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This blog has not been as active for awhile due to my efforts at The Lymphoma Club. Four years ago, I merged all of my efforts to support both Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma where I run a Lymphoma Facebook Page in addition to The Lymphoma Club blog.  Join us on Facebook by clicking on image banner below.

Tips for Relapsers - From a Two-Time Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor

When I first fought Hodgkin's Lymphoma (aka Hodgkin's Disease)  five years ago, everything happened so quickly. Before I knew it, I was receiving chemo and then it was six months later and I had completed the treatment. Three short months after my remission declaration, I relapsed to what many deem to be the easy cancer.   I understood Hodgkin's Lymphoma to have such a high cure rate, but I fell into the group of relapsed and refractory Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  Many are unaware that in some cases Hodgkin's Lymphoma can be a challenge to treat and cure.

A couple of years ago, I wrote some tips/suggestions for an acquaintance of mine who relapsed from Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  It was suggested that I share these tips on my blog in hopes that they may help someone else.  Mind you, I am not a medical practitioner, but because of my real-world experience as a cancer patient and cancer survivor, I am sharing these tips with my readers.

Tips/Suggestions:


1. Consult a top medical team at a cancer center so that you can take advantage of their full services. It's important that you have all the medical resources all in one place (oncologist, radiologist, nutritionist, sociologist, psychologist, therapist, support groups, etc.) so that you are more apt to use them. If you feel you need to change oncologist and get second and third opinions, don't fret ....do it. If this is a relapse, I suggest you also see a therapist for support. They can guide you and provide you with emotional support and advice.  (How To Find a Good Doctor If You Have Cancer)

2. My main thing is stress - Minimize it. Stress is a big factor in aggravating certain diseases. Think about what your life was prior to the relapse. Is there something you can change that causes you stress? Is there a toxic person in your life making things worse for you? When you're ill, you need to surround yourself with those who are supporting you and putting your health first. Think about this one and make changes accordingly because as serious as cancer is, a relapse is even more serious. When you are stressed, you lower your immune system which make you susceptible to illnesses, so try to let go of emotional baggage and negative thoughts as much as you can. Consult a therapist, a trusted friend, pastor, group, etc. for support. (How to Manage Stress)

3. I suggest you find books or CDs on positive thinking, guided visualization, mediation, yoga, exercise, health, nutrition, emotional health, etc. Oncologists know how to kill the cancer, but they don't always know how to treat the human behind the cancer. Arm yourself with all the knowledge you can, not just cancer knowledge but overall health, body and mind knowledge and play an active role in your treatment and recovery by doing your research and doing what you can from your end to beat cancer. You need to muster up all the strength and will to fight cancer. This is something doctors cannot do for you. It's up to you. You need to draw deep from inside and find your inner strength through guided visualization and positive affirmations. Don't give up on yourself and don't leave it all up to your doctor. Find that will!

Below are some books I personally recommend:

* Love, Medicine & Miracles by Bernie S. Siegel

* Getting Well Again by O. Carl Simonton, M.D.

* Heal Your Body by Louise L. Hay

* Fighting Cancer From Within by Martin L. Rossman, M.D.

* Guided Imagery for Self-Healing by Martin L. Rossman, M.D.

* What to Eat if You Have Cancer by Daniella Chace

4. Have a pro-active, action-oriented caring family member or trustworthy friend go to every appointment of yours and any hospital stay you may have. Don't do this alone. When you are weak and vulnerable, you need someone to be your advocate to take care of you and ensure you are getting the right treatment, to ask questions when you cannot and take notes.

