Search Results

Blair

I'm here and going strong, drumming in a rock band six+ years after my stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) diagnosis. At that time, I chose to enter a clinical trial, and I started treatment as soon as possible. I was and am so grateful that treatments for two years with chemo and antibodies allowed me the energy to continue working full-time and to conduct a close to normal life. Family, friends, music, counseling sessions during the treatment years, exercise, and trust in my treatment team have kept me going and will continue to do so.

Susan

After 16 years, my oncologist still calls me her Miracle Patient. At diagnosis, I had Stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and 90% of my bone marrow was a cancerous mush. After months of punishing inpatient chemo, I was emaciated, bald, and “against all odds” in remission. But to survive I needed an allogeneic bone marrow transplant. The problem was that my only possible donor had vanished 30 years earlier. Cancer taught me how to redefine family, how to forgive, and how to embrace a glorious second chance at life.

Yadien

This is my seven-year-old son Yadien. In January 2019, we were heartbroken at news that this little guy had a mass surrounding his airway heart and lung that was a result of T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. He’s on his second round of chemotherapy now, as suspected it’s taking a lot from his body and it’s incredible how strong I’ve seen him become in only two months.

Though his treatment is two-and-a-half years, we’re ecstatic to see him beat this disease!

Mabel

My name is Mabel. I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in December 2018. I started aggressive treatment at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, GA. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) became my safety net emotionally and financially. Emotionally they were very present and readily available to answer any questions or concerns I had. Financially they helped me cover the costs of my private medical insurance premiums, co-pays, and co-insurance for medication, labs, and tests. I am forever thankful to the LLS because they are able to help people like me.

Margot

I lost my father at age 53 to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after a hard 13-month battle. I want to get involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to spread awareness around leukemia and other blood cancers, to hopefully help other patients and loved ones going through this. My brother, Jack Austin, has run 2 marathons under the team "Running for Rob" and has fundraised over $10K for LLS. I want to get involved and fundraise to not only spread awareness and support to those dealing with this dreadful disease.

Keisha

In 2017, I was diagnosed with a rare and chronic form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). I was beyond devastated as I knew there was no cure for my condition, and I also knew my life would be altered in many ways. I was also finishing my last semester in graduate school and almost gave up my dream of graduating. But with the support of my family, school, physicians, and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), I persisted and received my Master of Education in 2018.

Jennifer

In 1985, 10-year-old Jennifer took to the stage to accept The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) “Employee of the Year” award for her mother, Teresa McVay, who had lost her battle against chronic myelogenous leukemia earlier that year. That was Jennifer’s first time speaking on stage, but it would not be her last. Driven by her mother’s traumatic passing, Jennifer has been a public speaker on Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs), sharing her own experience with loss in order to bring awareness to the cause.

Alyssa

In March 2017, after not feeling well for over a year,  Alyssa was diagnosed with histiocytosis disease. Even though she wasn’t feeling her best, she graduated that year with National Honor Society honors and received a scholarship from Valparasio University. She was excited to go to college and fulfill her dream of going into the medical field. But her plans changed when she developed a high fever while on family vacation that summer.

Lauryn

After visiting Fiesta Texas on July 11, Lauryn complained about pain in her lower right leg. She had been complaining of pain and swelling in her lower right leg since April when she accidentally caught her leg in the car door. We took her to an orthopedic urgent care center when she continued to complain of pain while she was walking. After x-rays did not show a fracture, she continued to have a bump on her lower leg and the pain increased over time. I took her back to the orthopedic urgent care on July 12. The same P.A.

Beth

Shortly after Thanksgiving of 2008, I started feeling sick and extremely weak. By late January of 2009, I was diagnosed with stage IV aggressive Burkitt’s lymphoma.

Lynette

It all started with a race...  I began running back in 2011 with the sole purpose of losing weight.  I joined a running group and became interested in races, specifically the Nike Women's Half Marathon.

Paul

In 2001, I described my health as excellent. I had a great job, was very physically active, and participated in a number of nonprofit activities. However, I very occasionally experienced extreme abdominal cramps that caused nausea and curling into a fetal position for approximately five hours. Doctors were perplexed, though suspected gallstones.

Jaden

My name is Jaden, and I am an 18-year-old Political Science student at Penn State University. I have been deeply involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) since I was 10 years old, a journey that began with a profound personal experience.

Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm

For personalized disease and treatment information, or to learn about clinical trials, contact one of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS's) Information Specialists at (800) 955-4572. Background

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) was previously known as natural killer (NK) cell leukemia/lymphoma. As understanding of the biology and origin of this malignancy has improved, the World Health Organization (WHO) established the term blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) in 2008.

