Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

What Hodgkins Lymphoma?
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is characterized by the presence of very large cells called Reed-Sternberg (R-S) cells, although other abnormal cell types may be present. HL usually starts in the lymph nodes, and often spreads from one lymph node to another and can also spread to other organs. There are two types of lymphomas. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Lymphoma occurs when cells of the immune system called lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, grow and multiply uncontrollably. Cancerous lymphocytes can travel to many parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, blood, or other organs, and form a mass called a tumor. For more on Liz’s journey with Hodgkins click here. To learn more about Hodgkins, click one of the links below:
http://www.lls.org/#/diseaseinformation/lymphoma/hodgkinlymphoma/
www.cityofhope.com
http://www.lymphomainfo.net/
http://www.mdanderson.org/patient-and-cancer-information/cancer-information/cancer-types/hodgkins-lymphoma/index.html

Common Questions
What are common symptoms? Common signs and symptoms of HL include swelling of the lymph nodes (which is often but not always painless), fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and lack of energy.
What is the cure rate? Over 80 percent of patients with HL are cured. Most patients treated for HL will receive some form of chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation therapy, as their first treatment.

What Can You Do?
Over 80 percent of patients with HL may be cured but that means 20 percent aren’t, like my baby sister, and that is unacceptable. That is why it is SO important to take action. Everything is different without her. Almost three years later and we are still learning to navigate the tumultuous waters of our “new normal”.

We don’t want anyone else to have to deal with such a devastating loss so we encourage everyone to be part of the fight to help find a cure. You can help by making a donation here.