Living With Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma And Fighting Depression

When living with non-Hodgkins lymphoma there are many ups and downs, mentally, physically, and spiritually on the road to surviving cancer. Here are a few of the do's and don'ts that I've learned as time went on during and after my non-Hodgkins lymphoma diagnosis. If they helped me become a cancer survivor, intact, beating the odds, why couldn't they help you? So here they are...

DO make sure you know and understand what your protocol is about while living with cancer, whether it's non-Hodgkins lymphoma, or any other type of cancer, to help maintain a level of control and reduce depression on your road to becoming a cancer survivor.

DON'T assume someone will stay on top of your protocol for you. Even doctors make mistakes from time to time!

DO take medications that are intended to help cure you of cancer EXACTLY when scheduled. Sometimes depression can be medically induced, so be proactive, be on the offensive while battling non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

DON'T be careless when it comes to taking medications intended to aid in your end goal - surviving cancer. Missing a dose and doubling up the next time scheduled, or not taking it at all could take a major toll on your odds of surviving non-Hodgkins lymphoma, or any other cancer for that matter. That's depressing!

DO make sure you stay focused on what is right with your life while living with cancer, even in the midst of the non-Hodgkins diagnosis, and throughout the protocol. Optimism, positive thinking, love, and humor all help to lessen depression, and make all the difference in the world when working toward becoming a cancer survivor.

DON'T dwell on the misery, the unknown, and the "I should have(s)" in life. Actually, all the word "should" does is induce guilt, whether living with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, or otherwise. Moreover, being negative while living with cancer is draining, both physically and mentally. And shutting loved ones out of your life during such a difficult time could be lonely and depressing!

DO make sure you get up in the morning, take a shower, get dressed, and if possible try to get some fresh air to help prevent depression. And remember, beauty comes from the inside out. People who truly care about you do not love you for your hair; they love you for the whole person you are. Cancer, including non-Hodgkins lymphoma, does not have the power to take away true love.

DON'T stay in your pajamas and robe all day. When you look good you feel good. And when you look happy, confident, and optimistic about your life, you look good... not depressed!

DO get busy LIVING when diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Face it head on! Deal with it in the best way you know how, keeping in mind that it's always a good idea to ask for help whenever you feel depressed. Always remember to take another step onward, and with a smile. You CAN THRIVE while living with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, or any other type of cancer. Surround yourself with positive people and positive feelings. By doing so positive energy will come your way. You CAN be happy living with cancer. The choice is yours!

DON'T wait for the non-Hodgkins lymphoma protocol to end before you start living life once again. Do not let a cancer diagnosis or depression keep you from moving forward. Your dreams and goals may have to be reprioritized; nevertheless, keep your eye on your goal - surviving cancer. Don't choose misery over happiness! If you allow misery to take over than there will be many great experiences you might have missed, and remarkable people you could have had the chance to meet. Time doesn't stand still while you're living with cancer, why should you??!! Do not give non-Hodgkins lymphoma the power to keep you from living your life to its fullest!

To read more about me and my story, or take a look at the book I wrote about my experience titled, "The Will to Live: The Perks of Cancer Through the Eyes of a Survivor", a cancer survivor book, please visit my website at http://www.erinley.com/

by Erin Ley, Author/Presenter
President
ONWARD PRODUCTIONS, INC.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erin_Ley

By Erin Ley

Read More

Leukemia 101

Luekemia is a cancer (malignant disease) of the blood or 'bone marrow', (soft tissue found in the hollow interior of the bone.) It is characterized by the uncontrolled accretion of blood cells, usually white blood cells. The word Luekemia means "white blood", which was derived by luekemia patients' high white blood count. An excessive amount of cells can interfere with other cells which causes a very harmful imbalance of blood count. There are four different categories of luekemia:

* Acute Lymphocytic Luekemia (ALL): This type of Luekemia is a rapidly progressing disease that is the most common type of Luekemia for children. However it does occur in adults, especially those over 65 years of age.

* Chronic Lymphocytic Luekemia (CLL): This type of luekemia (chronic) progresses more slowly than acute and most commonly affect those over 55 years of age. Once in a while will occur in a young adult but very rarely occurs in a child.

* Acute Myelogenous Luekemia (AML): More common to occur in an adult than a child.

