Resources

When the news is broken, it may seem overwhelming to immediately dive into figuring out the next steps. Take the time you need, but make sure you have a primary care provider or specialist to reach out to with any questions you may have. 

• LLS has an information specialist hotline available through phone, email, and chat to answer any of your lymphoma-related questions, in case of any emergencies.

Taking the time you need is highly important during this time - heightened stress levels can negatively impact your prognosis, so finding a mental health provider or approaching a friend or family member can be more helpful than you know. 

The amount of information you can find when just googling your disease can be quite overwhelming. Try to narrow down the options to those that seem most exciting to you, ie. books, articles, podcasts, etc.

• LLS's regularly reviewed suggested reading list offers several perspectives on grief, coping, inspiration, and more for children, teens, adults, and parents.
• Learn about Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma  vs Hodgkins Lymphoma 
• If you enjoy podcasts, here are a few curated ones: Lessons of a Stage 4 Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma Survivor; Lymphoma Voices; Finding a Way to Overcome Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma; Down with Lumpy

Things might start to feel never-ending if you are continuously counting the days. Take things one step at a time, honor your milestones, and try not to be discouraged when things don't go the way they are supposed to. Be patient with yourself and your body's way of healing.

There is no limit to how vast your support system can get - the bigger the better. In addition to leaning on friends and family, you may find it helpful to seek out other cancer patients and survivors that have similar experiences and can help you work through your treatment.

• CancerCare runs a 15-week 24/7 online support group, led by an oncology worker and open to those currently in treatment
• LLS offers a Peer-to-Peer Support Program that connects patients to a trained volunteer who has gone through a similar experience.

The financial burden of blood cancer can often take a toll on patients and their caretakers. Financial assistance programs that cover costs such as medical bills and transportation/lodging exist through several organizations, including LLS. 

Non-profit organizations like Beat Hodgkins, who have devoted themselves to doing what they can to assist those struggling with disease, rely on regular donations to keep afloat. Especially if you utilized the resources from one of these organizations during your treatment, consider paying it forward through a one-time or recurring donation. 

Upon receiving the news that you are officially cancer-free, you deserve to do as much celebrating as you want. In the long-run though, keep in mind that your body took care of you throughout your treatment, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to return the favor. Live life to the fullest, while still staying educated about how to keep your mind and body as healthy as you can.

Don't forget to celebrate yourself! While cancer is extremely common, your experience is your own and no one else's. Honor the time you put in for yourself during this period and be aware of your gains and losses. And, above all, keep working to Beat Hodgkins!