5. Keeping hydrated is so important - drink you water! In addition, eating right, exercising and resting is also important, especially when you're fighting the cancer battle. If you're on a junk food or sugar diet, consider seeing a nutritionist with your doctor's approval. Ask a nutritionist or physical therapist for support and advice -- ensure your doctor knows that you are on an exercise/diet program.  (Read About Diet During Cancer)

6. Slow down a bit whether it is work or other responsibilities that wear you down and seek help from supportive friends or a caring cancer support group. Don't let anyone pressure you to return to your normal life because the "old" normal does not exist.  You need to find a new normal way of life consisting of putting your needs first. If you can take time off from work, do it. Some cancer patients can work part time and others prefer time off.  Make a choice that is best for you.  (Find Cancer Support Groups)

7. I strongly recommend online grocery shopping. Every week, they deliver all my groceries and bottled water. Rather than ask a family or friend to do your shopping for you and wait until they can fit it into their schedule, save your sanity and consider online grocery shopping. Delivery is less than $10.00 and they bring the groceries to your kitchen.

In short, this is the time for YOU to work on getting well and very importantly, stay positive, but also allow yourself to cry when you need to. Take it one day at a time, remember you come first. Gather strength from all those who love you, but also remember love yourself, first and foremost. A relapse is  very serious and you need to arm yourself with support, a great medical team and lots of strength. I am now in remission and in spite of fighting two battles with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, I feel strong and positive. I put myself first and made major changes in my lifestyle. It's still not easy, but you learn to make adjustments and find a "new" normal way of life.

~Ann
Hope & Dreams Cancer Awareness Shop

Disclaimer:  I'm not a medical doctor.  These tips are offered by a two-time cancer survivor.  For medical advice, please consult your medical practitioner.

From Our Sister Blog: Raising Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Because It Matters

For over two years, we as a family, witnessed what our sister endured battling an advanced form of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (aka Hodgkin’s Disease). The unexpected journey started in the spring of 2005 when our sister was diagnosed with this rare but deemed curable cancer during a routine check-up for flu-like symptoms. After our sister’s diagnosis, many in the medical field as well as cancer patients commented that Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was the “good” cancer to get if you had to choose a cancer.

Unfortunately, it was not the “good cancer” and the road to remission was a bumpy one to say the least. It took a rare syngeneic stem cell transplant and almost two years of back-to-back high dose chemotherapy treatment and radiation therapy to bring our sister into remission status. As a family, we experienced this two-year challenging journey right along our sister. This sobering experience inspired us to do something tangible in our sister’s honor and in honor of other cancer warriors and survivors to help promote worldwide awareness for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer wrongly deemed the “good cancer”.

We launched Hope & Dreams Cancer Awareness T-Shirt Shop in 2006 to raise awareness and support for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and General Lymphoma/Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphomas. The store first opened with an assortment of Lymphoma awareness t-shirt designs (Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s) and later expanded to other cancer awareness merchandise.

Today, our sister is in remission and working on recovering from the harsh treatments. We are grateful to God that she has been given a second opportunity to fulfill her hopes and dreams — cancer free. Many have asked how our sister got through two years of back-to-back cancer treatment for aggressive Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, her answer is: determination, hope and most of all faith.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Month Matters

September brings national awareness for all Lymphomas, including Hodgkin's Lymphoma aka Hodgkin's Disease, a rare type of Lymphoma originating from a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. It was named after British pathologist Thomas Hodgkin in 1832.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma is not a well-known cancer as is Breast Cancer. In order to get Hodgkin's Lymphoma noticed, it is important to promote and advocate it. Wearing a violet awareness ribbon is more than wearing an ordinary color. It's a mission, a statement and awareness for an important cause that affects thousands of men, women and children each year. When you wear a violet ribbon inspired design, you help put Hodgkin's Lymphoma in the forefront and you stand up to it by advocating, supporting and fighting for a cure. As a two time survivor of Hodgkin's Lymphoma, I personally know Hodgkin's Lymphoma awareness matters.

On that note, I am proud to announce our collection of violet ribbon inspired t-shirts and gifts to commemorate the importance of raising awareness for this rare cancer brought to you by our shops HopeDreamsDesigns.Com and our sister shop CancerApparelGifts.Com. Both shops have an extensive collection of Hodgkin's Lymphoma merchandise and we proudly donate to Lymphoma research.