* Chronic Myelogenous Luekemia (CML): Occurs mainly in adults and sometimes in children.

Some Statistics to Think About:

* To this day 218,659 people are living with luekemia in the United States.

* Luekemia affects about nine in 100,000 people each year.

* It is expected that 21,790 deaths in the United States are caused by Luekemia.

* Once diagnosed with luekemia, the five year survival rate is 42 percent.

* The estimated numbers of deaths caused by Luekemia in the US are about 30 percent higher for males than females.

* Adults are 10 times more likely to be diagnosed with luekemia than children, especially the elderly.

* About 515 children under the age of 14 are expected to die from Luekemia.

* Children under the age of 4 have a greater chance of developing luekemia than older children.

Symptoms:

Damage to the bone marrow will lead to a deficiency level of blood platelets which is important for blood clotting. This means people with luekemia may have problems with bruising, bleeding excessively, and petechiae. Petechiae is a small red or purple spot on the body caused by a minor hemorrhage. Other common symptoms for those who have Luekemia are:

* Weak immune system

* Anemia

* Fever, chills, and night sweats (flu like).

* Easily fatigued and weak.

* Swollen and bleeding gums.

* Frequent infection

* Bone and joint pain

* Dizziness

* Swollen tonsils

To find out more about the treatment process for leukemia, check out my informative site.

http://www.haftat.com, http://www.annamia.net, http://www.leukemia.haftat.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Newton

By Jennifer Newton

Read More

Why Early Detection of Slow Growing Lymphoma Is Difficult

There are over 30 types of lymphoma that have so far been detected and they can be grouped according to a variety of criteria. One such criterion is how fast the cancer is growing and so lymphomas are generally classed as either slow growing or fast growing. Slow growing lymphomas can be very difficult to detect because they rarely exhibit symptoms while they are still in an early stage.

As their name suggests, slow growing lymphomas take a relatively long time to grow to a size that starts to affect the body. Initially slow growing lymphomas will confine themselves to one specific area of the body. This is normally a lymph gland or a site close to a lymph gland and because they stay confined they don’t affect any other organs or tissues. The only outward sign of early stage lymphoma is a painless swelling of the affected lymph glands however this swelling can easily be missed or ignored by the patient. Even if it is noticed it is often attributed to a simple infection and no more notice is taken of it until it starts to become uncomfortable.

It may be over a year before sections of the confined lymphoma start to break off and travel to secondary sites in the body. Lymphoma affects the lymphocyte cells of the immune system and as such it has the ability to travel through the lymphatic system and in the blood stream. When the lymphoma cells do start to migrate to other areas the immune system tries to eradicate them and it is at this stage that the first systemic symptoms are experienced by the patient. These symptoms might include fever, night sweats, abdominal distension, unexplained weight loss and occasionally anemia i.e. chronic fatigue, tiredness and pale skin, although the exact symptoms will depend on the area that the migrating cells invade.

Often it is at this stage that the patient first visits the doctor and a provisional diagnosis is made. A number of medical tests are required to confirm the diagnosis and these tests will not only provide information regarding the exact type of lymphoma that is present, they will also say whether the lymphoma is fast or slow growing and what stage it has reached.

Unfortunately, many cases of slow growing lymphoma have reached a late stage by the time they are detected and diagnosed. This means they have spread to numerous areas of the body and so are a lot more difficult to treat effectively. There will also be a lot more cancer cells then the body can easily cope with and they may have infiltrated areas that are incredibly hard to treat such as the liver and bone marrow. For this reason it is important to consult a doctor whenever swelling of the lymph glands is noticed or any of the other lymphoma symptoms mentioned above are experienced. It is highly likely that the swelling and symptoms are caused by a minor illness however it is well worth finding this out as early as possible.

For more information and resources on hodgkin's and non-hodgkin's lymphoma, other types, symptoms of lymphoma, treatment, the stages of lymphoma, medication, research, solutions and facts, visit Jeremy Parker's comprehensive reference guide on lymphoma. Also get your free copy of the "Lymphoma Information Guide" report at http://www.LymphomaResources.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Parker

By Jeremy Parker

Read More

What Exactly is Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is not a single disease, it is in fact a group of diseases in which the cells of the immune system become cancerous and begin to divide and multiply in an uncontrolled manner in a lymph node. Initially a single lymph node may be affected however the cancer may quickly spread around the body through the lymphatic system so that other nodes and also other tissues, such as the bone marrow, become affected.

