God doesn't give us more than what we can handle. When you think that life is unfair or that you can't take it anymore, remember, you can do it. Love your family and take care of yourself. And don't give up until you find your own symbol of hope.
Hodgkin's lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin's disease, is a cancer of the lymphatic system. According to the Canadian Cancer Statistics 2008, there were an estimated 890 new cases of Hodgkin's disease in Canada in 2008 and 110 deaths. The five-year survival rate is about 86 per cent.
Symptoms of Hodgkin's disease can include:
• Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin;
• Persistent fatigue;
• Fever and chills;
• Night sweats;
• Unexplained weight loss;
• Loss of appetite; and
• Itching.
Who is at risk?
While it's not clear exactly what causes Hodgkin's, you're at increased risk if you:
• Are between the ages of 15 and 40, or over 55;
• Have a sibling with the disease;
• Are male (men have a slightly higher risk);
• Were infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (the infection causes illnesses such as infectious mononucleosis); or
• Have HIV-AIDS or another immune-suppressing disorder, or take medications that suppress immune response (such as those for recent organ transplant patients).
Typical Hodgkin's treatments:
Blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, bone scans and biopsies all help diagnose Hodgkin's disease. Once diagnosed, treatment depends on how advanced the cancer is, but it can include:
• Radiation;
• Chemotherapy;
• Bone marrow transplant;
• Biological therapy (specially developed proteins that help fight cancer cells or boost the immune system); and
• Peripheral stem cell transplant (stem cells are removed from your blood and frozen while you receive chemotherapy, and then transfused back into your system).
– Sarah Schroer
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• The breast cancer gene
• 9 myths about chemotherapy explained
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