I'm hoping there are some nurses on the board who can help me. My mother has just been diagnosed with lymphoma and appart from being emotionally devastated I feel quite helpless because I don't know anything about this type of cancer, or about the lymphatic system or any of that stuff, treatments or whatever.
Can anyone give me some general information or point me to some good sites. I don't want to just google it because I don't want to get overwhelmed with information that may or may not be accurate.
Praise God my mother is in very little pain right now and praise God I am sober today so I can be there to help her through this.
Idgie
Idgie-
I am so sorry to hear about this. My mother's partner was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lympoma of the the Brain. He passed away, but his was a very severe case due to a weakened immune system, as he had AIDS. I am no Dr. but I am thinking Non Hodgkins Lymphoma is responds better to treatment, and is more common.
Here is some info I found:
The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is part of the body's immune system. The immune system fights infections and other diseases.
In the lymphatic system, a network of lymph vessels carries clear fluid called lymph. Lymph vessels lead to small, round organs called lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are filled with lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). The lymph nodes trap and remove bacteria or other harmful substances that may be in the lymph. Groups of lymph nodes are found in the neck, underarms, chest, abdomen, and groin.
Other parts of the lymphatic system include the tonsils, spleen, and thymus. Lymphatic tissue is also found in other parts of the body including the stomach, skin, and small intestine.
Lymph: Colorless, watery fluid that travels through the lymph system and carries white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes protect the body against infections and the growth of tumors.
Lymph vessels: A network of thin tubes that collect lymph from different parts of the body and return it to the bloodstream.
Lymph nodes: Small, bean-shaped structures that filter substances in lymph and help fight infection and disease. Lymph nodes are located along the network of lymph vessels found throughout the body. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the underarm, pelvis, neck, abdomen, and groin.
Spleen: An organ that produces lymphocytes, filters the blood, stores blood cells, and destroys old blood cells. It is located on the left side of the abdomen near the stomach.
Thymus: An organ in which lymphocytes grow and multiply. The thymus is in the chest behind the breastbone.
Tonsils: Two small masses of lymph tissue at the back of the throat. The tonsils produce lymphocytes.
Bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue in the center of large bones. Bone marrow produces white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Adult non-Hodgkins lymphoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lymph system. There are many types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. All types of lymphoma begin in cells of the lymphatic system. Normally, cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old, they die, and new cells take their place. Sometimes this process goes wrong. New cells form when the body does not need them, and old cells do not die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma begins when a lymphocyte (a B cell or T cell) becomes abnormal. Usually, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma starts in a B cell in a lymph node. The abnormal cell divides to make copies of itself. The new cells divide again and again, making more and more abnormal cells. The abnormal cells are cancer cells. They do not die when they should. They do not protect the body from infections or other diseases. Also, the cancer cells can spread to nearly any other part of the body.
Because lymph tissue is found throughout the body, adult non-Hodgkins lymphoma can begin in almost any part of the body. Cancer can spread to the liver and many other organs and tissues.
Non-Hodgkins lymphoma can occur in both adults and children. Treatment for children, however, is different than treatment for adults.
Types of Lymphoma
Lymphomas are divided into two general types: Hodgkins lymphoma and non-Hodgkins lymphoma. This summary refers to the treatment of adult non-Hodgkins lymphoma. When non-hodgkins lymphoma is found, the pathologist will report the type. The most common types are diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma.
Indolent (also called low-grade) lymphomas grow slowly. They tend to cause few symptoms.
Aggressive (also called intermediate-grade and high-grade) lymphomas grow and spread more quickly. They tend to cause severe symptoms. Over time, many indolent lymphomas become aggressive lymphomas.
Adult non-Hodgkins lymphomas are also described in terms of the location of affected lymph nodes.
Contiguous lymphomas: Lymphomas in which the lymph nodes containing cancer are next to each other.
Noncontiguous lymphomas: Lymphomas in which the lymph nodes containing cancer are not next to each other, but are on the same side of the diaphragm.
Childhood non-Hodgkins lymphoma
There are three major types of childhood non-Hodgkins lymphoma.The specific type of lymphoma is determined by how the cells look under a microscope. The 3 major types of childhood non-Hodgkins lymphoma are:
Lymphoblastic lymphoma
Small noncleaved cell lymphoma (either Burkitts lymphoma or non-Burkitts lymphoma)
Large cell lymphoma
Hope this helps..............My mom is very informed on this subject if you would like to email me at
Javagirl1976@hotmail.com Anytime.