Follow-Up Care

Follow-up medical care is important for every Hodgkin lymphoma patient. Follow-up care helps the doctor monitor you to see if disease has recurred or relapsed, or to see if more treatment is needed. Talk to your doctor about how often to have follow-up visits and what laboratory tests, scans, or other imaging you need. It is important to get a record of your cancer treatment including the drugs you received so that your doctor can follow up on specific long-term effects that may be associated with your treatment.

Lia

Hi Everyone! My name is Lia Sartorio and I am 21 years old. I am Stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma SURVIVOR! My world was turned upside down on May 6th, 2019, when I was diagnosed with lymphoma. I had been experiencing severe back pain for a few months, and after many unsuccessful chiropractic visits, I was prescribed an MRI. Expecting to see nothing but a pinched nerve, the MRI uncovered that I had abnormal bone marrow in my lower back and pelvis. Within two weeks of my MRI, I underwent a CT Scan, a PET scan, a bone marrow biopsy, and a surgical Lymph Node Biopsy.

Lashelle

In 2019, knots started to appear on my neck and jawline. My face was also massively swollen. I was unrecognizable. I had difficulty breathing, and major parts of my body were swollen as well. After several tests and two surgeries, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with non-Hodgkin T-cell lymphoma (NHL). I was told that if the cancer had stages, I was considered stage 4.

Amy

I am a stage IV non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivor (NHL). The diagnosis came as a complete shock since I was a relatively healthy, active young adult working and enjoying life with family and friends. With a family history of breast cancer, I was advised to start having screening mammograms in my 20s. After a few clear screenings, I approached my 2018 screening and annual health visit to my primary care doctor's office with optimism. Within 48 hours, I received the dreaded call many women fear ― abnormal results.

Amanda

Amanda was a Woman of the Year candidate this past spring, raising over $186,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

She is a multiple myeloma (MM) survivor and just received the newly approved for MM, CAR-T cell treatment, 5 days before the fundraising campaign finale.

LLS first met Amanda when she was pushed through the front doors of the office in her local region, in a wheelchair.

Matthew

Matthew was diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma and Leukemia in November 2008 at just two years old. After long and difficult chemotherapy treatments, Matthew achieved remission. He is now part of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia survivorship program. Matthew finds time for his hobbies like making crafts and running make-believe restaurants and stores. He also stays busy playing baseball, swimming, and basketball. Matthew also enjoys looking for treasure in his backyard. When he grows up, Matthew wants to be a teacher or a restaurant owner because he loves people.

Gary

Gary Streit was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in April. He began chemo therapy right away at Roswell Park. After six rounds of chemotherapy, a great support team of Roswell Doctors and Nurses, and his family and friends, Gary beat cancer.

He continues to fight the affects from chemo but is getting stronger each and every day.

Organizing “Team Gary” for the Light The Night Walk was a small way to say thank you and support future research for this horrible disease.

Gary thanks everyone for their prayers and support. Together we can beat this!

Carlos

I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in June 2021 in Puerto Rico. I was introduced by a hospital social worker to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) for educational resources for patients and caregivers. My stem cell transplant was performed at Auxilio Mutuo Hospital in 2022. After applying for financial help from the LLS, I received help from several programs. LLS provided valuable educational materials that helped me to understand the condition and to make informed decisions. I am now 19 months post-transplant and in remission.

Sherri

It all happened 23 years ago. I had gone to my primary care physician (PCP) for an earache, then showed him the moveable lump on the left side of my neck. After I was diagnosed with stage 3 T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), I lost my hair halfway through doing CHOP chemotherapy, and then two weeks later, I did radiation daily while working nights. I've been volunteering with my local Relay For Life. I also carried the banner. This year I did the 1K Gleaux Fun Run/Walk in honor of people living and deceased.

John

I've been a cancer survivor since my bone marrow transplant at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in 2004.  I have minimal side effects and continue doing what I love -- spending time with family and friends, cycling, and teaching high school photography and video production.  One year after my transplant I did my first Team In Training event, a century ride in Lake Tahoe.  I continued to do four more events.  My high school video students put on a film festival every year to support the Northwest Chapter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  

Kemal

On July 4, 2014, I noticed a large lump on the side of my neck when it didn't go away after a couple of weeks. I went to see my doctor at the University of Illinois at Chicago and had a biopsy done. It was non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

After admitting myself into the hospital for a week of chemo I was allowed to go home and rest for three weeks only to go back and check in again for another week. We did that six times for a total of 700 hours of chemo. Thanks to a great staff at UIC with the help of Dr David Peace, I am cancer free today, one year later. You can beat it too!