Search Results
Katie
In October 2021, I was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). This journey of over 100 appointments has not been easy and something I never would have imagined I would walk through at the age of 26. I know God didn’t put me through this without a purpose. God has given me so much strength and confidence through this journey. I want to use it to encourage people in my life going through trials and hardships to see the light at the end of the tunnel and have confidence they will make it through it.
Tracey
I was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in 2021 after a routine physical after my 50th birthday. It was a complete shock, and I was scared and unsure of what my future would look like. With the help of my doctors and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), I feel prepared to make informed decisions about my future. I participate in medical research studies and intend to join a clinical trial (that a clinical nurse at LLS told me about) when I need treatment.
Megan
At 31, I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It all started with what I thought was a cold or maybe COVID. I kept working, brushing off the symptoms as something minor. But things got worse. I had a persistent cough and unexplained bruises, and I felt constantly out of breath. When I lost part of the vision in my right eye, I knew something was seriously wrong, but without insurance, I hesitated to seek help.
Kelly
In 2001, I was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) at age three and survived thanks to three and a half years of intense treatment at the City of Hope Los Angeles. I am now 25 years old, a college graduate, and working for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), hoping to give back to those who helped save my life. I have volunteered with LLS since 2009 after being chosen as their "Girl of the Year" to inspire candidates to raise money for blood cancer research. In 2017, I became a candidate for the Student of the Year campaign raising over $60,000 in seven weeks.
Lana
Lana's journey with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) began in 1991 when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Overcoming numerous physical and cognitive challenges associated with her illness, Lana emerged as a dedicated advocate for cancer awareness and support. She became an integral part of the Orange County LLS community, participating in various programs such as Honored Hero, Light The Night, and So Cal Cancer Connection, among others.
Jeanne
After initial chemo and radiation for stage 4 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), I went into remission for 10 months. I had more chemo but couldn't tolerate it. CAR T-cell therapy seemed to be my best option. I received Yescarta® in March 2022. I was in the hospital for three weeks. I had some side effects, but they were treated immediately and resolved. I have been in remission for 19 months. I have had some residual effects ― low white blood cells which are slowly increasing, low hemoglobin which has finally come up to normal, and low immunoglobulin.
Prognostic Factors
Prognosis is the likely outcome of a disease along with the chance of recovery or recurrence. Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) cases are generally classified into the three subgroups described below.
Follow-Up Care
Follow-up care is important with both aggressive and indolent forms of NHL because if the disease recurs, curative options are still available for many people. Follow-up care needs to be individualized and should be based on several factors, including how the disease initially manifested. Patients who are in remission should continue to be monitored by clinical assessment as determined by their doctor. In the past, computed tomography (CT) scans or other diagnostic imaging were done routinely in an attempt to detect relapse.
Relapsed and Refractory
Most patients with classical HL are cured by their initial (first-line) treatment. However, in a significant percentage of patients—especially those with advanced stage HL—the disease relapses or is refractory.
- Relapse means the disease comes back after a remission following treatment.
- Refractory means the disease has not responded to treatment.
For these patients, HL is still potentially curable.
Lauren
To be healed by the miracles of modern medicine and prayer was the most profound experience of my life. It is difficult to articulate the gratitude my family and I feel in our hearts for the people who made it so. There is no scenario where I would be here today, writing this account, without the research made possible by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).
Joyce
We have been involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) since Steve's diagnosis with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in May of 2002. Steve's CML continues to be successfully treated with a drug called Gleevec, which was funded in part by LLS. This year we celebrated his 15 years of remission from CML by taking a trip to Florida with family. Thank God for survivorship AND cancer research!
Joshua
I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in March 2014, had chemotherapy treatments for six months and was found to be in full remission by October 2014.
I continue treatments every 60 days at the Florida Cancer Center in Gainesville, FL with my doctor, Dr. Lucio Gordan. This summer, between treatments, I hiked the 486-mile Colorado Trail and my daughter set up a GoFundMe site to raise money for LLS. I completed the hike in 38 days and found it to be a fantastic adventure.
Doug
In July 2014, my defibrillator fired while I was at a diner. Upon testing at the hospital I found out I have acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Much to my surprise, it was discovered by a simple blood test.
Kymani
In December 2017 only a couple days after his 10th birthday Kymani Davis was diagnosed with Non- Hodgkins Lymphoma with a mass on his chest. This was very heartbreaking for Kymani and his family as hearing the word "cancer" for your loved one is very terrifying. With the support and encouragement from his mom and family, Kymani remained hopeful. His faith in God was very important during this journey. He was treated at the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. After two chemotherapy cycles, his lymph nodes were shrunken to half their sizes.
Pilar
My name is Pilar, and I am 34 years old. I used to work for the workforce board of Philadelphia, working with youth, until I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) back in October 2020. It has been a hard battle, but I am positive and blessed to have the support of my family and friends. Additionally, I was very fortunate my sister, Marcela, was a match to be my donor.
Hannah
As a busy college student, Hannah is focused on attending her business and art classes - a very different world than the cancer one she was a part of just a few short years ago. At 13 years old, Hannah was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma and went on to battle it successfully a second time.
Cory
I was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in February 2022. I'm an avid skateboarder, artist, and assistant chef. All this past year, I underwent chemotherapy every two weeks, and one year later, I am now cancer-free.
I’m looking to use my gift and help others now. I've started a project called "canvas4cancer" to offer detailed art pieces, art therapy, and classes, along with other related goals, all non-profit. Any proceeds go toward the purchase of more canvases for patients!
Mackenzie
I am a recipient of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) 2022-2023 Dreamers and Doers Scholarship for Blood Cancer Survivors.
I was initially diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at age 4, and after a successful two years of treatment, I went into remission. Unfortunately, at age 8, I relapsed. I am now 19 years old and a sophomore at McDaniel College. I am majoring in biology. I’m also a part of the honors program, and I play NCAA Division III Tennis.
David
My name is David, and I am a personal trainer/sports performance coach. I have had the privilege of working with youth athlete Zac in the gym for the past couple of years. Last year Zac was diagnosed with leukemia, which was very heartbreaking for me to hear. However, I have been extremely touched and inspired by Zac and his fighting mentality and positive spirit as he has battled cancer. He has made it a priority to continue exercising while fighting something greater than himself.
Lily
Hello, my name is Lily and I am 14 years old. In November of 2022, I was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). At the beginning, I was completely shocked because there was no sign that anything was wrong with my health. It was the hardest news I’ve ever heard in my life. The only thing that I was worried about was if I was going to die or if I was going to lose my hair I am now 2 cycles into my chemotherapy.
Jason
From an early age, Jason Wexler showed an interest in curing cancer and would even make "potions," according to his mother, Sherri. An extrovert like his father, Kevin, Jason has always liked making a difference for others and has great ideas to share.
When he turned sixteen, the sophomore at The Grauer School in Encinitas knew he wanted to do something to help give back. Jason learned about the "Students of the Year" program for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and knew he had to get involved.
Amrita
November 2007 was the start of my journey as a cancer warrior and survivor. I was diagnosed with Diffused Large B cell non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) and it is incredible for me to reflect on the fact that I am coming up on my 15th year anniversary of diagnosis and treatment. I do hear and read powerful stories of other survivors and in so many ways I think my journey with and after cancer diagnosis resonates with those.
Don
In January of 2016, my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). He was unresponsive to treatment. He went into remission, but it quickly came back. The clinic said they couldn’t do anything more, so he was referred to the University of Minnesota for a clinical trial. The treatment included me, as his daughter, donating my T-cells. The clinical trial was helpful but didn’t get the results he needed, and cancer came back.