A number of the immune system cell types can become cancerous including the T cells and the B cells which are the body’s two main defense mechanisms against illness and infection. The immune system cells are carried in the blood stream and through the lymphatic system and so the lymphoma cancers can be very mobile and affect areas of the body far from the original cancerous site.

The fact that you have swollen lymph glands does not automatically mean you have a lymphoma cancer because there are a number of other diseases which cause the lymph nodes to swell; in fact any disease which requires the assistance of the immune system will cause mild swelling in many of the lymph glands. If however you have swelling in a single gland that is painless and symptom free then you should make an appointment with your doctor just to check it out.

There are various types of lymphoma cancer however the two main types are Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Hodgkin’s disease is characterized by painless enlargement of one or more lymph nodes, most commonly in the chest, neck and armpits. If the caner has spread from these initial sites then fevers, night sweats, weight loss and bone pain can also occur. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is the more common disease of the two, may start in exactly the same way however the patient may also develop an enlarged spleen, anemia and general malaise.

Because the lymphoma cancers are so mobile a sufferer can often experience symptoms in other areas of the body that they would not necessarily associate with cancer which means that unless you know what to look for i.e. swollen lymph glands, you may well dismiss the problem as being due to a simple illness, such as the flu, as this also causes many of the symptoms displayed by lymphoma patients. Also, because the cells of the immune system are primarily affected a person with a lymphoma cancer will quickly become more susceptible than usual to even the weakest pathogens i.e. their immune system becomes weaker and fails to protect the body from disease.

The good news is that as with other forms of cancer, lymphomas are treatable and so anyone diagnosed shouldn’t give up hope of leading a long and healthy life. You need to find out as much information as you can about the illness and find coping strategies that work for you and your family. You will need to undergo either chemotherapy, radiation therapy or possibly a bone marrow transplant however lymphoma patients today have a high survival rate and many people are cured of the disease totally.

For more information and resources on hodgkin's and non-hodgkin's lymphoma, other types of lymphoma, symptoms, treatment for lymphoma, medication, research, life after being diagnosed with lymphoma, solutions and facts, visit Jeremy Parker's complete reference guide on lymphoma. Also get your free copy of the "Lymphoma Information Guide" report at http://www.LymphomaResources.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Parker

By Jeremy Parker

Read More

Acute Leukemia - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Leukemia is a malignant disease (cancer) of the bone marrow and blood. It is characterized by the uncontrolled accumulation of blood cells. In AML, the bone marrow makes many unformed cells called blasts. AML starts with a change to a single cell in the bone marrow. With AML, the leukemic cells are often referred. to as blast cells. Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a fast-growing cancer in which the body produces a large number of immature white blood cells (lymphocytes). AML is the most common acute leukemia affecting, and its incidence increases with age. Acute leukemia is a rapidly progressing disease that results in the accumulation of immature, functionless cells in the marrow and blood. In acute leukemia, cancerous cells multiply quickly and replace normal cells. Cancerous cells take over normal parts of bone marrow, causing bone marrow failure. A person with ALL is more likely to bleed and have infections because there are fewer normal blood cells. Several congenital conditions may increase the risk of leukemia; the most common is probably Down syndrome, which is associated with a 10- to 18-fold increase in the risk of AML.

Leukemia is divided into four categories: myelogenous or lymphocytic, each of which can be acute or chronic. AML is more common in men than in women. Acute myelogenous leukemia is the most common form of leukemia. The difference is even more apparent in older patients. Leukemia is one of the top 15 most frequently occuring cancers in minority groups. Leukemia incidence is highest among whites and lowest among American Indians and Alaskan natives. Signs of AML are often non-specific, and may be similar to those of influenza or other common illnesses. Some generalized symptoms include fever, fatigue, weight loss or loss of appetite, shortness of breath with exertion, anemia, easy bruising or bleeding, petechiae (flat, pin-head sized spots under the skin caused by bleeding), bone pain and joint pain and persistent or frequent infections.This is likely because myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) are more common in men, and advanced MDS frequently evolves into AML. More than 11,900 new cases occur in the United States each year, mostly in older. The average age of a person with AML is 65 years.