Check out our collection below and don't forget to bookmark us both at HopeDreamsDesigns.Com and our sister shop CancerApparelGifts.Com

 

Note: We also have an extensive lime green ribbon collection to commemorate Non-Hodgkin's and General Lymphoma at. Lymphoma Awareness Month (Lime Green Ribbon)

Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor Years T-Shirts & Gifts

Celebrate survivorship and remission from Hodgkin's Lymphoma aka Hodgkin's Disease with our line of Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor t-shirts, apparel & gifts with violet ribbon or violet ribbon inspired designs. View designs below or visit our shop Hope & Dreams Cancer Awareness T-Shirt Shop.

Support Lymphoma Awareness Month with "I Wear Lime Green Ribbon" T-Shirts

September is National Lymphoma Awareness Month! Wear your support for lymphoma awareness with our latest "I Wear Lime Green Ribbon" in cool black t-shirts in support of those you know battling lymphoma (Hodgkin's or Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma) and to promote awareness brought to you by Hope & Dreams Cancer Awareness T-Shirt Shop. We also have other versions of "I Wear Lime Green Ribbon" t-shirts (click here). Click on design below to view each lymphoma t-shirt design or visit our main store at www.hopedreamsdesigns.com

New Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Shirts and Gifts

Support Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness with our unique Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness shirts, apparel and gifts brought to you by our main shop Hope & Dreams Cancer Awareness T-Shirt Shop. Refer your friends to our shop and bookmark us. A portion of all proceeds benefit Hodgkin's Lymphoma Research. Click on image designs to view.

I Wear Violet For Hodgkin's Lymphoma I Wear Violet Ribbon t-shirts, gifts and apparel for someone you know battling and surviving Hodgkin's Lymphoma with violet ribbon to raise awareness for Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Support a Hodgkin's Cure, Violet is Not My Color Support a Cure for Hodgkin's Lymphoma Violet is Not My Color t-shirts, apparel and unique cancer gifts to raise awareness for Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Finding a Cure For Hodgkin's Lymphoma Priceless Finding a Cure For Hodgkin's Lymphoma Priceless t-shirts, apparel and gifts to raise awareness for this rare cancer known as Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Perfect for cancer awareness events.

Think Violet For Hodgkin's Lymphoma Shirts & Gifts Think Violet for Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness, Hope and a Cure shirts and gifts to raise awareness for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Ideal to wear at cancer events or anytime.	Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Shirts & Gifts Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness shirts, tees and unique gifts with violet ribbon to symbolize support and awareness for Hodgkin's Lymphoma	Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Show Your Support to the Violet Ribbon shirts, tees & gifts to raise awareness for this rare cancer
Hodgkin's Awareness Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness shirts and gifts with violet ribbon to raise awareness for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Ideal as gifts or to wear at cancer awareness events	Hodgkin's Lymphoma Violet Ribbon Shirts & Gifts Hodgkin's Lymphoma tees, shirts and gifts with a violet ribbon to symbolize and raise awareness for Hodgkin's Lymphoma	Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Shirts & Gifts Hodgkin's Lymphoma Violet Ribbon Awareness shirts, apparel and unique gifts for the Hodgkin's Lymphoma warrior, survivor and supporter
Go Violet Hodgkin's Awareness Shirts & Gifts Go Violet slogan shirts and gifts to raise awareness for Hodgkin's Lymphoma and to support the violet ribbon campaign. Ideal for cancer events.	I Wear Ribbons For Hodgkin's Lymphoma I Wear Ribbons for Hodgkin's Lymphoma t-shirts, apparel & buttons with both lime green and violet ribbons to represent Hodgkin's Lymphoma as requested by our customers.	I Wear Ribbons For Hodgkin's Lymphoma I Wear Ribbons for Hodgkin's Lymphoma t-shirts, apparel & buttons (version 1) with both lime green and violet ribbons to represent Hodgkin's Lymphoma as requested by our customers.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma T-Shirts and Gifts To Raise Awareness

