Search Results

Shaun

I endured poor-prognosis acute myeloid leukemia (AML), multiple rounds of brutal chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and an open heart surgery - all for only a small chance of survival. The journey since has been more than difficult. Lingering effects of the lifesaving treatments seem endless.

Lisa

I lost my big brother Vincent J. Di Cristo to two forms of cancer on February 14, 2014. He apparently had both high grade B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma as well as Burkitt lymphoma. I’m very confused as to how he could have had two different types of cancer because as far as I know, he was always in good health.

Miguel

In 2017, I found out I had non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). I was always a healthy person who exercised almost daily at the time, so this came as a complete shock. I immediately wanted to start treatment; the sooner the better. My wife did all the research and investigating into where I could find the best treatment as quickly as possible. We were emotionally devastated by the entire ordeal. 

Patricia

I marked my 19th year of being cancer-free from non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) on August 16, 2024. From February (on my 57th birthday!) to August 2005, I received seven rounds of R-CHOP, the gold treatment back then in the world and in Serbia where I live. Upon learning of my cancer diagnosis, I went through all the usual stages ― disbelief, denial, not using the C-word for months, acceptance, then defiance. I lost my hair but kept my positive outlook and sense of humor. After all, it does absolutely no good to pity oneself. At that time, I was involved in a local NHL support group.

Cheryl

When I first found out that I had multiple myeloma (MM) 4½ years ago, I was shocked. I was in the hospital for a broken leg. I had twisted my leg, and it was badly broken. While I was waiting for surgery, a doctor came into my room and began to talk to me. She explained to me that my leg had broken because I had cancerous bone lesions. As I listened to her, I felt my heart sinking, I had a broken leg, not cancer. It didn't seem possible. Cancer was the last thing I would have imagined. I went through radiation, chemo, and cell replacement therapy.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, also called biological therapy, utilizes your own immune system to fight cancer. It generally results in fewer short-term side effects than chemotherapy does.

Immunotherapies being used or studied to treat blood cancer include:

Blood Transfusion

Blood transfusion using cells donated by healthy volunteers can help replace red cells, platelets and other blood components. Some people with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other blood diseases or disorders such as hereditary anemias and aplastic anemia need periodic blood transfusions for several reasons:

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy, also known as “radiotherapy,” uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells in a small, targeted area of the body. Since radiation can also harm normal cells, whenever possible, radiation therapy is directed only at the affected lymph node areas in order to reduce the long-term side effects.

Signs and Symptoms

MF usually develops slowly. MF often does not cause early symptoms and may be found during a routine blood test. When fibrosis develops in the bone marrow, the bone marrow is unable to produce enough normal blood cells. The lack of blood cells causes many of the signs and symptoms of MF. These include:

Signs and Symptoms

Polycythemia vera (PV) develops slowly, and it may not cause symptoms for many years. The condition is often diagnosed during a routine blood test before severe symptoms occur. 

Symptoms may include:

MDS Subtypes

There are several kinds (subtypes) of MDS. The subtype is determined from the results of the blood and bone marrow tests.

The current WHO classification guidelines identify six subtypes.The current WHO classification guidelines, which were updated in 2022, groups MDS based on genetic abnormalities and morphologically defined features (the appearance and number of the cells under a microscope).

The subtypes are determined by the following:

Chemotherapy and Drug Therapy

Chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for HL. A combination chemotherapy regimen consists of two or more chemotherapy drugs. Generally, the drugs are dissolved in fluid and usually administered via a peripheral intravenous (IV) line. If finding an accessible vein is problematic, a central line (a port, or a peripherally inserted central venous catheter (a PICC or PIC line) may be used for some HL patients. 

Disease Complications

Myeloma and treatment of myeloma can lead to mild to serious health complications and side effects. Some of these symptoms can be managed with ongoing supportive (palliative) care. Others may be medical emergencies requiring immediate attention. Always tell your healthcare team if you experience new or worsening symptoms. 

Pain related to myeloma or myeloma treatment can include 

Related Diseases

Myeloma shares some similar features and symptoms with other blood disorders, including:

Dan

My name is Dan. I was first diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM). After a battery of excruciating, painful biopsies and bloodwork, my doctors prescribed chemotherapy and Velcade once a week, then twice a month. My myeloma numbers were going way down, and my platelet count was diving straight to the bottom, single digits. My routine appointments with my doctor not in my city were going south. The doctor told me to stop taking all my cancer medications. What was happening to me was my MM was completely going into leukemia, a disease called myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

Deborah

I am a 54-year-old mother of two, the owner of a small business, Park Hill Yoga and have been married for 22 years. Being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in December 2015 came as the biggest surprise of my life.

Daniel (Lil Sicky)

Cancel blood cancer with web3! Daniel is a 27-year-old lymphoma patient who combined his medical diagnosis and love of digital art into an NFT project supporting The Leukemia & Lymphoma (LLS) patients and their families.

In November 2021, Daniel was diagnosed with stage three nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma (NSHL). Like so many others during the COVID-19 pandemic, he has been isolated to protect his health and has been unable to work.

Tiffany

I was first diagnosed in July 2015. The doctors in Joplin kept saying I had strep (which I did, at first) and it never got better. Appointments after appointments and I kept getting this. Despite the several medicines they had me on, I was still not feeling good. Nothing helped. Finally my friend forced me to go back to the hospital, where I had been four days later, and I was FINALLY diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Unfortunately, they did not have any doctors to treat it there.

Greysun

Hi! My name is Greysun! I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) on March 23, 2011. I was fortunate to get outstanding medical treatment at UNC Children's Hospital and the cancer center. I have been through many rounds of chemo followed by up to six weeks of hospitalization after each one. I have had radiation to my brain followed up by my first bone marrow transplant.

Amanda

The word “warrior” seems too tame to describe Amanda Monteiro, a volunteer with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). She’s fueled by her desire to prevent another child from being diagnosed, another parent from having to say goodbye. 

Kyle

In April 2019, Kyle, a 17-year-old football star at Glenn Hills High School in Hephzibah, Georgia, noticed a large lump on his throat while taking a shower. After a trip to the hospital and several tests, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma and began intense treatment right away.

Judy

I was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) on April 6, 1987, just four months after my 30th birthday. 

My beautiful daughter had turned three in February. I loved being a mom, and a teacher. I was extremely active as many young parents are and was looking forward to spending more time outside "playing" as the weather improved in the great Canadian north. Life was good.

Christen

Originally from northern New York, Christen moved to Denver, Colorado, in 2015 after completing her Bachelor of Science of Nursing at Le Moyne College to pursue a career in cancer care. Through a close relationship with her grandparents, she saw how her grandma, a retired registered nurse, graciously cared for her grandpa while he lived with esophageal cancer for close to a decade. The unwavering love, dedication, and courage they shared inspired Christen to seek out a specialty that allowed her to provide compassionate, holistic care to those in need.

Olivia

I'm officially nine months in remission and just celebrated my first birthday (27!) since finishing chemotherapy treatment. In January 2022, I was diagnosed with stage IVB Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) after taking almost nine months to officially be diagnosed. Unfortunately, delayed diagnoses are often the frustrating truth for many adolescent and young adult cancer patients. However, during those nine months, I learned invaluable lessons on how to advocate for myself and persevere until I had answers.

Christina

As a Greek Latina indie author, I found it empowering to share my fight with lymphoma through social media and with my current writing. Many have told me that it’s inspiring, and I hope that leads to more attention and support for those fighting blood cancers like lymphoma.