Big Hugs, Hang in there.
I am so sorry to hear about this. My mother's partner was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lympoma of the the Brain. He passed away, but his was a very severe case due to a weakened immune system, as he had AIDS. I am no Dr. but I am thinking Non Hodgkins Lymphoma is responds better to treatment, and is more common.
Here is some info I found:
The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is part of the body's immune system. The immune system fights infections and other diseases.
In the lymphatic system, a network of lymph vessels carries clear fluid called lymph. Lymph vessels lead to small, round organs called lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are filled with lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). The lymph nodes trap and remove bacteria or other harmful substances that may be in the lymph. Groups of lymph nodes are found in the neck, underarms, chest, abdomen, and groin.
Other parts of the lymphatic system include the tonsils, spleen, and thymus. Lymphatic tissue is also found in other parts of the body including the stomach, skin, and small intestine.
Lymph: Colorless, watery fluid that travels through the lymph system and carries white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes protect the body against infections and the growth of tumors.
Lymph vessels: A network of thin tubes that collect lymph from different parts of the body and return it to the bloodstream.
Lymph nodes: Small, bean-shaped structures that filter substances in lymph and help fight infection and disease. Lymph nodes are located along the network of lymph vessels found throughout the body. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the underarm, pelvis, neck, abdomen, and groin.
Spleen: An organ that produces lymphocytes, filters the blood, stores blood cells, and destroys old blood cells. It is located on the left side of the abdomen near the stomach.
Thymus: An organ in which lymphocytes grow and multiply. The thymus is in the chest behind the breastbone.
Tonsils: Two small masses of lymph tissue at the back of the throat. The tonsils produce lymphocytes.
Bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue in the center of large bones. Bone marrow produces white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Adult non-Hodgkins lymphoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lymph system. There are many types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. All types of lymphoma begin in cells of the lymphatic system. Normally, cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old, they die, and new cells take their place. Sometimes this process goes wrong. New cells form when the body does not need them, and old cells do not die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma begins when a lymphocyte (a B cell or T cell) becomes abnormal. Usually, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma starts in a B cell in a lymph node. The abnormal cell divides to make copies of itself. The new cells divide again and again, making more and more abnormal cells. The abnormal cells are cancer cells. They do not die when they should. They do not protect the body from infections or other diseases. Also, the cancer cells can spread to nearly any other part of the body.
Because lymph tissue is found throughout the body, adult non-Hodgkins lymphoma can begin in almost any part of the body. Cancer can spread to the liver and many other organs and tissues.
Non-Hodgkins lymphoma can occur in both adults and children. Treatment for children, however, is different than treatment for adults.
Types of Lymphoma
Lymphomas are divided into two general types: Hodgkins lymphoma and non-Hodgkins lymphoma. This summary refers to the treatment of adult non-Hodgkins lymphoma. When non-hodgkins lymphoma is found, the pathologist will report the type. The most common types are diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma.
Indolent (also called low-grade) lymphomas grow slowly. They tend to cause few symptoms.
Aggressive (also called intermediate-grade and high-grade) lymphomas grow and spread more quickly. They tend to cause severe symptoms. Over time, many indolent lymphomas become aggressive lymphomas.
Adult non-Hodgkins lymphomas are also described in terms of the location of affected lymph nodes.
Contiguous lymphomas: Lymphomas in which the lymph nodes containing cancer are next to each other.
Noncontiguous lymphomas: Lymphomas in which the lymph nodes containing cancer are not next to each other, but are on the same side of the diaphragm.
Childhood non-Hodgkins lymphoma
There are three major types of childhood non-Hodgkins lymphoma.The specific type of lymphoma is determined by how the cells look under a microscope. The 3 major types of childhood non-Hodgkins lymphoma are:
Lymphoblastic lymphoma
Small noncleaved cell lymphoma (either Burkitts lymphoma or non-Burkitts lymphoma)
Large cell lymphoma
Hope this helps..............My mom is very informed on this subject if you would like to email me at
Javagirl1976@hotmail.com Anytime.