Looking for Hodgkin's Lymphoma shirts and gifts to help raise awareness for this rare cancer? Do you have a special cancer awareness event to attend to and need a customized design? Visit The Hodgkin's Lymphoma Violet Awareness Shop for shirts, apparel and gifts to support Hodgkin's Disease awareness or you can visit our main store at Hope & Dreams Cancer Awareness Shop where you'll find an variety of cancer awareness shirts and gifts for Lymphoma, Breast Cancer, Leukemia, Lung Cancer awareness and more. We range from awareness slogans to funny bold designs. We can customize and provide bulk request quotes. Click on images below to view our latest Hodgkin's Disease Awareness T-Shirts:

Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Shirts & Gifts Grunge style "Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness" shirts, apparel & gifts with violet ribbon to raise awareness & support for Hodgkin's Lymphoma.	Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Violet Ribbon with white flower to raise awareness and support for Hodgkin's Lymphoma aka Hodgkin's Disease. Ideal for Lymphoma Awareness Month in September or anytime.	Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness T-Shirts & Gifts Raise Awareness and Support for Hodgkin's Lymphoma with our Grunge style "Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness" shirts, apparel & gifts with lime green ribbon.
I Wear Violet Ribbon Hodgkin's T-Shirts & Gifts (V I Wear Violet Ribbon t-shirts, gifts and apparel for someone you know battling and surviving Hodgkin's Lymphoma with violet ribbon to raise awareness for Hodgkin's Lymphoma	I Wear Violet Ribbon Hodgkin's Shirts & Gifts I Wear Violet Ribbon Hodgkin's Lymphoma Shirts & Apparel to raise support and awareness for someone you know battling, surviving and winning the battle against Hodgkin's Lymphoma.	I Wear Violet Ribbon Hodgkin's Shirts & Gifts (V2) I Wear Violet Ribbon t-shirts, apparel & awareness gifts in honor of someone you know fighting, surviving & winning their battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and to raise awareness
I Wear Violet Ribbon Shirts & Gifts (V1) I Wear Violet Ribbon shirts & apparel for in honor of a loved one fighting, surviving & winning the battle against Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Raise and support awareness for Hodgkin's Lymphoma.	Cure Hodgkin's Lymphoma T-Shirts & Gifts Cure Hodgkin's Lymphoma T-Shirts, apparel and gifts with violet ribbon to raise awareness and support for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Ideal for lymphoma awareness month, etc.	Fight Hodgkin's Lymphoma T-Shirts & Gifts Fight Hodgkin's Lymphoma T-Shirts & Gifts to raise awareness and support for Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a rare cancer of the lymphatic system. Ideal for lymphoma awareness month or anytime.
Beat Hodgkin's Lymphoma T-Shirts & Gifts Beat Hodgkin's Lymphoma T-Shirts & Gifts to raise awareness and support for Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a rare cancer of the lymphatic system. Ideal for lymphoma awareness month, etc.	Gone Violet Hodgkin's Lymphoma T-Shirts & Gifts Gone Violet T-Shirts, apparel and gifts to raise awareness and support for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Ideal for lymphoma awareness month or anytime	I Wear Ribbons For Hodgkin's I Wear Ribbons for Hodgkin's Lymphoma t-shirts, apparel & buttons with both lime green and violet ribbons to represent Hodgkin's Lymphoma as requested by our customers.
I Wear Ribbons For Hodgkin's Lymphoma T-Shirts I Wear Violet & Lime Ribbons for Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness t-shirts, apparel & buttons to raise awareness and support for Hodgkin's Lymphoma aka Hodgkin's Disease.	Think Violet (Hodgkin's Lymphoma) Think Violet shirts, apparel and gifts with Hope, Courage & Strength affirmations to raise awareness and support for Hodgkin's Lymphoma.	Think Violet (Hodgkin's Lymphoma) Think Violet shirts, apparel and gifts with Hope, Awareness and Cure affirmations to raise awareness and support for Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
Finding a Cure For Hodgkin's Lymphoma Priceless Finding a Cure For Hodgkin's Lymphoma Priceless t-shirts, apparel and gifts to raise awareness for this rare cancer known as Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Perfect for cancer awareness events.	Cure Hodgkin's Lymphoma Cure Hodgkin's Lymphoma t-shirts, & gifts to raise awareness for Hodgkin's Lymphoma in violet color to bring attention to this rare cancer	Go Violet Hodgkin's Awareness Shirts & Gifts Go Violet slogan shirts and gifts to raise awareness for Hodgkin's Lymphoma and to support the violet ribbon campaign. Ideal for cancer events.
Think Violet For Hodgkin's Lymphoma Shirts & Gifts Think Violet for Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness, Hope and a Cure shirts and gifts to raise awareness for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Ideal to wear at cancer events or anytime.	Think Violet-Hodgkin's Disease Awareness Think Violet design to represent Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness and unique cancer gifts. Wear or display "Think Violet" to spread awareness for Hodgkin's Disease	Think Violet Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Apparel Raise awareness for Hodgkin's Lymphoma with our "Think Violet" shirts, apparel, tees and gifts with small violet ribbon to symbolize awareness and support by Hope & Dreams Cancer Awareness Shop.

