Lymphoma Symptoms
Lymphoma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the lymphatic tissue of the lymph nodes and spleen. Lymph nodes produce lymphocytes, white blood cells, which play a major role in regulating and performing most of the actions of the immune system. With lymphoma, cells of the lymphatic system begin to grow rapidly and uncontrollably.
Lymphoma is a collective name for a group of diseases that are different from Hodgkin's disease. More than 10 types of lymphoma are isolated according to the type of cells and the rate of their growth( they release slowly growing, moderately fast growing and rapidly growing cells).People with slow-growing tumors can live for many years, although tumors are usually incurable. Rapidly growing tumors quickly become life-threatening, but they are potentially curable with aggressive chemotherapy.
A rapid increase in the number of abnormal lymphocytes reduces the number of healthy lymphocytes. The resulting deterioration of the immune system makes the body vulnerable to severe infections. The prognosis depends on the type and extent of the disease, but in general it is not as favorable as for Hodgkin's disease. This is because lymphoma usually spreads quickly to other organs, and usually this already occurs by the time the diagnosis is established.
Support and counseling groups for lymphoma
Living with lymphoma presents many new challenges for a person and his family and friends.
The patient may have many disturbing thoughts about how lymphoma will affect his ability to "normal life", that is, whether he can take care of the family and home, stay at work, continue to have relationships with people and enjoy daily activities.
Many people fall into anxiety and depression. Some people become angry and resentful. Others feel helpless and depressed. Therefore, most people with lymphoma will be useful to talk about their feelings and problems.
Support for friends and family members can be very favorable. Close people may not dare to offer help until they see that a person can not cope with the disease on their own. If the victim wants to talk about their problems, it is very important to ask friends or relatives about help.
Some people do not want to load a burden on their loved ones or prefer to talk about their problems with a more neutral professional. If we want to discuss our feelings and anxiety about the available lymphoma, a social worker, a consultant or a member of the clergy can be helpful. At the same time, the treating hematologist or oncologist should be able to recommend someone.
Many people with lymphoma are helped by conversations with other people who have this disease. A joint discussion of such problems with other people who have gone through the same can be very encouraging. Support groups for people with lymphoma can be accessed at the medical center where the patient is being treated.