Mikaela Pierce
Hodgkin’s disease is a devastating form of cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system in our body is in charge of fighting infections. If the lymphatic system is having to fight extra hard to fight infections, the body becomes more susceptible to infections. In the past it was commonly called Hodgkin’s disease, but it is more commonly known today as Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Those who suffer from Hodgkin’s lymphoma suffer greatly, as it impacts their daily life in a significant way. In Hodgkin’s disease cells in the lymphatic system grow abnormally and may spread beyond the lymphatic system into areas such as the spleen, bone marrow, and liver and lungs. As the disease progresses it compromises your body’s ability to fight infections. With advancements in treatment and diagnosis, there can be a full recovery for those diagnosed.
Living with Hodgkin’s lymphoma can alter one’s life greatly. The symptoms alone of the disease can almost make getting out of bed one of the hardest tasks. A person may experience fever, chills, night sweats, weight loss, loss of appetite, and itchy skin. Although the enlargement of lymph nodes is not always painful, a person may suffer self-image issues which can impact their daily life. Those who receive treatment are almost always going to have to undergo chemotherapy and/or radiation. Those living with Hodgkin’s lymphoma suffer lethargy and will feel extremely tired to the point that activities of daily living can be compromised. Women may go into early menopause taking away their ability to bear children. Whereas men may become infertile, which for those who were not ready to give up bearing children can lead to emotional instability and depression. Those who have low platelet counts may be encouraged not to engage in sexual activity as there is a great risk for bleeding. If you are a man who is receiving chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma you have to wear a condom when having sexual intercourse. Research has shown that semen can cause a stinging sensation in the woman’s vagina, indicating that some of the chemotherapy drug may be going into the partner’s body. There is not enough