I Fight With An Attitude To Win Hodgkin's T-Shirts Hodgkin's Lymphoma t-shirts, apparel & gifts with the warrior slogan "I Fight With An Attitude to Win" to empower & inspire & to raise awareness & support for Hodgkin's Lymphoma aka Hodgkin's Disease.	Kicking Hodgkin's Ass PRICELESS T-Shirts & Gifts Kicking Hodgkin's Lymphoma's Ass PRICELESS t-shirts, apparel and gifts to let everyone know you did just that and to raise awareness and support for Hodgkin's Lymphoma aka Hodgkin's Disease	Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor T-Shirts & Gifts Grunge style Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor shirts, apparel & gifts with lime green ribbon to raise awareness & support for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Ideal for Lymphoma events, etc.
Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor T-Shirts & Gifts Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor T-Shirts, apparel & gifts to wear proudly and to raise awareness and support for Hodgkin's Lymphoma.	Mission Remission Hodgkin's Lymphoma T-Shirts Mission: Achieve Remission Hodgkin's Lymphoma t-shirts & gifts to raise awareness and support for Hodgkin's Lymphoma and to serve as a reminder to the Warrior's of their mission to achieve remission.	Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor Shirts & Apparel Grunge style Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor shirts, apparel & gifts with violet ribbon to raise awareness & support for Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor T-Shirts & Gifts Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor shirts, apparel & gifts with lime green ribbon & feminine white flower. Perfect to raise support and awareness for Hodgkin's Lymphoma, etc.	Fuck Hodgkin's Lymphoma T-Shirts & Gifts Fuck Hodgkin's Lymphoma shirts & apparel. Say what you mean. No puck, no duck, but FUCK Hodgkin's Lymphoma to show your defiance and raise awareness in a bold way for Hodgkin's Lymphoma.	Remission Rocks Hodgkin's Disease T-Shirts & Gift Remission Rocks Hodgkin's Lymphoma shirts, apparel and gifts in violet for the Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor to celebrate their remission and to raise awareness and support for this rare cancer.
You Don't Scare Me, I'm a Hodgkin's Survivor Wear these "You Don't Scare Me, I'm a Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor" T-shirts with pride and a sense of humor!	Hodgkin's Lymphoma Remission T-Shirts & Gifts I Made Club Remission with violet ribbon shirts and gifts to symbolize remission from Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Time to celebrate!	Hodgkin's Disease Chemo Graduate T-Shirts & Gifts I'm a Chemo Grad T-shirts with violet color symbolizing Hodgkin's Disease to wear when you graduate from chemo!
Remission Rocks Hodgkin's Disease T-Shirts & Gifts Grunge Style Remission Rocks Hodgkin's Lymphoma shirts, apparel & gifts in violet for the Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor to celebrate their remission	Chemo Graduation Day Hodgkin's Disease T-Shirts Chemo Graduation Day T-Shirts and unique gifts for Hodgkin's Disease Survivors celebrating their last day of chemo!	Hodgkin's Lymphoma Club Remission T-Shirts & Gi