Chelsey Gomez was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma at the age of 28. Cancer ghosting “is the most painful thing” she says, “because you’re sitting there thinking, ‘Oh, I must’ve been a horrible person.'”
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Patient-Centered Care Must Account For Uncertainty, Anxiety, During Active Surveillance
“Active Surveillance” is defined as “a way to monitor cancer without immediately treating it, with the goal of delaying treatment until it’s necessary.” It is generally used to monitor low-risk cancers. Patients who are undergoing active surveillance may have regular tests and exams, such as bloodwork, X-rays or MRI’s, and even biopsies. It sounds a lot like what survivors of Hodgkin’s who are at risk for late effects are going through! While this article does not address late effects, it does call attention to the uncertainty and anxiety that many people experience when being watched closely – even if it’s with the intention to prevent a cancer diagnosis. We may be glad that we are being proactive about our health, but having those constant reminders can take a toll.
How To Cope With Seasonal Affective Disorder And Cancer
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is often referred to as “the winter blues.” It is thought to occur due to less sunlight in the winter months. Roughly 5% of Americans and between 2% and 8% of Europeans suffer from SAD. This condition can feel quite debilitating for some and can be exacerbated in those who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
Study finds bone density loss associated with levothyroxine
Many Hodgkin’s survivors rely on levothyroxine (or name brand Synthroid) after radiation-induced thyroid damage—but a new study highlights a hidden risk.
Focus on Hope: Brescia’s Story
Brescia Dover’s story about her Hodgkin’s diagnosis will be familiar to many. She was diagnosed at age 20, just as she was entering the exciting and promising world of adulthood. Cancer stopped her in her tracks- but not for long. Brescia was lucky to have a fellow cancer survivor as her physician. Dr. Allison Rosenthal of the Mayo Clinic’s Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program was a survivor of leukemia, receiving the diagnosis when she was a medical student. She experienced the same upending of her life that Brescia would have. She understood the challenges that Brescia would face as few physicians could. This is a great story of two amazing survivors.
First TAVR for Aortic Regurgitation Moves to Phase 3 Trial
Here is some good news for Hodgkin’s survivors who suffer from cardiac failure due to aortic valve regurgitation – a common late effect for those who had chest radiation. The forward progression of this trial could ultimately mean that there are additional, far less invasive (and grueling!) options for open-heart surgery (SAVR). Hodgkin’s survivors often have complicating co-morbidities when it comes to surgical valve replacement procedures, making the use of TAVR a welcome choice.
One-third of childhood cancer survivors fear recurrence as adults
This article summarizes a study using data collected from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. It affirms that long-term cancer survivors, even those who are decades beyond treatment, continue to have a fear of recurrence. This research went beyond merely compiling statistics. It looked at some of the predictors and risk factors as well as interventions to help survivors manage these fears.
Fish Oil Supplements Might Help Prevent Cancer
According to a research study published in the International Journal of Cancer, high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids found in fish oil supplements and diets rich in fatty acids can have a measurable effect in preventing certain cancers.
Lack of Insurance Could Mean Later Cancer Diagnoses for Black, Hispanic Americans
According to this new study, “Being uninsured accounts for a significant proportion of racial and ethnic disparities in cancers that are only detected at a later, more life-threatening stage.” This expansive study, led by the American Cancer Society, used data from roughly 1.9 million patients diagnosed between 2013 and 2019. The findings were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
People With Cancer Want Financial Toxicity Discussions: ‘Very Early And Very Often’
Data obtained from this study came from a tool developed by researchers at the Columbia School of Nursing. The tool was created to predict financial toxicity among patients with breast cancer. The results were apparently more surprising to doctors than to patients.