Big Hugs, Hang in there.
thanks so much Java girl for responding - your caring post brought tears to my eyes. I'm sorry for the pain your family is also suffering.
Thanks for the information I will print and read it when I am a bit more able to take it all in.
I have made a note of the email and thank you for the offer.
love
Idgie.
Thanks for the information I will print and read it when I am a bit more able to take it all in.
I have made a note of the email and thank you for the offer.
love
Idgie.
idgie.........i am so so sorry........
i i just said a prayer for your mom, i prayed that God will hold her in his loving arms and comfort your heart and hers and to keep your MOM so strong and that the finest doctors will help her..............
What you need to know
About Lymphoma
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lymphoma, the most common blood cancer and third most common cancer of childhood, the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) is here to help. On this Web site you will find valuable information about the different types of lymphoma - Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, diagnostic techniques your health care practitioners may use, and treatment options. Here you can also learn about the latest research findings and get help searching for clinical trials that relate to your condition. The Lymphoma Support Network can help you connect with a peer who is also living with lymphoma or you can find out how to volunteer at an LRF chapter near you. Start by learning more about lymphoma.
HERE IS A SITE FOR YOU.......LYMPHOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION
God bless you and your mom............
HUGS
thumper.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((~~~java~~~))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
i i just said a prayer for your mom, i prayed that God will hold her in his loving arms and comfort your heart and hers and to keep your MOM so strong and that the finest doctors will help her..............
What you need to know
About Lymphoma
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lymphoma, the most common blood cancer and third most common cancer of childhood, the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) is here to help. On this Web site you will find valuable information about the different types of lymphoma - Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, diagnostic techniques your health care practitioners may use, and treatment options. Here you can also learn about the latest research findings and get help searching for clinical trials that relate to your condition. The Lymphoma Support Network can help you connect with a peer who is also living with lymphoma or you can find out how to volunteer at an LRF chapter near you. Start by learning more about lymphoma.
HERE IS A SITE FOR YOU.......LYMPHOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION
God bless you and your mom............
HUGS
thumper.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((~~~java~~~))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
good mornin', idgie ~
i'm sorry to see that your mom has been diagnosed with lymphoma but the hope i bring you is right here on this board. if you go down to the search forums list and type in the words "august west" then click on pain pills forum, it will bring up all of august's posts.
august came here after being diagnosed with lymphoma and has journaled quite a diary on the history of this board - his challenges emotionally and physically, and most of all his hope. you will probably get quite a few hits when you search his name. his main purpose of being here was to help himself and others who may be facing the struggle of addiction not to fall back into the stinking thinking, because he knew he would experience quite a lot of pain and require the use of some pain pills. although, august's main drug of choice was not pain pills, at one time he was prone to addiction and wanted to shore up on all of the help he could get (both online and face 2 face) while undergoing chemo and other treatment for the lymphoma he was diagnosed with. hence, his postings here.
now, the hope i am going to bring you is this. in september 2005 i was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma and i am a survivor! previously i have posted this to others who are facing the diagnosis of cancer or family/friends whom they love are. if you don't read anything else, read this and believe in its truth. because you know what, from my experience with cancer, it is!
cancer is so limited.
it cannot shatter hope.
it cannot corrode faith.
it cannot destroy Gods peace.
it cannot kill friendship.
it cannot suppress memories.
it cannot silence courage.
it cannot invade the soul.
it cannot steal Gods gift of eternal life.
it cannot conquer the spirit.
and, it cannot cripple Gods love.
what is your mom's first name?
i would love to add her to this
awesome prayer list that has empowered
my spirit beyond my wildest imagination.
hugs to you and yours.
love ~
sammy
i'm sorry to see that your mom has been diagnosed with lymphoma but the hope i bring you is right here on this board. if you go down to the search forums list and type in the words "august west" then click on pain pills forum, it will bring up all of august's posts.
august came here after being diagnosed with lymphoma and has journaled quite a diary on the history of this board - his challenges emotionally and physically, and most of all his hope. you will probably get quite a few hits when you search his name. his main purpose of being here was to help himself and others who may be facing the struggle of addiction not to fall back into the stinking thinking, because he knew he would experience quite a lot of pain and require the use of some pain pills. although, august's main drug of choice was not pain pills, at one time he was prone to addiction and wanted to shore up on all of the help he could get (both online and face 2 face) while undergoing chemo and other treatment for the lymphoma he was diagnosed with. hence, his postings here.