Most of the standard treatment for ALL uses chemotherapy.Chemotherapy is the initial treatment of choice. Stem cell transplantation is used instead of consolidative chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is used on painful bony areas, in high disease burdens, or as part of the preparations for a bone marrow transplant (total body irradiation). Stem cell transplant. Stem cell transplant is also used for consolidation therapy. It's similar to bone marrow transplant except the stem cells are collected from circulating blood (peripheral blood). Induction therapy for children with AML starts with two or three drugs. Stronger treatment is needed after a child with AML is in remission. This is called intensive consolidation therapy. It is given because usually some AML cells remain after induction therapy. Allogeneic stem cell transplant can be a high-risk procedure. For this reason, it may not be a good treatment for some AML patients. Bone marrow or cord blood transplant (also called a BMT) offers some patients the best chance for a long-term remission of their disease.

Acute Leukemia for Treatment Tips

1. Chemotherapy -- drugs that destroy cancer cells or stop them from growing.

2. Bone marrow or cord blood transplant (also called a BMT) offers some patients the best chance for a long-term remission of their disease.

3. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (Mylotarg) and Monoclonal antibodies are proteins designed to attach to leukemia cells and help the immune system destroy them.

4. Biological therapy attempts to stimulate or restore the ability of your child's immune system to fight cancer.

5. Avoiding smoking, exposure to toxic chemicals, and exposure to radiation may help prevent some cases of leukemia.

6. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin is a monoclonal antibody against CD33 (a molecule present on most AML cells but not on normal stem cells) conjugated to calicheamicin (a potent chemotherapy molecule).

7. Stem cell transplantation (SCT) is a treatment that permits the use of doses of chemotherapy and radiation therapy high enough to destroy the patient's bone marrow.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for online medical clinic and diseases treatment. She also writes articles on depression treatment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Juliet_Cohen

By Juliet Cohen

Read More

Preventing Leukemia

Leukemia is a malignant cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects thousands of children and adults in the United States. Acute leukemia progresses quickly while chronic leukemia develops more slowly. Studies indicate that leukemia is not inherited nor is it contagious. Several factors are suspected, although scientists have been unable to pinpoint the exact cause. No specific sets of preventions are available for leukemia. However, on analyzing the factors that generally cause leukemia a rough and general idea on the prevention of the disease can be made.

Amongst newborn babies breast milk has shown properties that help in preventing occurrences of leukemia. Statistics have shown that mothers who breast-feed their babies for even one month lower their risk of leukemia by 20%. The factors that cause leukemia are numerous. Continuous exposure to high-level x-ray radiation increases susceptibility for leukemia development. As a result such exposure should be minimized. Similarly chemical irritants like the inhalation of toxic vapor such as benzol vapors cause a variety of blood disorders, including leukemia. Appropriate care should also be taken to avoid such chemicals inhalations. There may also be a genetic predisposition to leukemia. In rare cases it is observed that there are instances where people are born with chromosome damage. These people have genes that add to their chances of developing leukemia. In order to avoid such incidences, couples suffering from leukemia are advised to refrain from having children. Environmental factors such as high-dose radiation or exposure to certain toxic chemicals (atomic bombs) may also trigger the development of leukemic cells. In order to prevent this the government too ought to pass adequate laws and measures.

p>Sweating is a powerful way to cleanse the body from accumulated toxins that usually cause leukemia. In addition to this bowel cleansing, dental cleanup, kidney cleansing and liver cleansing also contribute to preventing leukemia. Other ways of reducing the risk are prevention of maternal smoking, paternal heavy drinking, use of anti nausea drugs during pregnancy, and exposure to solvents or absorption of contaminated water. However, it should be noted that the above-mentioned preventions are mere suggestions. Since the accurate factors that cause leukemia are unknown, prevention for the same remains a general hypothesis.

Leukemia provides detailed information on Leukemia, Leukemia Symptoms, Childhood Leukemia, Leukemia Treatments and more. Leukemia is affiliated with Social Security Disabilities.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Bailey

By Jennifer Bailey

Read More