maintain a strong support system. Ask a friend or family member to accompany you to treatment appointments and doctor's visits. Join a support group to share your feelings with other people going through the same thing. Continue to live your life. See friends, work if you feel up for it and maintain a normal routine when you can.