now, the hope i am going to bring you is this. in september 2005 i was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma and i am a survivor! previously i have posted this to others who are facing the diagnosis of cancer or family/friends whom they love are. if you don't read anything else, read this and believe in its truth. because you know what, from my experience with cancer, it is!
cancer is so limited.
it cannot shatter hope.
it cannot corrode faith.
it cannot destroy Gods peace.
it cannot kill friendship.
it cannot suppress memories.
it cannot silence courage.
it cannot invade the soul.
it cannot steal Gods gift of eternal life.
it cannot conquer the spirit.
and, it cannot cripple Gods love.
what is your mom's first name?
i would love to add her to this
awesome prayer list that has empowered
my spirit beyond my wildest imagination.
hugs to you and yours.
love ~
sammy
Idgie...
I have no information to share but I wanted you to know that I will keep you and your mom in my prayers....I loved what Sammy posted and how true....
Take care, my friend....
(((hugs))))
Stacey
I have no information to share but I wanted you to know that I will keep you and your mom in my prayers....I loved what Sammy posted and how true....
Take care, my friend....
(((hugs))))
Stacey
Idgie,
Drop me an email at soulpicnic @ hotmail . com or bridget @ fitsandstarts . org
There are a lot of different types of lymphoma and various treatments based on the type... I would like to ask you some questions (I'm an oncology nurse) and see if I can be of any help...
I'm sorry about your mother, but it sounds like there's a lot of support there and I know this is going to be a hard road, but I have faith that you and your family will get through this. Just make sure you ask for help (and take all the help you can get) :)
Best,
Bridget
Drop me an email at soulpicnic @ hotmail . com or bridget @ fitsandstarts . org
There are a lot of different types of lymphoma and various treatments based on the type... I would like to ask you some questions (I'm an oncology nurse) and see if I can be of any help...
I'm sorry about your mother, but it sounds like there's a lot of support there and I know this is going to be a hard road, but I have faith that you and your family will get through this. Just make sure you ask for help (and take all the help you can get) :)
Best,
Bridget
thank you thumper, you are an angel
dsam that was beautiful - I will read that over and over.
soulpicnic - thanks for that offer - I will email in a few days when I have all the facts.
Stacy thanks
Your caring, all of you means so much to me right now.
Love Idgie
dsam that was beautiful - I will read that over and over.
soulpicnic - thanks for that offer - I will email in a few days when I have all the facts.
Stacy thanks
Your caring, all of you means so much to me right now.
Love Idgie
we're here for you idgie!
any questions you have, i will do my best....
i will at least be able to point you in the right direction for resources, and i know others will be able to also...
and we're just here to listen took, even if we don't have answers : ) .
bridget
any questions you have, i will do my best....
i will at least be able to point you in the right direction for resources, and i know others will be able to also...
and we're just here to listen took, even if we don't have answers : ) .
bridget
Idgie,
Like Bridget said there are several kinds of lymphoma. Lymphoma is just a broad term to cover a group of cancers. My brother has a type of lymphoma now, it's called follicular cancer. He has been thru chemo and radiation and is now in remission.
Please make sure that someone from the family is there with your Mother when the MD talks to her and suggests a plan of care. She might be so overwhelmed that she won't remember many details. Have a list of questions to ask the oncologist also. The best thing you can do is be prepared during the office visit and be there to support your Mom. Love and prayer are most needed now along with a good plan of care by the MD's.
My prayers are with you and your family during this stressful time.
God bless,
Sharon
Like Bridget said there are several kinds of lymphoma. Lymphoma is just a broad term to cover a group of cancers. My brother has a type of lymphoma now, it's called follicular cancer. He has been thru chemo and radiation and is now in remission.
Please make sure that someone from the family is there with your Mother when the MD talks to her and suggests a plan of care. She might be so overwhelmed that she won't remember many details. Have a list of questions to ask the oncologist also. The best thing you can do is be prepared during the office visit and be there to support your Mom. Love and prayer are most needed now along with a good plan of care by the MD's.
My prayers are with you and your family during this stressful time.
God bless,
Sharon
